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A Museum Devoted to Survivors Now Faces Its Own Fight to Live A Museum Devoted to Survivors Now Faces Its Own Fight to Live
(about 4 hours later)
The Tenement Museum, on Manhattan’s Lower East Side, has always seemed fragile, with its creaky floors and cramped rooms in which striving immigrants once made their homes. Now it seems downright breakable.The Tenement Museum, on Manhattan’s Lower East Side, has always seemed fragile, with its creaky floors and cramped rooms in which striving immigrants once made their homes. Now it seems downright breakable.
The coronavirus pandemic has shuttered cultural institutions all over the world, withering their staffs and canceling long-planned initiatives.The coronavirus pandemic has shuttered cultural institutions all over the world, withering their staffs and canceling long-planned initiatives.
But the prospects are particularly dire for small institutions like the Tenement Museum, whose very survival is suddenly uncertain. They do not have large endowments or deep-pocketed donors, and have long depended on admission fees to keep the lights on.But the prospects are particularly dire for small institutions like the Tenement Museum, whose very survival is suddenly uncertain. They do not have large endowments or deep-pocketed donors, and have long depended on admission fees to keep the lights on.
“This crisis is hitting cultural organizations harder than any in recent memory,” said Eli Dvorkin, the editorial and policy director of the Center for an Urban Future, a public policy think tank, which this month published the report “Art in the Time of Coronavirus: NYC’s Small Arts Organizations Fighting for Survival.”“This crisis is hitting cultural organizations harder than any in recent memory,” said Eli Dvorkin, the editorial and policy director of the Center for an Urban Future, a public policy think tank, which this month published the report “Art in the Time of Coronavirus: NYC’s Small Arts Organizations Fighting for Survival.”
“Without more support for rent, payroll, utilities, insurance and other costs,” Mr. Dvorkin added, “it’s likely that many will be unable to reopen even once the worst is over.”“Without more support for rent, payroll, utilities, insurance and other costs,” Mr. Dvorkin added, “it’s likely that many will be unable to reopen even once the worst is over.”
The report cited the Tenement Museum as among the hardest hit. Experts said its loss would be significant because, while many museums chronicle the history of the rich — their mansions, art collections and aesthetic tastes — few depict the history of the poor, and the cultural life of everyday Americans.The report cited the Tenement Museum as among the hardest hit. Experts said its loss would be significant because, while many museums chronicle the history of the rich — their mansions, art collections and aesthetic tastes — few depict the history of the poor, and the cultural life of everyday Americans.
“The Tenement Museum has so magnificently reconstructed that,” said Tyler Anbinder, a history professor at George Washington University who specializes in immigration, “right down to the soap boxes and the scouring pads that immigrants used. If an institution like that were to go under, it would be a real tragedy.”“The Tenement Museum has so magnificently reconstructed that,” said Tyler Anbinder, a history professor at George Washington University who specializes in immigration, “right down to the soap boxes and the scouring pads that immigrants used. If an institution like that were to go under, it would be a real tragedy.”
Other museums around the country are losing at least $33 million a day because of coronavirus closures, according to the American Alliance of Museums.Other museums around the country are losing at least $33 million a day because of coronavirus closures, according to the American Alliance of Museums.
Founded in 1988 in two once-dilapidated buildings, the museum offers tours of the restored tenement rooms as well as a permanent collection of artifacts, including document fragments, photographs and furniture.Founded in 1988 in two once-dilapidated buildings, the museum offers tours of the restored tenement rooms as well as a permanent collection of artifacts, including document fragments, photographs and furniture.
See the table set for Shabbat dinner — complete with challah and candlesticks — in the 325-square-foot home once inhabited by the Rogarshevskys, a garment-working family with six children.See the table set for Shabbat dinner — complete with challah and candlesticks — in the 325-square-foot home once inhabited by the Rogarshevskys, a garment-working family with six children.
Learn the traditions of Bridget and Joseph Moore, Irish immigrants who resided in the building in 1869 and lost four of their eight children to poverty and disease.Learn the traditions of Bridget and Joseph Moore, Irish immigrants who resided in the building in 1869 and lost four of their eight children to poverty and disease.
Though the Tenement Museum has a relatively modest budget of $11.5 million, more than 75 percent of its revenue comes from admissions and gift shop sales.Though the Tenement Museum has a relatively modest budget of $11.5 million, more than 75 percent of its revenue comes from admissions and gift shop sales.
Its endowment — $2.7 million — is too small to generate significant operating income, so the museum has not been drawing from it.Its endowment — $2.7 million — is too small to generate significant operating income, so the museum has not been drawing from it.
