Ms. Nuske,

In New York at the Metropolitan Museum there a re dozens of period rooms
with no guards to speak of. They use a combination of guard rails in
variable shapes which allow patrons "into" the room but restrict access
to artifacts. The lightweight rails are further lined with plexiglass or
plastic to keep the little ones form going under the rails.  Of course
this method could cost as much or more than the budget cuts of
personnel!
Another possible solution is to use as many Docents as you can get,
which is what they do at the Shelburne museum in Vermont. Each historic
room has its own guide. Good luck.
J.H. Chin
Collections care/conservator in private practice