Cameron Art Museum Launches Connections Alzheimer’s Tour Program

Cameron Art Museum is pleased to announce the launch of the Connections Program, which will offer tours designed especially for visitors who have been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia. The museum is able to provide this service to the community this year through a grant from the Cape Fear Memorial Foundation and the generous support of Mort and Judy Neblett.

Museums in New York and Boston have already implemented similar programs for Alzheimer’s visitors and the tours have proven to be both popular and successful. Cameron Art Museum tours will be led by specially trained docents who will offer these special visitors a supported experience with the art on view and an opportunity to share their response to that art.

The museum anticipates that tours will be most appropriate for Alzheimer’s early to mid stages; mild to early moderate, but not severe levels. The focus of this program will be on visitors who are able to appreciate and enjoy the experience in a small group within a supported environment. Our goal is to offer visitors a pleasant experience at the museum and an opportunity to enjoy the art at whatever level is appropriate for them.

These tours will be offered on the first and third Monday of each month at 11:00 am and 3:00 pm beginning Monday, September 17th. Each group will be limited to three visitors with their care giver(s) so the docent will be able to attend to each individual in a caring and thoughtful way.

In order to provide a quiet and structured environment and to limit any undue stress for Connections visitors, the museum is closed to the public on Mondays, so only the Connections visitors and their care givers will be present during these docent led tours. Tour groups will spend about thirty minutes in the galleries, but are encouraged to allow about one hour for the entire visit in order to allow time for adjustment to the museum environment and transitions from one area to another.

There is no charge for the tours during the first year of the program however, donations are welcome. Advance reservations are required at least two weeks in advance of the tour date, and may be secured by calling 910-395-5999 ext. 1019. Please reference “Connections tours” when calling.

Cameron Art Museum is located at the corner of South 17th Street and Independence Boulevard in Wilmington, NC. Hours of operation are Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday: 11:00 am- 5:00 pm, and Friday: 11:00 am – 9:00 pm. For more information, visit http://www.cameronartmuseum.com or call 910-395-5999.