Montshire Museum of Science

Nonprofit Community Room Rental

The Montshire Museum allows nonprofit use of the Porter Community Room from 5:30-8:30 p.m. After reviewing the information about the Community Room and our policies for nonprofit use, simply complete and submit the reservation request form below. Our reservation coordinator is available Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. at 802-649-2200 to answer any questions you may have.

Submit an online request for nonprofit use of the Montshire Porter Community Room

Details & Amenities Included

The 1,800-square-foot Porter Community Room is located on the first floor of the Museum. Depending upon the configuration, the Community Room can comfortably accommodate up to 120 people. Use of the room includes:

• 120 chairs
• Tables:
• Ten rectangular tables measuring 8' x 1.5'
• Eight round tables measuring 4'
• Four round tables measuring 5'
• Dropdown projection screen
• Kitchen for heating and serving food (adjacent to Community Room)
• Restrooms adjacent to the Community Room
• Lighted parking for 225 cars
• You are responsible for providing any necessary electronic equipment such as a microphone, projector, and speakers; easels, tablecloths, plates, glassware, utensils, and any serving pieces for your event.

Use of the Community Room does not include access to the Museum galleries or exhibits.

You may begin setting up your event at 4 p.m. and guests may arrive as early as 5:30 p.m. You have use of the Community Room until 8:30 p.m. We recommend ending your event by 8:00 to allow enough time for clean up after your event. The building and front gate are locked at 8:45 p.m. unless alternative arrangements have been approved in advance. If an event extends beyond 8:30 p.m., a fee of $115 per hour (or any fraction thereof) will be charged.

Museum policies for nonprofit use of the Community Room

Set-up and Cleanup

You may use the chairs and tables provided by the Museum for your event, but you are responsible for setting up the room, returning everything to its found condition, and cleaning up after your event. This includes cleaning the kitchen, removing all food and belongings, and disposing of trash and recycling.

Food and Beverage Service

The kitchen adjacent to the Community Room is available for use by an approved caterer for prepared food assembly and service. We do not permit cooking on site or potluck meals. In accordance with Vermont law, only a Vermont-licensed caterer may serve alcohol.

Promoting and advertising your event

All advertising, promotions, and communications regarding your event must state clearly that your organization is hosting the event and the event location is "Montshire Museum Community Room."

Insurance / Liability

The Montshire does not provide insurance coverage or assume responsibility for the actions of any entity renting the facilities (including free use of the Museum Community Room). Liability and/or property damage arising from the group's actions is the responsibility of the individual or group renting the space.

Decorations

Decorations or posters may not be nailed, screwed, or taped to walls, ceilings, or any painted surface.

Smoking, Lit Candles, and Open Flames

Smoking and open flames of any type, including candles and portable cooking fuel, are not permitted.

Cancellations

If the Montshire determines that weather conditions on the day of your event create a hazard for safe operation of the Museum, the Montshire will cancel the event and make every effort to rebook it for an alternate date.

Reflecting the Montshire's role in the community, Museum trustees have restricted certain functions held at the Montshire. Fundraising events and events relating to political campaigns or sponsored by political parties are not allowed. The Museum trustees may choose not to accept requests for events that they consider potentially adverse to the Museum's operations. Charging admission or selling tickets for an event held at the Montshire are not permitted.

Submit an online request for nonprofit use of the Montshire Porter Community Room

Nonprofit Use Policies & Guidelines