CANTON -- TAUNY’s North Country Folkstore in Canton will reopen to the public on Monday, June 8 as part of New York State’s Phase 2 Reopening Plan.

The Folkstore, located in The TAUNY Center, features locally made products by over 200 North Country artists and producers. The TAUNY Center and North Country Folkstore have been closed since March 16 in cooperation with state and federal guidelines for addressing the coronavirus pandemic.

The Folkstore will practice extra safety precautions as it reopens, including additional daily cleaning of public spaces, taped lines on the floor to help maintain social distancing, and a face mask requirement for all customers and staff. TAUNY’s staff will also return to work at this time.

While all in-person programs and events continue to be suspended, TAUNY invites all to join the organization’s virtual community on Facebook and Instagram (@thetaunycenter). In the coming weeks, TAUNY will be presenting a variety of online programs including tours of the St. Lawrence County Barn Quilts exhibit, programs featuring local artists, kitchen demonstrations, and more.

In-person group tours of the St. Lawrence County Barn Quilts exhibit will be possible when our area reaches Phase 4 of the reopening. TAUNY’s online Folkstore has also been updated with new products at tauny.org/shop.

TAUNY’s annual spring fundraiser, which was postponed during the closure, will kick off the week of June 8th. TAUNY seeks support as it returns after the shutdown and prepares for the promised full resumption of TAUNY Center activities and programs across the region. Those able to make a donation now to TAUNY’s spring fundraiser and to a relaunching fund may do so at tauny.org/support or by mailing a check to TAUNY, 53 Main St., Canton, NY 13617. TAUNY’s board and staff remain grateful for generous public support over 34 years.

As the reopening process continues, TAUNY staff will also be working on research and documentation projects, including a project inviting the community to share their pandemic era stories, experiences, and responses. If you wish to share anything about how you, your family, or your community have maintained your traditions, responded to their interruption, or developed new ones during this time, please contact TAUNY Director of Research and Programs Camilla Ammirati at camilla@tauny.org.