Please Do Not Touch the Statues!

--- MESSAGE:
From: Erin Blake

Thanks Caitlin and Georgianna,

The guard was correct: no one should touch the sculptures, but I think making a one-time exception to the no-touching rule for the blind woman was appropriate, and I'm sure Helen was careful to direct the visitor away from the most fragile areas of the sculptures, where the marble is sugaring.

I do want to make sure a misconception from long-ago docent training is corrected: the bas reliefs were put low so they could be *seen* not touched. The marble used for the sculptures is extremely fragile, even though it's stone. When traces of oils and acids from people's hands are deposited on the stone, they attract microbial growth and speed up the chemical reactions that are eating away at the marble. The marble of the building itself isn't so vulnerable because it was cut and polished by machine. The marble of the bas reliefs, on the other hand, is sugaring very badly in places, and is part of an ongoing conservation project.

Thanks,

EB.

----- ORIGINAL MESSAGE
From: Helen Urquhart

Dear Caitlin,

On Friday I did the 3PM tour. The group included a blind woman. I took the tour outside and proceeded past the bas reliefs. I casually asked the woman if she would like to touch them, i.e. see them the only way she could, with her hands. She did do that and was very pleased about it.
Yes, one guard did object but relented when he saw the situation.
When I went through training, I was told that the reliefs were put there so that blind visitors and children could see them.

Helen U.

Inclement Weather Policy at the Folger

Hello, Docents!

In the wake of this weekend's "snowpocalypse," I'm re-sending our Inclement Weather Policy. Please make your safety a priority in the event of bad weather conditions!

This is a reminder that we follow the federal government's lead for inclement weather. If the federal government announces a liberal leave policy for its employees, it means that Folger staff, with the exception of essential personnel, may use hours of personal or annual leave if conditions are sufficiently hazardous to make traveling to the Folger unsafe. Liberal leave also covers the need for late arrival or early departure. In all cases, your supervisor must be notified by voicemail or e-mail if there is a change in your regular arrival or departure time.

Our standard inclement weather policy is below. Please listen to the news for any delays or closings, check www.opm.gov/status or call 202-606-1900, the federal government phone number to call for its operating status.

In the event of emergency conditions due to inclement weather, snow removal guidelines are in effect for Security and Facility Staff. These staff members are considered "essential" personnel and must make every effort to report to work and to be prepared to remain at work if needed. Your supervisors will inform you of specific schedules, work assignments and other work details as required.

If the Federal Government announces a policy of "Liberal Leave" as is often the case when inclement weather strikes, employees are expected to make a good faith effort to come in to work. All staff are expected to use good, sound judgment, keeping in mind the risks of travel during snow or ice conditions. With the new calendar year, everyone will again have 21 hours of excused (personal or Y) leave to use as needed. With approval from your supervisors, this leave may be used if you are a late arrival or an early dismissal. Supervisors are encouraged to consider individual circumstances when employees workday schedule is changed by the weather.

If the Federal Government announces "Code II or "Late Arrival," Folger employees are expected to make a good effort to arrive on time, but if conditions inhibit timely arrival, supervisors have discretionary authority to disregard late arrival if individual circumstances warrant.

If the Federal Government is closed for snow or ice conditions, the Folger will also be closed. If you have additional questions, please call the main line at 202-544-4600 before calling the guard line at 202-675-0309 to verify the status of the Folger.

What all this means is this. Do not attempt to come to the Folger if weather or driving conditions are unsafe. Some regions of the Metropolitan area are more prone to icy or snowy conditions than others, so use sound judgment. Follow the safe and prudent choice rather than a risky one. Make your commute to and from the Folger a safe one.