By Glenn Rolfe

From restaurants, bars and movie theaters to barber shops and boutiques, few industries were immune to the global pandemic.

Museums even have felt the pinch.

The Delaware Aviation Museum based at the Sussex County-owned Delaware Coastal Airport in Georgetown has been basically grounded.

“The Aviation Museum could not hold tours and we’re pretty much dead in the water with the cancellation of air shows and Wings & Wheels,” said Linda Price.

In Georgetown, the historic Nutter Marvel Carriage Museum has been on extended pause, except for outdoor church services and several outdoor concerts that were held on the museum’s South Bedford Street grounds — with social distancing guidelines and facial coverings required.

Amid the uncertainty and in some cases fear of public gathering, postponement of weddings and in-person events have put a financial strain on the central Sussex museum’s income intake.

“It certainly, most definitely, has had an ill effect on us because that was our livelihood, mainly our only fundraising,” said Rosalie Walls, chairwoman of the Marvel Museum’s rentals. “We haven’t been able to have any fundraisers either. My weddings and bridal showers, baby showers … even some of the special groups that have monthly meetings, they have not been able to accomplish their meetings. We’re estimating we are down thousands of dollars.”

Ms. Walls shared an anecdote that illustrates the frustrating situation brought by the unknown of COVID-19.

“I had one person that had a bridal shower scheduled. I called them to be sure if they were still thinking about doing that and the mother of the bride said, ‘We gave up. She already went to Maryland and got married, so it’s too late for the bridal shower now.’

“I kind of felt bad about it,” Ms. Walls said. “But just like she said, you’ve got to do what you’ve got to do.”

In Dover, the Biggs Museum of American Art closed sporadically throughout the pandemic. The facility is open now by reservation only.

The Delaware Agricultural Museum and Village in Dover reopened in November by never allowing more than 20 visitors in their 38,000-square-foot facility. Furthermore, the museum does not allow groups larger than 10 persons in number to congregate in one area.

The Air Mobility Command Museum on the grounds of the Dover Air Force Base continues to operate under Phase 2 restrictions and is following both state and federal guidelines. The museum is currently only opened Thursday–Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The outside aircraft ramp is available with 25 historical military aviation aircraft.

No tours are being provided, aircraft is closed for touring and the inside museum is closed.

Social distancing is required and masks are also required when social distancing cannot be maintained.