Rules and Regulations

1. Your reservation will be confirmed by receipt, upon return of this signed agreement and accompanied by a deposit. Full payment of the rental fee is due ten (10) business days prior to the event. Both deposit and rental fees must be in the form of a certified check, cashier’s check or money order made payment to the Maryland National Capital Park and Planning Commission (or M-NCPPC), cash or credit card.
2. The total number of hours for the rental of the Museum includes time required for caterer set-up, delivery and clean-up. Rentals must be after the close of the museum at 5:00 pm. No set-up or delivery will be allowed during the museums normal operating hours.
3. If the Commission or the Commission’s supervising employee or representative determines that additional security is necessary, a minimum of two (2) officers from the Commission’s Park Police must be on site during your event. In such event, the fee for two (2) required officers is $35.00 per hour, per officer, with a four (4) hour minimum. This fee, for which Renter is responsible, is to be paid in cash directly to the Park Police officers prior to the beginning of the event. The event will not start until the officers arrive and are paid. On Commission holidays, the rate for the officers shall be $45.00 per hour.
4. If a renter cancels an event, the rental payment less a 20% administrative fee will be returned. The Commission will refund the rental fee if the event is cancelled prior to the actual use of the facility due to no fault of the renter.
5. Renter agrees to assume full financial liability and responsibility for any and all damages to the Facility or its contents during the scheduled event, or costs incurred by the Commission resulting from the Renter, or Renter’s guests, invitees, organization, agents, caterers, or any contractors at the Museum during their rental time frame.
6. The Commission reserves the right to deny the application, or revoke an approved application, where (1) an individual, group or organization has (i) provided false information on an application, (ii) failed to meet past obligations, or has an outstanding obligation with the Commission, (iii) had held a prior event at a Commission facility, or at the facility of another governmental entity, which resulted in the injury or death to any person, or damage to the facility or other property; or (2) there is insufficient staff to conduct the event.
7. The Commission reserves the right to have its employee or representatives on site during this function. The supervising employee or representative shall have the authority to regulate, at his or her sole discretion, the volume control of any speakers and/or sound system, and will terminate the function if, after the first warning, the rules and regulations are not observed by Renter, or Renter’s guest, invitees, organization, agents, caterers or contractors.
8. An Applicant shall not publicize a requested event until notification that final approval of the application has been granted. If the application is denied, M-NCPPC will not assume any responsibility for any costs incurred by the applicant.
9. Alcoholic beverages may be served however the resale of alcohol (including cash bars) must be approved by the Commission and requires a liquor license from the County Liquor Board (301-699-2770).
10. Smoking is forbidden in the museum and on the patio within 10 feet of the building.
11. All events must terminate promptly by the time stated in the agreement, and the facility must be vacated immediately by all persons attending the event. Any user group remaining after the permitted time will be assessed an amount equal to one-half hour user charge for any portion of an additional one-half hour use for which participants remain at the facility.
12. A copy of all promotional materials must be submitted to the Facility Manager for review at least one week prior to distribution to the public. The Commission reserves the right to deny the use of promotional materials that advertise a Commission facility and contain profanity or lewd or derogatory language or images.
13. Ticket sales for a scheduled event are prohibited at the facility or on Park property.
14. This agreement is not transferable to another party, individual, group or entity.
15. The Museum is not responsible for providing supplies for rental functions other than tables and chairs and trash cans. A podium and risers are available but must be set-up by the renter. The museum does not have a caterer’s kitchen, so all food must be prepared off premises.
16. Food or drink is not allowed in the main gallery of the Museum. Food and drink is allowed in the auditorium, front hallway, mezzanine and patio only.
17. No renter will be allowed to use nails, screws, tape or wire to put up signs, banners, etc. Balloons cannot be used for rental events.
18. All decorations must be cleared in advance with staff and removed at the end of the event. We do not provide supplies like tape, scissors, extension cords, etc. Please come prepared.
19. No live plants in the Museum, and no open flames are permitted.
20. No red/grape juice, punch or beverage is allowed in the Museum.
21. Exhibits and aircraft may not be moved.


22. All caterers must be licensed by the county health department have, a Food Service Managers permit & provide an insurance certificate naming the Commission as an additional insured.