Frequently Asked Questions and Museum Etiquette

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Visiting Museums 101 - Museum Etiquette

Visiting Museums 101
Oklahoma is home to more than 500 museums.  From art museums to zoos and botanical gardens, every visitor can find a unique way to explore the state.  Oklahoma’s museum network includes museums, historical societies, historic sites, historic homes, living history museums, tribal cultural centers, zoos and botanical gardens.  To discover your next destination try searching the web for options or use the Oklahoma Museum Association’s museum directory at www.okmuseums.org.

Museums are wonderful institutions to have.  They are places where you can explore the past, present and the future.  Here you will find a number of general rules used by museums.  Many rules are put in place to protect the artifact and collection from damage for future generations.  All museums have their own rules so before you make a trip to a museum please be sure and do a little research.

The Goal of the Museum:
Each museum, cultural center, zoo and botanical garden strives to achieve its mission.  The mission is the foundation on which the museum operates.  In general, such institutions try to collect, preserve, and share.  While the types of things you will see at a site will vary greatly, this one ultimate goal is true for all organizations.

Museum Etiquette
Below are a number of items to consider when visiting a museum.  Remember, these are only intended as helpful guidelines.  Please check with the institution you plan to visit concerning the rules or if you have any additional questions. 

Watch a You Tube video by Patricia Rossi on Museum Etiquette

# 1. Eating and Drinking
The first standard rule you should know about museums is that eating and drinking are prohibited in museum galleries.  You will be asked not to bring any food or drink into the museum.  You may want to plan your museum visit after a meal or check to see if the institution has a café available.  In some instances you may be able to bring a picnic or sack lunch.  Please check with the site before your visit.  Also, many museums do not allow gum or candy in the museum galleries.  Always ask permission first.

# 2. Photography and Video
Light, both visible and invisible, is damaging to most objects. Museums try to eliminate all natural light from their galleries and use filters to prevent damage from interior fixtures.  Today many museums will allow visitor to take photographs in the museum however you should always ask first.  If photography is allowed make sure to follow instructions on flash photography.  Some institutions do not permit photographs or videos be taken of permanent or changing exhibits.  Always abide by museum rules on photography.

# 3. Touching
Every museum tries to ensure the preservation of its artifacts.  In order to preserve the items that are on display visitors are cautioned not to touch objects and works of art.  The oils that are on our hands and in our skin can damage the museum’s pieces.  Remember, “Fingerprints are forever.”  Many museums do offer visitors interactive areas.  Find out what areas of the museum are hands-on friendly.

Check with the museum you want to visit.  Many museums provide special programming that might involve active participation or hands-on learning oppurtunities.

# 4. Horseplay
Running, shoving, pushing and other physical activity can damage museum artifacts. Many institutions’s are fieldtrip destinations for students or serve as family getaways.  If you plan on taking children to the museum find out what the site has to offer you. 

# 5.  Noise
People visit museums for a variety of reasons.  To respect other visitors you should avoid making loud noises by talking or laughing, singing, whistling, etc.  Try to use your indoor voice when visiting the museum. 

# 6. Sketching/drawing
Visitors may be allowed to sketch in museums.  The museum will provide guidelines on what can and cannot be used such as the type of medium.  Most museums will only allow the use of pencils in the galleries. 

# 7. Tobacco
The use of tobacco is prohibited in museums.  If you do have to smoke, plan on leaving the building.  Smoke deposits can damage museum pieces, particularly paintings and other paper artifacts.

#8 Pets
Pets are not allowed in museums. 
In addition to those listed above, museums have a number of rules specific to each institution.  Museums reserve the right to refuse visitors if they are found violating the rules.  Following proper museum etiquette helps ensure that all visitors will have a meaningful experience while at the museum.

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How many museums are there in Oklahoma?

According to a combined listing of museums from the Institute of Museum and Library Services, American Association of Museums and National Center for Charitable Statistics, Oklahoma is home to over 552 museums.

