Welcome to the State Historical Museum of Iowa! Museums are unique public spaces, like libraries and classrooms. In order to keep your group and our objects safe, please review the following museum manners with your group prior to your visit to the museum.
What are Museum Manners?
Museum manners are helpful ways to ensure students have a wonderful (and safe) time at the State Historical Museum of Iowa. Much like how classrooms have rules, please be respectful and follow the museum manners while visiting the museum.
Students
- Remain Engaged
Be engaged and active during your visit. Use the Museum Exhibit Guides to ask questions and take your time while exploring. - Stay With Your Group
Students must stay within eyesight of a teacher or chaperone during their entire visit. - Inside Voices
Speak softly, like you are in a library, and respect other students and visitors by being quiet. - Walk, Don't Run
For your safety, please do not run through the exhibits or jump on the staircase or the elevator. - No Flash
Phones must be silenced in the exhibits and not used except when to take an occasional photo. - Take Your Time
No need to rush through the exhibits. Your group will have plenty of time to explore. Take your time to view the objects and read the labels. - Hands to Your Self
For the safety of historic objects, do not touch any objects or cross any barriers while in the museum. - No Food or Bags
Food, drink and large bags are not permitted in the exhibits. Please leave them at the Information Desk.
Teachers & Chaperones
- Take Charge
Teachers and chaperones are responsible for maintaining discipline and overseeing students. - Be a Role Model
Set a good example for students while visiting the museum by following and enforcing the museum manners. - Safety First
Please assist with safety by helping students on staircases and elevators, and guide all students to follow safety procedures during their visit. - Keep Count
To ensure your group remains together, please count and recount your students during your visit. Count as you leave the building to make sure no one is left behind. - Supervise
Students must remain in chaperoned groups before, during and after the visit. Students are not allowed to explore the museum without adult supervision. Students must always be within eyesight of their adult chaperone while in the exhibits. - Connect and Encourage
Encourage students' participation in learning and foster conversations about history by using the provided guides within the exhibits. Take your time exploring the museum and advise students not to rush through the spaces. - Remain Engaged
Be an engaged and active participant during your visit. Using the provided exhibit guides, ask students open-ended questions and engage with conversations. Demonstrate a curiosity to learn alongside the students.
Failure to follow museum manners and rules may result in your group being removed from the exhibits.