(The Association of Art Museum Directors, noting the fiscal straits of many institutions, just announced it would not censure museums that “use restricted endowment funds, trusts, or donations for general operating expenses.”)(The Association of Art Museum Directors, noting the fiscal straits of many institutions, just announced it would not censure museums that “use restricted endowment funds, trusts, or donations for general operating expenses.”)
The museum also owes $9.5 million in mortgage loans on its buildings, which costs the museum $50,000 a month.The museum also owes $9.5 million in mortgage loans on its buildings, which costs the museum $50,000 a month.
So the Tenement Museum has pared down, laying off 13 employees and furloughing about 70 part-time staffers and 30 full-time staff — reducing its operating costs by 70 percent.So the Tenement Museum has pared down, laying off 13 employees and furloughing about 70 part-time staffers and 30 full-time staff — reducing its operating costs by 70 percent.
“We don’t want to run with debt,” said Morris J. Vogel, the museum’s president. “We don’t want to incur debt now.”“We don’t want to run with debt,” said Morris J. Vogel, the museum’s president. “We don’t want to incur debt now.”
The monthly payroll for part-time and full-time employees has been slashed to just under $100,000 from about $700,000. “If absolutely necessary, we could cut that down,” Mr. Vogel said. “One way or the other, we will get through this.”The monthly payroll for part-time and full-time employees has been slashed to just under $100,000 from about $700,000. “If absolutely necessary, we could cut that down,” Mr. Vogel said. “One way or the other, we will get through this.”
The museum has also, quite simply, gone begging. Whereas cultural organizations typically cultivate donors through a lengthy courtship, the coronavirus has forced a more brazen and urgent form of fund-raising.The museum has also, quite simply, gone begging. Whereas cultural organizations typically cultivate donors through a lengthy courtship, the coronavirus has forced a more brazen and urgent form of fund-raising.
“Help the Tenement Museum Survive,” implores the museum on its website (where it has raised $88,115 from 798 small donors and $170,000 from several major donors) and on its Facebook page ($20,229 from 518 donors). “These are extraordinary times,” the pitch continues. “The Tenement Museum is an extraordinary place. The Museum faces an extraordinary crisis.”“Help the Tenement Museum Survive,” implores the museum on its website (where it has raised $88,115 from 798 small donors and $170,000 from several major donors) and on its Facebook page ($20,229 from 518 donors). “These are extraordinary times,” the pitch continues. “The Tenement Museum is an extraordinary place. The Museum faces an extraordinary crisis.”
While the museum has canceled its annual gala on April 23, it has asked supporters to contribute anyway, buying virtual tickets and tables. The gala typically nets about $700,000 — 25 percent of the institution’s $2.85 million annual fund-raising goal.While the museum has canceled its annual gala on April 23, it has asked supporters to contribute anyway, buying virtual tickets and tables. The gala typically nets about $700,000 — 25 percent of the institution’s $2.85 million annual fund-raising goal.
Updated June 22, 2020 Updated June 24, 2020
Scientists around the country have tried to identify everyday materials that do a good job of filtering microscopic particles. In recent tests, HEPA furnace filters scored high, as did vacuum cleaner bags, fabric similar to flannel pajamas and those of 600-count pillowcases. Other materials tested included layered coffee filters and scarves and bandannas. These scored lower, but still captured a small percentage of particles.
A commentary published this month on the website of the British Journal of Sports Medicine points out that covering your face during exercise “comes with issues of potential breathing restriction and discomfort” and requires “balancing benefits versus possible adverse events.” Masks do alter exercise, says Cedric X. Bryant, the president and chief science officer of the American Council on Exercise, a nonprofit organization that funds exercise research and certifies fitness professionals. “In my personal experience,” he says, “heart rates are higher at the same relative intensity when you wear a mask.” Some people also could experience lightheadedness during familiar workouts while masked, says Len Kravitz, a professor of exercise science at the University of New Mexico.A commentary published this month on the website of the British Journal of Sports Medicine points out that covering your face during exercise “comes with issues of potential breathing restriction and discomfort” and requires “balancing benefits versus possible adverse events.” Masks do alter exercise, says Cedric X. Bryant, the president and chief science officer of the American Council on Exercise, a nonprofit organization that funds exercise research and certifies fitness professionals. “In my personal experience,” he says, “heart rates are higher at the same relative intensity when you wear a mask.” Some people also could experience lightheadedness during familiar workouts while masked, says Len Kravitz, a professor of exercise science at the University of New Mexico.
