Hello, all--I would really appreciate it if you could weigh in about the issue
of holding receptions with food and drink in historic house museums.  If you
allow this, how do you handle it?  Do you restrict it just to one room?  How do
you maneuver around fully furnished rooms?  Do you have space dedicated to
entertaining?  Have there been situations where the house or furnishings have
been comprimised as a result?

If you do not allow receptions inside the house, please tell me why: have you
got an alternative venue where you can entertain donors or members?

My personal position is that this a can of worms I don't want to open, but I
have been asked to solicit the policies of other historic house museums. At
this point, we do allow weddings and other receptions on the grounds, under a
tent (heated if need be).

I really look forward to your responses--thank you in advance for your
assistance.

All best,

Christian Carr
Acting Director, Sweet Briar Museum
Assistant Professor, Arts Management
Sweet Briar College
Sweet Briar, VA 24595
434.381.6246-phone
434.381.6132-fax

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