 

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Where can I find a list of the Oklahoma museums?

The Oklahoma Museums Association website hosts a list of Oklahoma museums which can be sorted alphabetical or by city.  OMA institutional member museums have a link to their website.  Find the Museum Directory here.

 

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What types of museums are there in Oklahoma?

According to a combined listing of museums from the Institute of Museum and Library Services, American Association of Museums and National Center for Charitable Statistics, Oklahoma is home to over 552 museums.  The breakdown follows:
52      Art Museums

3        Children’s Museums
85      History Museums
18      Natural History & Natural Science Museums
10      Science & Technology Museums

137     Historical Societies
6        Arboreta Botanical Gardens
4        Zoos, Aquariums & Zoological Societies
237     Unidentified Type of Museum

 

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How many American Association of Museums accredited museums are there in Oklahoma?

AAM Accreditation is a widely recognized seal of approval that brings national recognition to a museum for its commitment to excellence, accountability, high professional standards, and continued institutional improvement.

 

As of March 2009, Oklahoma has 11 accredited museums. 
Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art University of Oklahoma, Norman
Gilcrease Museum, Tulsa

Museum of the Great Plains, Lawton
National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum, Oklahoma City
Oklahoma City Museum of Art, Oklahoma City
Oklahoma City National Memorial Museum, Oklahoma City
Oklahoma City Zoological Park and Botanical Garden, Oklahoma City
Philbrook Museum of Art, Tulsa
Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History University of Oklahoma, Norman Science Museum Oklahoma, Oklahoma City
Tulsa Zoo & Living Museum, Tulsa

 

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Where can I find research on needs of Oklahoma museums?

In October 2006, Mid-America Arts Alliance received a National Leadership grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services to support a comprehensive training needs assessment of museums in Oklahoma.

Mid-America worked in formal partnership with the Oklahoma Arts Council and the Oklahoma Museums Association, and informal partnerships with a number of state museum service organizations to discover the capabilities, needs, and preferences of over 400 museums across the state. The research will consisted of the distribution of a written survey to museums within the state, interviews with museum service providers, field visits and telephone interviews with museums that captures the unique virtues of its representative museum constituency, and written analysis of collected data.

Research findings were distributed widely throughout the state, among national museum service entities, and among museum industry allies to ensure maximum utility of the research.

Research began in fall of 2006 and concluded in July 2008.
Click here to view the full report.*
Click here to view the appendices.*

 

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What programs and services does the Oklahoma Museums Association offer?

OMA is the primary provider of professional training and technical information to staff and volunteers of Oklahoma's 500 museums, historic sites, tribal cultural centers, and historical societies. The OMA office is located in Science Museum Oklahoma in Oklahoma City.
Programs and services include:
• Networking - opportunities for museum staff and volunteers to develop a strong network with colleagues throughout the state.
• Quarterly Newsletter - MuseNEWS provides current information on OMA activities and other professional development information and training opportunities
• Annual Fall Conference - two and a half days of educational sessions, workshops, tours and special events
• Workshops and Seminars - training opportunities to meet the needs of OMA members throughout the year (registration and cancellation policies)
• Museum Accessioning and Registration of Collections (MARC) Course - specific training offered annually
• Traveling Art Exhibitions - sponsored by the Oklahoma Arts Council and available for monthly bookings
• Office Referrals and Consultations - OMA staff can provide help with members' questions
• Lending Library - more than 350 books and other materials available for loan through the Oklahoma Department of Libraries
• Technical Bulletin Series - published regularly
• Annual Awards Program - recognizes individual service and institutions that have produced outstanding exhibits, publications, and other projects
• Standing Professional Committees - opportunities for members with similar job responsibilities to share information and ideas
• Professional Liaison - OMA represents its members to local, regional, and national professional associations
• Advocate - OMA represents its members on the state, regional, and national levels regarding issues of concern to the Oklahoma museum community
• E-list - announcements and updates sent to OMA members via e-mail. If you are a member and want to receive news and information via the e-list, send a request to be added
• M!X Events - annual networking event for members
• Web Site - easy access to OMA information and resources
• Affinity Programs - a way to support OMA through merchandise purchases
• E-Mentor Program - eligibility to participate
• Scholarship Opportunities - members can apply for scholarships to OMA seminars, workshops, and the Annual Fall Conference

 

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How do I become a member of the Oklahoma Museums Association?

