The Stowe Center for Literary Activism is committed to providing a safe and educational environment for visitors through conversational and interactive tours. Our tours address the history of enslavement and racism in a conversational format, and invite and encourage visitors to make connections between inequities then and now. We will talk about uncomfortable topics, and we encourage you to ask questions in a respectful manner.

All visitors must follow this Code of Conduct to create a positive and inclusive experience for everyone. It applies to every tour, program, and event at the Center.

Mutual Respect

• Use kind and respectful speech. Profane, threatening, abusive, or discriminatory language toward other visitors or Museum staff is strictly prohibited.
• Please do not speak over other visitors or Museum staff during the tour and interactive conversations.
• Do not touch other visitors or Museum staff.
• Please follow instructions from Museum and Security staff.

Please refrain from:

• Bringing firearms, weapons, or weapon-like objects onto Museum property
• Being under the influence of drugs or alcohol
• Smoking of any kind on Museum property
• Disorderly conduct or actions that may bring harm or danger to others
• Defacing, damaging, or destroying Museum exhibits or property

Museum Policies

• Food and drink. Please finish or dispose of all food and drink, including gum, before entering the Stowe House or exhibit spaces. Water bottles are fine. Food and other drinks can be kept behind the Front Desk and picked up after your tour.
• Bags. Backpacks and bags may not exceed 22 x 14 x 9 inches. Larger bags can be kept behind the Front Desk and picked up after your tour. Please keep bags at your side or worn on the front of your body.
• Strollers are not allowed in the Stowe House.
• Photography. Non-commercial photography is welcome in the Stowe House; please turn off your flash. Follow and tag us on Instagram and Facebook at @StoweCenter. Commercial photography or filming requires advance permission from the Director of Historic Collections.
• Notes and sketching. Please use pencils only. Ink pens may leak or leave permanent marks on collections.
• Collections. Please do not touch collection pieces on display. The natural oils in our skin can permanently damage antiques.
• Furniture and walls. Please do not lean on walls or door jambs, or sit on antique furniture.
• Stay with your group at all times.
• Service animals are welcome in the Stowe House and exhibit spaces.

Agreement

By checking the agreement box, registering, or buying a ticket, you confirm that:

• The information you provide at registration is true and accurate to the best of your knowledge.
• You understand that our tours are an educational experience that may challenge your knowledge of historical events, and you voluntarily assume all such risks.
• You agree to follow this Visitor Code of Conduct and the Museum Policies above.
• You will respect the guests and staff of the Harriet Beecher Stowe House and the Stowe Center, and all of the collection.
• You accept these terms for yourself and anyone you register, including minors in your care.

The Stowe Center reserves the right to refuse or revoke admission or membership, or to remove any person from the Museum without refund, if their conduct is disorderly or violates this Code of Conduct or Museum Policies.

Your online agreement has the same effect as a signed form.

Questions

Contact the Harriet Beecher Stowe Center at info@stowecenter.org or 860-522-9258.