Museum Manners and Code of Conduct are rules intended to keep students and our artifacts safe and ensure a good experience for all visitors. Please make sure your chaperones and students are aware of and ready to follow them.

NOTE: Specific Museums and programs may have additional rules. Please check with Museum staff when booking.

1. Walk, don’t run.
Running can harm you and other visitors. Running can also cause damage to Museum artifacts. Take your time, there is a lot to see.

2. Do not touch.
Fingerprints and pen marks cause damage. Help us to protect our artifacts.

3. Do not climb on Museum artifacts.
This includes tractors, the train, buildings, and other large machines. You could fall and get hurt or hurt an artifact.

4. Talk quietly with one another about what you see.
Listen to the Museum volunteers, your teachers and your chaperones. Talk quietly with each other. Don’t shout or yell.

5. Do not open doors, cupboards, or drawers.
We know you are curious about what might be behind a door or drawer, but please realize that these spaces are also where artifacts or materials are kept for staff and volunteers. You wouldn’t want someone going into your bedroom and opening up your closet, rummaging through your dresser drawers, or playing with all your toys - so please do not do that inside our historic structures either. In some instances, there are signs or information on your tour handout that will invite you to explore hands-on at a specific self-guided station.

6. Students must be with an adult at all times.
Students – stay with your group.
Teachers – before arrival, divide your class into appropriate groups with an adult chaperone in charge of each group.
Chaperones – keep track of the students in your group.

7. Be on time.
Late arrivals may have guided tours or demonstrations cut short or even cancelled. If you know your group will be late, notify the Museum as soon as possible.

8. Shopping in the Museum gift shop is not a scheduled part of a school visit.
If you want your students to shop, please allow extra time. Chaperones must always be present.

9. Respect the Museum and the people around you.
The Museum reserves the right to ask groups or individuals who do not comply with our Museum Manners to leave.