Haymarket reopening museum, focusing on tourism

The Haymarket museum is reopening later this month under a public-private partnership between the town and Haymarket Coffee Company.

According to the town planner and zoning administrator, Emily Lockhart, the town had been looking for opportunities to reopen the museum in a more cost-effective manner.

Lockhart mentioned that the town considered multiple options including providing seasonal exhibits, opening the space as an art gallery for local artisans, and entering into a partnership with a local business.

The new partnership comes as the museum has been closed for more than a year because the town has been unable to hire someone to work there.

On Monday, Aug. 3, the town council approved the partnership with Haymarket Coffee Company and now the museum is set to reopen to the public.

“This rental allows the Town the opportunity to reopen our beloved Museum to the public every single weekend. Previously with staffing schedules and costs we were unable to open the Museum on a weekly basis,” Lockhart explained.

This new partnership will bring some changes to the museum’s look.

“Our vision is to provide a coffee counter inside the space, comfortable seating and history in all forms, from floor to ceiling. Visitors will be able to walk right in, see the Town’s history dating back to 1799 and enjoy a hot cup of coffee while they take it all in,” Lockhart said.

Visitors can expect to learn about the town’s creation and historic structures, as well as the burning of Haymarket, all with coffee in-hand.

According to Lockhart, the museum’s opening and new hours are currently tentative. The current plan is to reopen the museum on Aug. 22.

The museum will then be open Saturdays and Sundays from 6 a.m. to 1 p.m.

These changes come as Haymarket attempts to form itself into a tourist destination with an emphasis on local history.

At the end of summer or early fall, the town expects to break ground on its first hotel, according to Lockhart.

In addition, the town passed a budget earlier this year which included a transient occupancy tax, which is paid on temporary lodging at hotels, as well as a fund for tourist advertising.