The steroid, dexamethasone, is the first treatment shown to reduce mortality in severely ill patients, according to scientists in Britain. The drug appears to reduce inflammation caused by the immune system, protecting the tissues. In the study, dexamethasone reduced deaths of patients on ventilators by one-third, and deaths of patients on oxygen by one-fifth.The steroid, dexamethasone, is the first treatment shown to reduce mortality in severely ill patients, according to scientists in Britain. The drug appears to reduce inflammation caused by the immune system, protecting the tissues. In the study, dexamethasone reduced deaths of patients on ventilators by one-third, and deaths of patients on oxygen by one-fifth.
The coronavirus emergency relief package gives many American workers paid leave if they need to take time off because of the virus. It gives qualified workers two weeks of paid sick leave if they are ill, quarantined or seeking diagnosis or preventive care for coronavirus, or if they are caring for sick family members. It gives 12 weeks of paid leave to people caring for children whose schools are closed or whose child care provider is unavailable because of the coronavirus. It is the first time the United States has had widespread federally mandated paid leave, and includes people who don’t typically get such benefits, like part-time and gig economy workers. But the measure excludes at least half of private-sector workers, including those at the country’s largest employers, and gives small employers significant leeway to deny leave.The coronavirus emergency relief package gives many American workers paid leave if they need to take time off because of the virus. It gives qualified workers two weeks of paid sick leave if they are ill, quarantined or seeking diagnosis or preventive care for coronavirus, or if they are caring for sick family members. It gives 12 weeks of paid leave to people caring for children whose schools are closed or whose child care provider is unavailable because of the coronavirus. It is the first time the United States has had widespread federally mandated paid leave, and includes people who don’t typically get such benefits, like part-time and gig economy workers. But the measure excludes at least half of private-sector workers, including those at the country’s largest employers, and gives small employers significant leeway to deny leave.
So far, the evidence seems to show it does. A widely cited paper published in April suggests that people are most infectious about two days before the onset of coronavirus symptoms and estimated that 44 percent of new infections were a result of transmission from people who were not yet showing symptoms. Recently, a top expert at the World Health Organization stated that transmission of the coronavirus by people who did not have symptoms was “very rare,” but she later walked back that statement.So far, the evidence seems to show it does. A widely cited paper published in April suggests that people are most infectious about two days before the onset of coronavirus symptoms and estimated that 44 percent of new infections were a result of transmission from people who were not yet showing symptoms. Recently, a top expert at the World Health Organization stated that transmission of the coronavirus by people who did not have symptoms was “very rare,” but she later walked back that statement.
Touching contaminated objects and then infecting ourselves with the germs is not typically how the virus spreads. But it can happen. A number of studies of flu, rhinovirus, coronavirus and other microbes have shown that respiratory illnesses, including the new coronavirus, can spread by touching contaminated surfaces, particularly in places like day care centers, offices and hospitals. But a long chain of events has to happen for the disease to spread that way. The best way to protect yourself from coronavirus — whether it’s surface transmission or close human contact — is still social distancing, washing your hands, not touching your face and wearing masks.Touching contaminated objects and then infecting ourselves with the germs is not typically how the virus spreads. But it can happen. A number of studies of flu, rhinovirus, coronavirus and other microbes have shown that respiratory illnesses, including the new coronavirus, can spread by touching contaminated surfaces, particularly in places like day care centers, offices and hospitals. But a long chain of events has to happen for the disease to spread that way. The best way to protect yourself from coronavirus — whether it’s surface transmission or close human contact — is still social distancing, washing your hands, not touching your face and wearing masks.
A study by European scientists is the first to document a strong statistical link between genetic variations and Covid-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus. Having Type A blood was linked to a 50 percent increase in the likelihood that a patient would need to get oxygen or to go on a ventilator, according to the new study.A study by European scientists is the first to document a strong statistical link between genetic variations and Covid-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus. Having Type A blood was linked to a 50 percent increase in the likelihood that a patient would need to get oxygen or to go on a ventilator, according to the new study.
The unemployment rate fell to 13.3 percent in May, the Labor Department said on June 5, an unexpected improvement in the nation’s job market as hiring rebounded faster than economists expected. Economists had forecast the unemployment rate to increase to as much as 20 percent, after it hit 14.7 percent in April, which was the highest since the government began keeping official statistics after World War II. But the unemployment rate dipped instead, with employers adding 2.5 million jobs, after more than 20 million jobs were lost in April.The unemployment rate fell to 13.3 percent in May, the Labor Department said on June 5, an unexpected improvement in the nation’s job market as hiring rebounded faster than economists expected. Economists had forecast the unemployment rate to increase to as much as 20 percent, after it hit 14.7 percent in April, which was the highest since the government began keeping official statistics after World War II. But the unemployment rate dipped instead, with employers adding 2.5 million jobs, after more than 20 million jobs were lost in April.
