General Information

Thank you for your interest in the Morton House Museum (MHM) as a site for your special event. This is a unique environment and one that you and your guests are sure to enjoy. Built in 1849, the Morton House was the family homestead of four generations of the Morton family. Now open as a museum, we are pleased to announce the availability of the Morton House Museum for a variety of events -meetings, programs or other special occasions for small groups. The following guidelines have been established to make sure your event runs smoothly and the exhibits and facilities are maintained appropriately. We are a functioning museum, and ask that you treat the house, its furnishings and its collections with care during your event. Any questions you may have about these guidelines are welcome. We intend to do our best in making our guests at the Morton House feel as treasured as they are.

Policies

1. MHM is available to individuals or organizations for special events on a limited basis for a special or programmed function, such as board meetings, company meetings and community club meetings. 2. The Museum will furnish a clean, useable site and should be left in the same condition in which it was found. Those using the facilities are liable for any damages or losses to Museum property. 3. Rental of the Museum will be restricted to business and social gatherings considered to be appropriate for the facilities and function of the Museum. Final approval for rental of the facilities, as well as any exceptions to these guidelines, may only be granted by the Museum's director.

Restrictions

Food and beverage are only permitted to be served in the main meeting room (The Parlor) located on the first floor of the house. No alcohol will be permitted. Smoking is not permitted inside the house or on the grounds. Music and entertainment plans are subject to the Museum's approval and must be cleared through the Museum staff. Because the Morton House is in a neighborhood setting, loud music is not allowed. No confetti, bird seed or rice is allowed to be thrown inside the house or on the walkways. Affixing tape, posters, signs, flowers or other decoration to the gazebo, fence, windows, walls of the facility with tacks, nails, tape, glue, or any other substance is strictly prohibited. Consideration for any type of display/decoration will be given only if prior arrangements have been made with the MHM. All decorations must be approved by the MHM in advance of every event. In the event that damage is done as a result of any unauthorized decorating or defacement of structures and/or surfaces, the cost of cleaning, repairs and/or replacement will be billed to Renter. All trash and garbage must be bagged and removed from the site at the conclusion of the event.

Fees

The amount of the rental fees is based on the number of hours that the house is used. Rentals will be at the rate of $25.00 per hour, with a minimum four hours. Setup time and cleanup time will be charged at the same rate. Use of the house beyond the time reserved will be charged at the rate of $50.00 per hour. All requests for use will be considered tentative until a contract has been signed and a deposit has been paid. Payment policies depend on the type and timing of the event, but a minimum $50.00 deposit and full payment must be received prior to the event. The Morton House is available for events for up to a maximum of 40 people. The Museum staff is available to help coordinate, offer tours of the property, and protect facilities and contents. Users of the house are responsible for equipment set up and break down, serving, and clean up. The staff will be able to meet with client and/or client's vendor regarding event details and be available to help coordinate. A staff member will be available during the event. Their role is to assist you as much as possible but they cannot be part of your kitchen or vendor staff or serve as a event director/coordinator. One staff person is provided for each rental.