Museums are special places for us to learn about special objects and materials. When you come into that space, you learn about things in a short period of time. Museums are a good place to spend time looking and thinking. Here are a few simple rules for your visit:

• Read about the museum before your visit. You can look up the museum on the web. You can look at the local newspaper. You can go to the local library. Museums often make material available to groups or schools in advance of the trip. Knowing things about the museum in advance will give you a sense of what to expect. It will also prepare you to find the things that are of special interest to you.

• Unless you are directed by museum staff, do not touch or handle objects. Many objects are sensitive to oils in our skin and to radical changes in temperature and light. When untrained people handle objects, especially historic ones, they can unknowingly cause damage. It is the museum's job to preserve objects for many generations to come.

• Do not run or play around in the museum. Injuries can occur. Museum objects can be damaged.

• Avoid unnecessarily loud conversation because it disturbs others who are visiting the museum. People in the museum want to reflect and focus. This requires a calm setting. Disturbances can sometimes break concentration.

After your visit, please take time to fill out our General Visitors' Survey.

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