States are reopening bit by bit. This means that more public spaces are available for use and more and more businesses are being allowed to open again. The federal government is largely leaving the decision up to states, and some state leaders are leaving the decision up to local authorities. Even if you aren’t being told to stay at home, it’s still a good idea to limit trips outside and your interaction with other people.
Common symptoms include fever, a dry cough, fatigue and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Some of these symptoms overlap with those of the flu, making detection difficult, but runny noses and stuffy sinuses are less common. The C.D.C. has also added chills, muscle pain, sore throat, headache and a new loss of the sense of taste or smell as symptoms to look out for. Most people fall ill five to seven days after exposure, but symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days.Common symptoms include fever, a dry cough, fatigue and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Some of these symptoms overlap with those of the flu, making detection difficult, but runny noses and stuffy sinuses are less common. The C.D.C. has also added chills, muscle pain, sore throat, headache and a new loss of the sense of taste or smell as symptoms to look out for. Most people fall ill five to seven days after exposure, but symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days.
If air travel is unavoidable, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself. Most important: Wash your hands often, and stop touching your face. If possible, choose a window seat. A study from Emory University found that during flu season, the safest place to sit on a plane is by a window, as people sitting in window seats had less contact with potentially sick people. Disinfect hard surfaces. When you get to your seat and your hands are clean, use disinfecting wipes to clean the hard surfaces at your seat like the head and arm rest, the seatbelt buckle, the remote, screen, seat back pocket and the tray table. If the seat is hard and nonporous or leather or pleather, you can wipe that down, too. (Using wipes on upholstered seats could lead to a wet seat and spreading of germs rather than killing them.)If air travel is unavoidable, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself. Most important: Wash your hands often, and stop touching your face. If possible, choose a window seat. A study from Emory University found that during flu season, the safest place to sit on a plane is by a window, as people sitting in window seats had less contact with potentially sick people. Disinfect hard surfaces. When you get to your seat and your hands are clean, use disinfecting wipes to clean the hard surfaces at your seat like the head and arm rest, the seatbelt buckle, the remote, screen, seat back pocket and the tray table. If the seat is hard and nonporous or leather or pleather, you can wipe that down, too. (Using wipes on upholstered seats could lead to a wet seat and spreading of germs rather than killing them.)
If you’ve been exposed to the coronavirus or think you have, and have a fever or symptoms like a cough or difficulty breathing, call a doctor. They should give you advice on whether you should be tested, how to get tested, and how to seek medical treatment without potentially infecting or exposing others.If you’ve been exposed to the coronavirus or think you have, and have a fever or symptoms like a cough or difficulty breathing, call a doctor. They should give you advice on whether you should be tested, how to get tested, and how to seek medical treatment without potentially infecting or exposing others.
If you’re sick and you think you’ve been exposed to the new coronavirus, the C.D.C. recommends that you call your healthcare provider and explain your symptoms and fears. They will decide if you need to be tested. Keep in mind that there’s a chance — because of a lack of testing kits or because you’re asymptomatic, for instance — you won’t be able to get tested.
The museum has also received a $250,000 emergency grant from the New York Community Trust’s $75 million Covid-19 Response & Impact Fund (underwritten by foundations like Bloomberg, Carnegie and Ford) and applied for a CARES Act loan from the U.S. Small Business Administration.The museum has also received a $250,000 emergency grant from the New York Community Trust’s $75 million Covid-19 Response & Impact Fund (underwritten by foundations like Bloomberg, Carnegie and Ford) and applied for a CARES Act loan from the U.S. Small Business Administration.
And Mr. Vogel has turned to the museum’s friends, such as Stuart Gelwarg and Karen Lipkind, who live in the neighborhood and have taken about 20 tours at the museum over the last year. The couple said they were happy to make a donation of several thousand dollars (preferring not to disclose the exact amount). “We’re hooked on this museum,” Mr. Gelwarg said. “It’s a time machine.”And Mr. Vogel has turned to the museum’s friends, such as Stuart Gelwarg and Karen Lipkind, who live in the neighborhood and have taken about 20 tours at the museum over the last year. The couple said they were happy to make a donation of several thousand dollars (preferring not to disclose the exact amount). “We’re hooked on this museum,” Mr. Gelwarg said. “It’s a time machine.”
