ABSTRACT
This chapter consists of three sections. The first explores adaptations made to the spaces of the sties themselves, such as one-way tours, or the removal of furniture and content to facilitate social distancing. The discussion considers whether such changes were felt to have impacted the authenticity of these unique sites. The second section explores emergency reinterpretation. Since most of the sites were interpreted either through guides, room stewards, or handheld devices (all of which were banned during the pandemic), it was often necessary to reinterpret the entire site, often at extremely short notice, using unfamiliar approaches or media. Different experiences of this are discussed. The final section discusses the psychological impact of the pandemic on staff and volunteers and the considerable impact of stress and burnout. It finds that the literary nature of these sites was sometimes able to provide a source of solace and served some as a well-being resource.
