Unfortunately, we have a relatively small space (our capacity maxes out around 80 people) and a lot of our bookings are private individuals so I'm not sure that liability insurance is feasible.

The events themselves are NOT supposed to be near the restored parts of the house unless they specifically request (and pay for staffing) for it. However, as we are unable to lock off the restored parts of the house, damage to the collection is not outside the realm of possibility either. Realistically, most damage would probably be to non-historic furnishings, carpeting or walls. 

Amy 


From: topladave . <[log in to unmask]>
To: [log in to unmask]
Sent: Monday, February 20, 2017 2:13 PM
Subject: Re: [MUSEUM-L] Historic House Museum - Special event policies and security deposits

Yes. For some larger events consider requiring liability insurance. Also, if events are going to be in any proximity to collections then require that they pay the cost of having your staff monitor the event.

Cheers!
Dave

David Harvey
Senior Conservator & Museum Consultant
Los Angeles CA. USA

On Feb 20, 2017 10:54 AM, "Amy Sanderson" <[log in to unmask]> wrote:
The historic house museum had a (thankfully minor) incident at one of our private bookings where the museum's policies were not followed. However, it has awoken the powers that be to the fact that we should probably be requiring a security deposit to be used both for any potential damage or for not following our usage policies (even if no damage occurred).

I was asked to find out from other museums (preferably historic house museums, but really any museum will work):

1. Do you require a security deposit for private events? If so, how much? How did you arrive at this figure?

2. Can you share your policies that outline under what circumstances a security deposit would be kept?

3. Have you ever had to keep a security deposit? If so, what procedures were followed (documenting damage, etc.)?

4. Is there anything else we should be considering?

Thanks in advance!

Amy

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