Hello Everyone, In regards to school kids, I like to pick out the most rambunctious kid and ask for their help keeping an eye on the teachers/adults while they take their tour. It calms them down and gets them the attention they are often seeking. Cheers, Fielding Fielding S. Freed Director of Museums Historic Charleston Foundation www.historiccharleston.org <http://www.historiccharleston.org/> ________________________________ From: Museum discussion list [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Janice Armstrong Sent: Wednesday, June 18, 2008 11:15 AM To: [log in to unmask] Subject: Re: [MUSEUM-L] "do not touch" labels I recently had 450 5th graders come through our small house museum. I put on my white gloves and explained that the dirt and oil on their hands damages the artifacts so please don't touch. They were so respectful of things that I had to make a special point of telling them they could touch the handrail on the windy stairs on their way up! Janice Armstrong Fleming Castle Museum Flemington NJ www.flemingcastle.com ----- Original Message ----- From: Debra Loguda-Summers <mailto:[log in to unmask]> To: [log in to unmask] Sent: Wednesday, June 18, 2008 11:03 AM Subject: Re: [MUSEUM-L] "do not touch" labels We also found that the "do not touch" signs really didn't do any good. Also the velvet ropes don't see to keep "those people" out either :) We find that it is easier just to do a gentle reminder when people are walking around. Debra Loguda-Summers, Curator Still National Osteopathic Museum and National Center for Osteopathic History 800 West Jefferson Kirksville, MO 63501 Phone: 660 626 2359 Fax: 660 626 2984 Toll Free: 1 866 626 ATSU Ext. 2359 [log in to unmask] www.atsu.edu/museum The Mission of the Still National Osteopathic Museum is to collect, preserve, and make available artifacts and related materials to communicate the history and philosophy about the osteopathic principles of mind, body and spirit to a global audience. >>> "Jackson, Gregory" <[log in to unmask]> 6/18/2008 9:43 AM >>> I have found that, at best, "do not touch" signs are only a gentle reminder. Some people will touch regardless - they can't help themselves. The same people, I'm sure, that touch the paint to see if the "Wet Paint" sign is really telling the truth. If velvet ropes aren't an option for you (or something similar), a psychological boundary may help. Just position the objects so it is a little awkward for a guest to reach them. Many people will avoid touching if it is very obvious that they are doing so. Greg Pottsgrove Manor Historic Site ________________________________ From: Museum discussion list [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Heidi Campbell-Shoaf Sent: Wednesday, June 18, 2008 10:17 AM To: [log in to unmask] Subject: [MUSEUM-L] "do not touch" labels I just opened a new exhibit in which there are several pieces of furniture on display as well as glass, ceramics, artwork, etc. All of the small, fragile items are under vitrines but the furniture pieces are simply on risers. When reviewing the exhibit with our docents, they expressed concern that I did not have "do not touch" signs on the furniture. I've used these signs in the past but I am wondering about their effectiveness. I've observed both at my museum and at others, that some people will touch regardless of signage. I've also noticed that most larger museums I've visited do not have these signs at all. Our museum experience is guided tour only and the docents are trained to remind visitors not to touch items on exhibit. The new exhibition can be self-guided but the vast majority of the time there will be a docent in the room with the visitor. I'd like to hear about other's experience with "do not touch" signs and whether they work or just clutter up an exhibit and have little effectiveness. Heidi Campbell-Shoaf, Curator Museum of Frederick County History Historical Society of Frederick County 24 East Church Street Frederick, Md. 21701 www.hsfcinfo.org ========================================================= Important Subscriber Information: The Museum-L FAQ file is located at http://www.finalchapter.com/museum-l-faq/ . You may obtain detailed information about the listserv commands by sending a one line e-mail message to [log in to unmask] . 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