WILMINGTON —As was the case with most public spaces, the Delaware Children’s Museum (DCM) made the decision to close its doors to the public in March of 2020 as COVID-19 cases continued to rise. The museum’s building has remained closed since, offering online programming and limited outdoor events for members and local families. After what will be a fifteen-plus month closure, the DCM has announced that it will reopen to the public on Friday, June 18, 2021. Safety of guests has always been paramount to the museum staff and board of directors. This prompted the closure and preventing any reopening that could be premature for the indoor, hands-on facility. Now, following state, local, and CDC guidelines, as well as school reopening progress, the DCM has decided the time is right to open its doors, allowing children to once again learn through play in the museum. Museum management will continue to follow and adapt to all CDC and state guidelines to ensure a safe environment for all. “We are thrilled to reopen DCM’s building and welcome families from all over the region back into our educational galleries to learn and play together”, DCM executive director Jen Bush said in a statement. “Top priorities at the DCM have always been providing exceptionally clean and safe exhibits, restrooms and experiences as well prioritizing the health and wellness of our community, staff, and guests.  We always say that you can never be too safe, too clean, or too fun at the DCM!  Looking forward to joy, smiles, laughter and young children returning to the DCM – all have been greatly missed!”  The DCM will continue to utilize strict safety and health protocols, including requiring masks for all employees and guests two years of age and older at all times. Frequent cleaning and sanitizing of all museum surfaces will be employed, and guests will be asked to maintain a distance of at least three feet from others outside their household whenever possible. A new, state-of-the-art air purifying filtration system, which significantly decreases the risk of airborne infection has also been installed. News of the museum’s reopening was met with great enthusiasm from various local and state elected officials, who understand what the DCM means to the community. “For over a decade The Delaware Children’s Museum has been critical component to the family-friendly atmosphere Delawareans have come to expect when they visit the Wilmington Riverfront, and I am thrilled to see them re-open their doors,” New Castle County Executive Matt Meyer said in a statement. “The DCM has enlightened, educated and entertained thousands of young and the young at heart, and their team is ready to do it all again today.” “I am so excited about the reopening of the DCM!”, Wilmington 4^th District Council Member Michelle Harlee said in a statement to press. “Children and families can once again enjoy fun, educational experiences by visiting this hands-on museum in the 4th District. Their facility and programs combine create a safe and nurturing environment for fresh and new positive experiences that help our children learn and grow.” Visit DelawareChildrensMuseum.org for more information.