We did have stantions but have been eliminating them bit by bit. We have the
stand with the rope - this makes them flexible to move if groups are larger
but at times they are always falling over. They are also at a height where
kids can run under.
Our historic house if filled with all original family furnishings and
complete with the finishes and floor coverings. We installed a runner
through the house (check with conservator as to appropriate materials) and
and ask visitiors to stay on the runner. It works well to orientatio
visitors through the tour. We also have guided tours so for security reasons
a staff person is always there. The guided, non-guided tour will have an
impact on the type of stantions you require. 
Our stantions were made of metal and just threaded with rope.
Persoanlly I do not like stantions as it takes away from the room settings.

I have seen plexiglas dividers in some sites - being clear you could easily
saee through, good at keeping people away from the artifacts.
Good luck - would be interested in hearing other examples.
Marilynn   


Marilynn Havelka
Chief Administrative Officer
Ruthven Park National Historic Site
Box 610, 243 Haldimand Hwy. #54
Cayuga, Ontario
N0A 1E0
t:(905) 772.0560
f:(905) 772.0561 
-----Original Message-----
From: Museum discussion list [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf
Of Lenora Henson
Sent: Thursday, April 16, 2009 11:49 AM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: [MUSEUM-L] Stanchions - historic house setting


Dear Colleagues -

We are grappling with the issue of barriers in the restored rooms of our
historic house museum.  Some staff members favor 2 ft tall stanchions as
less visually obtrusive, while others are concerned that such barriers are
merely a suggestion and will be ineffective.  Here are some of the questions
we have for those of you who have experience using stanchions in similar
settings:

- Overall, are you pleased with the stanchions?  What are the
advantages/drawbacks?
- Given the choice, would you continue to use stanchions, or find an
alternative?  If you'd prefer another option, please explain why.
- What would you consider to be the optimum height for stanchions?
- Does the size of the room in which stanchions are used impact their
effectiveness?
- How far apart are your stanchions (from each other)?
- Do you find that stanchions are more/less effective with particular
audiences? (eg, children vs adults)
- Are stanchions effective with large groups?  (Most visitors will be led
through the house by an interpreter in small groups, but we occasionally
have "open house"-type events which are less controlled.)
- Finally, can you recommend source for stanchions?

Any thoughts/comments will be greatly appreciated.  Please feel free to
e-mail me off-list.

Thanks,
Lenora Henson
Curator, Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural Site

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