The Zegar Family Foundation has donated a $250,000 challenge grant to encourage gifts to the gala. (Merryl Snow Zegar is a chairwoman of the board.)The Zegar Family Foundation has donated a $250,000 challenge grant to encourage gifts to the gala. (Merryl Snow Zegar is a chairwoman of the board.)
It isn’t easy to ask, Mr. Vogel said, but he has no choice. “We’re not earning anything for four months,” Mr. Vogel said. “Any institution has to wonder what it’s going to look like on the other side.”It isn’t easy to ask, Mr. Vogel said, but he has no choice. “We’re not earning anything for four months,” Mr. Vogel said. “Any institution has to wonder what it’s going to look like on the other side.”
Meanwhile, the Tenement Museum is trying to keep the trains running, including maintenance of its two Orchard Street properties, one of which still has a few tenants. “The last thing we’re going to do is leave those buildings to the elements,” Mr. Vogel said.Meanwhile, the Tenement Museum is trying to keep the trains running, including maintenance of its two Orchard Street properties, one of which still has a few tenants. “The last thing we’re going to do is leave those buildings to the elements,” Mr. Vogel said.
Though Mr. Vogel, 74, is in a high-risk category for the virus, he still goes into the museum once every other week to sign checks. Having served as president from 2008 to 2017, he came out of retirement last fall to serve on an interim basis, while the museum searches for someone permanent.Though Mr. Vogel, 74, is in a high-risk category for the virus, he still goes into the museum once every other week to sign checks. Having served as president from 2008 to 2017, he came out of retirement last fall to serve on an interim basis, while the museum searches for someone permanent.
Even as he cuts costs, Mr. Vogel is focused on beefing up the museum’s online programming, with a digital exhibit on the census, for example. It offered a live craft-making program for children “inspired by the resourcefulness of former tenement residents.” And on Wednesday it will present “A Nickel for a Pickle“ on YouTube, “a journey into the history of pickles on the Lower East Side,” including “a short demo of how to make your own cucumber pickles at home!”Even as he cuts costs, Mr. Vogel is focused on beefing up the museum’s online programming, with a digital exhibit on the census, for example. It offered a live craft-making program for children “inspired by the resourcefulness of former tenement residents.” And on Wednesday it will present “A Nickel for a Pickle“ on YouTube, “a journey into the history of pickles on the Lower East Side,” including “a short demo of how to make your own cucumber pickles at home!”
With schools closed, the museum has also been pushing out educational materials to thousands of teachers, drawing on the expertise developed for tours like “Life and Death at the Tenement,” developed in 2018, which explores past epidemics like cholera, yellow fever, tuberculosis and AIDS.With schools closed, the museum has also been pushing out educational materials to thousands of teachers, drawing on the expertise developed for tours like “Life and Death at the Tenement,” developed in 2018, which explores past epidemics like cholera, yellow fever, tuberculosis and AIDS.
Mr. Vogel happens to be familiar with pandemics; he spent most of his career as a historian of medicine and is particularly attuned to how viruses are sometimes attributed to “outsiders.” The Federalists in 1793 blamed Philadelphia’s yellow fever on French-speaking refugees fleeing a slave revolt in Santo Domingo, he said. In 1892, Jews were held responsible for bringing typhus and cholera to New York.Mr. Vogel happens to be familiar with pandemics; he spent most of his career as a historian of medicine and is particularly attuned to how viruses are sometimes attributed to “outsiders.” The Federalists in 1793 blamed Philadelphia’s yellow fever on French-speaking refugees fleeing a slave revolt in Santo Domingo, he said. In 1892, Jews were held responsible for bringing typhus and cholera to New York.
“Immigrants were seen as disease carriers,” he said.“Immigrants were seen as disease carriers,” he said.
In this period of adversity, Mr. Vogel said, he is strengthened by a bedrock faith in the institution’s mandate. “A lot of what makes us strong as a people came from the strength immigrants found in themselves,” he said. “It’s important to focus on that.In this period of adversity, Mr. Vogel said, he is strengthened by a bedrock faith in the institution’s mandate. “A lot of what makes us strong as a people came from the strength immigrants found in themselves,” he said. “It’s important to focus on that.
“I have absolute conviction that what we’re doing is essential,” he continued. “We may have to do it online, we may have to rely on philanthropy instead of earned revenue, we may have to do it with a smaller staff. But we’re going to do it.”“I have absolute conviction that what we’re doing is essential,” he continued. “We may have to do it online, we may have to rely on philanthropy instead of earned revenue, we may have to do it with a smaller staff. But we’re going to do it.”