Guidelines for Rental of History Center Facility or Meeting Areas
Due to the sensitive nature of our collections, The Goodhue County History Center (GCHC) is a smoke-free facility. The GCHC is available for public use for a fee on a first come, first served basis, regardless of the beliefs, affiliations, or economic standing of individuals or groups requesting its use. GCHS does not support or endorse, nor censure or reject the viewpoints expressed by users of these facilities.
The Goodhue County History Center is available only as the proposed use does not conflict with scheduled activities of the Society.
1) The facility may be used for educational, cultural, civic and personal event purposes. Businesses may use the History Center facility space for education and training, but may not sell or dispense product, distribute advertising, or schedule appointments for follow-up sales. With the exception of History Center sponsored events or fundraisers, general sales events will not be accepted for scheduling. Political activities, other than use as a certified polling place, and religious services/preaching will not be allowed.
2) The History Center reserves the right to require any group to reschedule the time or place of their meeting if the facility or part thereof requested is needed for a History Center related function.
3) According to the fire marshal, the meeting room capacity is 85 people with chairs, and 60 people with tables. Single or small groups of musicians are permitted, but sound levels must be kept to 85A weighted decibels or less. No dancing in the History Center is permitted, unless previously approved as part of the permitted use.
4) After-hours meetings may only continue until 10:00 p.m. Users must end use 10 minutes prior to this time so that all participants are out of the facility by History Center closing.
5) Any food served must remain in the designated areas. There are no cooking or refrigeration facilities on site. A $50.00 cleaning fee will be charged for catered meals. The sponsoring organization is responsible for the removal of all garbage and other debris related to the event and, if cleaning is needed beyond the $50.00 cleaning fee for catered meals, the sponsoring organization will be billed. The History Center is not responsible for items left in the facility.
6) Alcoholic beverages may be permitted with the appropriate permits or licenses and accompanying insurance coverage with the Goodhue County Historical Society as an additional insured, and properly trained servers. The sponsoring organization or host may be required to provide security at their own expense if alcoholic beverages will be available.
7) The Society will require a written application that will include the date, hours, number of guests, and appropriate fees. The sponsoring organization is responsible for any licenses (food, drink, etc.) that may be required and assumes all liability for the actions of their guests. Return of the signed form with fees will stand as confirmation of the event reservation barring rescheduling required by a History Center function.
8) Payment is due on submission of the application. Checks are payable to “Goodhue County Historical Society”. The History Center requires 72 hours advance notice if it is necessary to cancel the use. (Refunds, minus a 20% registration fee will be made with the above notice). Fees submitted by groups that do not provide the required cancellation notice and do not use the facility (“no-shows”) will not be refunded.
9) A representative of the sponsoring organization or individual host must be present at all times during the event. The sponsoring organization/individual host assumes responsibility for any and all expenses related to the event and for any and all damages that occur as a result of the event. The History Center may require a Certificate of Insurance with the Goodhue County Historical Society as an additional insured prior to the confirmation of space rental and/or a deposit against damages.
10) Set up for an event may begin at the discretion and convenience of the History Center Director or designee at any time prior to the event and in every case shall not interfere with the normal activities of the History Center. A representative of the sponsoring organization/individual must be present for any deliveries for the event and prior to the arrival of any other personnel related to the event. All equipment must be removed within two (2) hours of the scheduled end of the event. No equipment or other materials may be stored on the Museum premises either before or after the event. The sponsoring organization or individual host is responsible for all setup/breakdown. All events should end by 10:00 p.m. and the History Center totally vacated by 12:00 a.m. (midnight).
11) The History Center has a controlled climate that is intended to provide the best environment for the collections housed in the facility. No handling of History Center objects or adjustment of climate controls is allowed.
12) If videos are being shown, the “Public Performance Law” must be complied with. This law requires that groups showing videos while using the History Center’s facility must use videos with public performance rights, or secure necessary public performance licenses to the videos.
13) The Americans with Disabilities Act requires that groups using the History Center’s facility provide accommodations for persons with disabilities. Public notices of groups’ meetings should include this statement: “Persons who need special accommodations should notify (group’s contact person at a phone number) 2 weeks in advance.” Groups then must notify the History Center at 651.388.6024 of any special needs as soon as possible after being notified. The History Center will work with groups to arrange for special accommodations. Any additional costs incurred by these accommodations shall be the groups’ responsibility. The History Center handicapped-accessible entrance is only open during regular History Center hours. If groups rearrange furniture in the facility, ADA requires that a 36” walkway be maintained.
14) In case of fire: If the History Center’s fire alarm system is activated, certain interior facility doors will close automatically to control smoke and fire. They will NOT be locked and people may exit freely. Groups are responsible for dissemination of the information contained in the Fire Exit Procedures provided with the application to personnel attending their event.
15) The foregoing conditions may be changed without prior notification. Any exceptions to this policy must be approved by the Goodhue County Historical Society’s Board of Directors.
Fee Schedule
During business hours (9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.)
Non-profit groups:
Half-day use or any part thereof – $75.00
Full-day use or any part in excess of 4 hours – $150.00
For-profit groups:
Half-day use or any part thereof – $100.00
Full-day use or any part in excess of 4 hours – $200.00
Before/After Hours Fees (before 9:00 a.m. and after 5:00 p.m.)
(Will be applicable in addition to half or full-day fees if use begins or extends beyond normal business hours)
Non-profit groups:
$100 base fee plus $35.00 per hour or part thereof before 9:00 a.m. or after 5:00 p.m. (Only one base fee will be charged if the event runs both before and after normal business hours however the hourly fee shall apply to all hours outside normal business hours)
For-profit groups:
$150 base fee plus $50.00 per hour or part thereof before 9:00 a.m. or after 5:00 p.m. (Only one base fee will be charged if the event runs both before and after normal business hours however the hourly fee shall apply to all hours outside normal business hours)
A $50.00 cleaning fee will be charged for catered meals. Additional fees may be charged if the cleaning needed exceeds the cleaning fee charged.
