Wilkes Heritage Museum, Inc. Facilities Usage Policy

NOTICE: Wilkes Heritage Museum, Inc. contracts, rules and regulations are issued by the Wilkes Heritage Museum, Inc. Executive Committee and cannot be altered or excused by Wilkes Heritage Museum, Inc. staff.

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USE:

  • The Wilkes Heritage Museum, Inc. facilities play a vital role in the community of Wilkes County.
    The facility has a 212 seating capacity (140 tables and chairs) (old courtroom) auditorium. The multi-purpose Wilkes Heritage Museum, Inc. is a potential site for cultural arts, plays, live radio shows, conference meetings, guest lectures, governmental meetings, weddings, movies, business meetings, family reunions, etc.
  • No political parties or political active groups will be allowed to use the museum facilities.
  • The usage of upstairs auditorium does not include a free tour of the museum exhibit areas unless otherwise specified.
  • No unlawful use that would violate any occupancy or fire ordinances or use restrictions is allowed.
  • All requests not addressed in this building use agreement or changes to fee schedules must be approved by Wilkes Heritage Museum, Inc. Executive Committee.
  • Outside splash pad is the property of the Town of Wilkesboro. Usage of this area is not the responsibility of the Wilkes Heritage Museum, Inc. and is NOT part of lease agreements. Persons using the splash pad area are NOT allowed inside The Wilkes Heritage Museum, Inc. in wet attire.

RESERVATIONS:

  • All events, Wilkes Heritage Museum, Inc. sponsored or not, need to make reservations by contacting Wilkes Heritage Museum, Inc. (336-667-3171).
  • For non-museum sponsored events, a reservation cannot be made without a valid signed contract.
  • Only adults (over 21) are allowed to make a reservation for the Wilkes Heritage Museum, Inc.
  • Reservations for non-museum members or non-museum sponsored events cannot be made for more than 3 months in advance.
  • For non-museum sponsored events, reserving for more than an 8-hour period or for more than one day in a seven-day period requires special permission from Wilkes Heritage Museum, Inc.
  • A minimum of two weeks’ notice is required for reservations by non-museum groups.
  • A minimum of two weeks’ notice is required for Wilkes Heritage Museum, Inc. sponsored events if special setup, take down or clean-up is needed for a museum sponsored activity.
  • The facility will not be used “for profit” groups unless approved by Wilkes Heritage Museum, Inc. Executive Committee.

FEES:

  • All fees must be paid in full at the time the facilities are reserved. Checks will be made payable to Wilkes Heritage Museum.
  • In the event of a cancellation, Wilkes Heritage Museum, Inc. will determine the amount to be refunded based on the amount of preparation completed at the time of the cancellation.
  • Fees do not apply to the Wilkes Heritage Museum, Inc. sponsored events.
  • Changes/exemptions to fees are only possible by approval of Wilkes Heritage Museum, Inc. Executive Committee.

REFUNDS AND CANCELLATIONS:

  • Failure to cancel within 7 days of the event date will result in loss of all fees.
  • In the unlikely scenario of a museum emergency, Wilkes Heritage Museum, Inc. reserves the right to cancel the event. If this happens, you will be issued a full deposit refund. Decisions to cancel (eg. snow, ice, loss of power) can only be made by the Wilkes Heritage Museum, Inc. If this occurs, we will attempt to reschedule at the groups discretion.

RESPONSIBILITIES OF LEASER:

The individual signing the Building Usage Agreement form (user) will be financially responsible for repair of or replacement of Wilkes Heritage Museum, Inc. property due to damage or breakage. This individual is also responsible to ensure that the following policies are enforced:

  • Wilkes Heritage Museum, Inc. does not provide Internet connection.
  • Tobacco/Vaping is prohibited on Wilkes Heritage Museum, Inc. property (inside and outside).
  • NO illegal drugs allowed on Wilkes Heritage Museum, Inc. property.
  • NO weapons are allowed on Wilkes Heritage Museum, Inc. property.
  • NO inappropriate behavior allowed on Wilkes Heritage Museum, Inc. property.
  • No activities that would cause excessive wear on the facilities or lead to an increased risk of injury are allowed.
  • Approval must be obtained before decorating for parties/events. NO confetti or glitter.
  • All individuals are to remain within the rental agreement areas. Exhibit areas are off limits unless part of the rental agreement.
  • Elevator for use by adults in need of assistance or for catering and equipment. Children only when accompanied by adult. DO NOT PROP ELEVATOR DOORS OPEN
  • In the event of inclement weather or natural catastrophe, Wilkes Heritage Museum, Inc. reserves the right to cancel an event and allow the user to reschedule the event.
  • The user bears sole liability associated with the event and agrees to hold Wilkes Heritage Museum. Inc. harmless for these liabilities.
  • Children must be supervised at all times.
  • Individuals using Town of Wilkesboro splash pad are made to understand that this is not part of the lease agreement and that they will not be allowed back inside Wilkes Heritage Museum, Inc. in wet clothing.
  • Alcohol will not be served unless leaser has employed a licensed bartender, has purchased a liquor license and has indicated alcohol use on Wilkes Heritage Museum, Inc. Rental Agreement.
  • A copy of the bartender license and the liquor license must be presented to Wilkes Heritage Museum, Inc. upon rental of facilities.
  • Wilkes Heritage Museum, Inc. staffs are required to immediately inform law enforcement of illegally served alcohol and consumption by minors. Wilkes Heritage Museum, Inc. is not responsible for injury to or caused by inebriated individuals.
  • Individuals understand that Wilkes Heritage Museum, Inc. staffs on duty are required by Wilkes Heritage Museum, Inc. Executive Committee to see that all rules and regulations are followed and that all illegal activity is immediately reported to law enforcement.
  • The reserving group agrees to hold as harmless Wilkes Heritage Museum, Inc., Wilkesboro and its staff for any personal injuries or loss of personal belongings during the event

NOTICE: Law enforcement retains the right to close down events due to inappropriate and/or illegal activity. Should this happen, the leaser forfeits all fees and may also incur costs for property damages or injuries to Wilkes Heritage Museum, Inc. staff. Wilkes Heritage Museum, Inc. staff will see that everyone immediately exits the building and that the building is secured.

RESPONSIBILITIES OF WILKES HERITAGE MUSEUM, INC. STAFF:

  • A Wilkes Heritage Museum, Inc. staff member will be on duty during all events.
  • A Wilkes Heritage Museum, Inc. staff member will monitor air/heat needs.
  • Staff members will setup the reserved area with leased tables, chairs, tablecloths, etc.
  • Wilkes Heritage Museum, Inc. technology staff will setup/take down and monitor use of all reserved equipment.
  • Wilkes Heritage Museum, Inc. technology staff will monitor contracted use of projector.
  • Wilkes Heritage Museum, Inc. technology staff can offer advice about integrating your technology with our equipment, but cannot be held responsible for technology individuals bring onto the property.
  • Wilkes Heritage Museum, Inc. staff are not allowed to reveal internet passwords or allow access to Wilkes Heritage Museum, Inc. computers, printers or copy machines.
  • Only Wilkes Heritage Museum, Inc. microphones and other sound equipment may be integrated with Wilkes Heritage Museum, Inc. system.
  • Wilkes Heritage Museum, Inc. staff will only setup items outlined in signed lease agreements.

NOTICE: Whenever there is an event after hours, a Wilkes Heritage Museum, Inc. staff member is required to arrive one hour before the start of the event, prepare the building, patrol and secure the building(s) during the event, inspect and lock the property at the end of the event. This time will be reflected in the hours contracted by leaser for rental.

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