The Oklahoma Museums Association is the professional membership organization for museum staff, volunteers, board members and other Oklahomans who have an interest in museums. OMA invites you to get involved by becoming a member.

Who should join?
Museum professionals at all levels (paid and volunteer) are encouraged to join. This includes executives, directors, managers, development officers, exhibit and program developers, educators, curators, collections managers, registrars, archivists, museum store managers, visitor services managers, board members, volunteers, students interested in museum careers, and others.

Institutions also are encouraged to join. OMA is the primary provider of training and information to Oklahoma's 500 museums, historical societies, historic sites, zoos and botanical gardens, historic houses, living history museums, tribal cultural centers, and other related entities.

Corporate memberships are available to businesses with an interest in museums.

Read more on OMA membership and benefits

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Does OMA offer scholarships to its training and programs?

Each year, OMA awards scholarships to workshops, seminars and the Annual Fall Conference. Scholarships are awarded on a demonstrated need basis to qualified applicants and cover registration fees only. Travel, lodging, and per diem are not included in the scholarship award. OMA reserves the right to limit the number of scholarships available for any workshop, seminar or conference. OMA scholarship decisions are final. Priority is given to individuals/organizations who have not received a scholarship from OMA in the past year to attend training.

Qualifications for scholarship applicants. To qualify for an OMA scholarship, an applicant must be a member in good standing of the Oklahoma Museums Association; complete the scholarship application form; submit the application by email to sodaniel@okmuseums.org, fax or US mail by the specified deadline.

 

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What are SPCs – standing professional committees?

Standing Professional Committees (SPCs) are composed of OMA members who meet to discuss mutual professional concerns. SPCs are approved and recognized by the OMA Board of Directors. OMA currently has four Standing Professional Committees:

Oklahoma Membership and Development Association (OKMADA)
OKMADA provides an avenue for members of the museum community to share ideas and discuss issues associated with membership and development. OKMADA promotes communication among museum membership coordinators and development officers. OKMADA members enjoy an increased awareness of national and regional philanthropic trends and important legislation, and help promote the high professional standards of the fundraising profession. OKMADA members have the goal of furthering the museum development profession.

Oklahoma Museum Educators (OKME)
OKME represents the concerns and needs of museum educators within OMA by participating in policy and decision-making discussions at the statewide level and by selecting and planning programs for annual state and regional meetings. OKME promotes communication among museum educators statewide through an annual luncheon and mailings. OKME encourages high professional standards for museum educators, advocates the support of museums and their educational purpose, and promotes excellence in museum learning. OKME members share a mutual concern for museum learning, research, evaluation of programs, and/or exhibition development.

Oklahoma Native American Museum Professionals Association (OKNAMPA)
OKNAMPA is for individuals within the museum community concerned with Native American issues. OKNAMPA provides information and educational opportunities for museum professionals, decision-makers and the general public based on Native American approaches, viewpoints, values, histories, cultures, religions and life-ways. OKNAMPA objectives: Provide resource sharing and communications networking opportunities; Create informational and educational opportunities; Offer resources for those planning Native American events and educational opportunities; Advocate Native American community involvement in planning and decision-making processes within the museum community; Promote communications between indigenous museums and other institutions; Promote awareness of past and contemporary expression of Native Peoples; Address legislation pertinent to Native American museum/cultural institutions within the state; Encourage visitation, support and promotion between tribal museum/cultural institutions

Oklahoma Registrars Association (OKRA)
OKRA is dedicated to enhancing the professional development of the members of the museum community through support of workshops and the distribution of information. OKRA members maintain a statewide network for registrars, collection managers, and other museum staff and volunteers interested in the management and documentation of collections.

