The Museum's Community Room is available for use by nonprofit organizations that are dedicated to education and community service. Our Community Room regularly serves as a venue for community forums, seminars, events, and lectures that are open to the public and sponsored by nonprofit partners.
The following guidelines for nonprofit organizations are designed to make your event at the Montshire Museum enjoyable, while protecting the Museum's exhibits, building, and grounds.
Groups of twenty of more can reserve the Community Room on a first-come, first-served basis free of charge for up to three hours beginning at 5:30 p.m. The room capacity is 150. The Community room may be used only once every two months by the same organization, and may be booked no earlier than two months in advance. The building and front gate are locked at 9:00 p.m. unless alternative arrangements have been approved in advance. If an event extends beyond 8:30 p.m., a fee of $115/hour will be charged.
Use of Space. Groups are responsible for the set-up and clean up of the Community Room, and for returning the facility to its found condition. This includes cleaning the kitchen, removing all food and belongings, and putting all furniture away immediately after the event. Decorations may not be nailed, screwed, or taped to walls, ceilings or any painted surface. Exhibits may not be moved.
Food Service. For food service at the event, a caterer familiar with the Montshire's food service guidelines and approved by the Museum must be used. A kitchen adjacent to the Community Room is available for use by the caterer for prepared food assembly and service. We do not permit cooking on site or potluck meals.
Museum Equipment. Groups may use the Museum's chairs (120), tables (eight 4' round, four 5' round, & ten 8' x 30"), and the dropdown projection screen. Groups must furnish their own electronic equipment, including a projector and speakers.
Alcohol Service. Alcohol may be served only by a Vermont-licensed caterer in accordance with Vermont law.
Smoking and Lit Candles. Smoking, lit candles, or open flames are not allowed.
Fund-raising. Fundraising of any kind is not allowed on Museum premises. This includes, but is not limited to: charging admission, holding raffles, selling food, and soliciting donations.
Insurance / Liability. The Montshire does not provide insurance coverage or assume responsibility for the actions of any entity renting the facilities. Liability and/or property damage arising from the group's actions is the responsibility of the individual or group renting the space.
The Director, or his designee, has authority to decline or cancel any event that adversely affects the Montshire's neutral stance on political, social, environmental or economic issues.
