Museum Manners

Why are good Manners important? Museums are special places where people collect and display fragments of their past, their world, their dreams, and their perceptions of life. Museums represent their commitment to find out and remember who they are, where they have been, and the nature of their world. Museums provide context for their lives, and opportunities to clarify their values and future directions.

Vance Birthplace Museum The Vance birthplace is one of those very special places. It is a home for rare and priceless objects, photographs, memorabilia, and works of art. A visit to a museum should be fun and enjoyable for everyone. One of the ways to make sure this happens if to use appropriate manners.

Why are manners important? We ask visitors to be extra careful in order to protect the collection for others to experience many years to come. It is our job as citizens to protect the historical and cultural heritage of the State and country.

We ask you not to touch. It is acceptable to “touch” with your eyes, but not with your hands (this includes walls, labels, cases, and pedestals). Please be careful – museum collections are unique and irreplaceable.

Why we ask you not to touch. Natural oils on human hands can cause serious damage over time. Fingers placed on the surface of a picture can easily damage the paint layer or the canvas; a hand brushed against sculpture may leave a damaging trace or acidic perspiration.

What about just wiping the object off? The oil in your fingerprint attracts dirt. When you wipe off the fingerprint from the object, you are actually rubbing the dirt into it! The more the object is touched, the more dirt rubs into it. Eventually it can wear out. Unlike most of the objects we all live with, the objects in a museum like Vance Birthplace State Historic Site must be protected to last a very long time. Not touching them is a very important step in preserving them.

Tip for not Touching. Try Folding your arms, putting your hands in your pockets or placing them behind your backs is a good way to remind one’s self not to touch. 

Inside Voice Talk in quiet tones. Use inside voices in all areas of the Museum in order not to disturb other visitors. A museum visit can be very exciting; just remember to be courteous of other visitors. We would like everyone to enjoy their visit to the Museum.

Tips to get your point across Raise your hands. This goes a long way with a docent instead of yelling your idea. Remember the golden rule, “Do onto others as you would have them do unto you.

Treat the Docent with Respect Do not talk while the Docent is speaking. If you talk while the docent is speaking, other people won’t be able to hear. If you have a question during the tour raise your hand and the tour guide or teacher will be glad to answer it for you.  Please treat the docent as respectfully as your teacher or parent.

Tip Remember the golden rule. We want you to ask questions but in a respectable manner by raising your hand.

No Food or Drinks allowed No food, Drinks or gum are permitted in the Museum’s main house or out buildings. WHY? Food invites pests and pests eat museum collections items when there is no food left.

Food is Permitted Food is only permitted in the designated picnic area or outside the historic buildings and away from the collection. Please remember to keep the site clean by using proper trash recepticals during your visit.

Walk Don’t Run Stay with your group Teacher or chaperone. Walk Respectfully through the Museum, which includes outbuildings as well as the main house.