Join an SPC here.

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Where can I find resources for starting a museum?

A variety of resources for starting a museum can be found on the OMA website.  Click here to view the resources

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Where can I find resources for an emergency in my museum?

Technical Bulletin 41: Guide to Emergency Management Supplies, Services and Resources (2003), sponsored by the Oklahoma Registrars Association (OKRA) and compiled by the OKRA Disaster Response Committee. In the event of a disaster, members of the OKRA Disaster Response Team are available for consultation and assistance. For help on creating a plan for disaster prevention and response, visit dPlanTM: The Online Disaster-Planning Tool.  Other emergency resources for museums.

 

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Where can I find someone to appraise an item?

There are three main appraisal organizations: American Society of Appraisers, Appraisers Association of America, and International Society of Appraisers. Members of these organizations generally work as individual contractors. Fees are based on the scope of the individual project and should be discussed directly with the appraiser. It is against the Code of Ethics of museums to place a value on an artifact or collection. Also, know that it is unethical for appraisers to base their fees on a percentage of the appraised value of an artifact or collection.

The Internal Revenue Service has issued transitional guidance on the new definitions of qualified appraisal and appraisers at http://www.irs.gov/irb/2006-46_IRB/ar13.html.

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Where can I find resources for fundraising?

The Oklahoma Museums Association does not offer grant funding programs. A resource list for researching grants on the Internet has been developed by Gayle Farley of the Oklahoma City Community Foundation.

Check the following websites for further information on grants and fundraising.
American Association of Museums
Association of Fundraising Professionals
Association of Fundraising Professionals, Oklahoma Chapter
Chronicles of Philanthropy
Council on Foundations
Federal Government Grants
Grant Smart
Grantmakers of Oklahoma
Grantsmanship Center
GuideStar
Heritage Preservation
Institute of Museum and Library Services
Museum Trustee Association
National Endowment for the Arts
National Endowment for the Humanities
National Historical Publications and Records Commission
National Park Service NAGPRA grants
National Telecommunications and Information Administration
Oklahoma Arts Council
Oklahoma City Community Foundation
Oklahoma City University Dulaney-Brown Library Foundation Center
Oklahoma Department of Transportation's Enhancement Program
Oklahoma Humanities Council
Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department's Research and Development Grant Programs
Oklahoma Tourism Development Act Information
Tulsa Community Foundation
U.S. Department of Education
U.S. Nonprofit Gateway

There are several foundations in Oklahoma that offer grants to charitable organizations, including museums. OMA recommends researching a foundation's purpose, restrictions, geographic focus, deadline and application process before applying for a grant.

Information on donor management software:  donor management software powerpoint; donor management software information; shopping for donor management software

The Association of Fundraising Professionals has been the standard-bearer for professionalism in fundraising for more than 40 years. They adhere to a strict code of ethics and donor bill of rights.

The Nuts and Bolts of Fundraising Plan PowerPoint by John Martin.
Elements of a Fundraising Plan - The National Resource Center

Central Michigan University is an excellent resource for development officers, grant writers and organizations. Check out The Grant Proposal Self Assessment Tool (GrantSAT) that they developed. This useful guide gives the grant writer an understandable and accessible diagnostic tool to assist them in evaluating their grant proposals prior to submission.

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How do I find out about job openings in museums?

The Oklahoma Museums Association posts announcements for positions in Oklahoma and the region as a priority.  The OMA website also lists where other job announcements can be found.  View job opportunities on the website.

 

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Where can I go to find out about museum information on a national level?

The American Association of Museums is the only national organization representing the entire scope of museums and professionals and nonpaid staff who work for and with museums.  Visit the AAM website for more information.

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