Facility Rental Policy at the Heritage Center

1701 Michigan Avenue | Manitowoc, Wisconsin 54220 | 920/ 684-4445

1.     RENTAL FACILITIES AND CAPACITY: 

 ·        Mirro Auditorium: The elegant Mirro Auditorium features a stage with podium and seating for up to 84 (banquet-style at round tables) or 125 (auditorium-style on chairs).  Located on the 2^nd floor the Mirro is accessible by stairs or elevator.

·        Educational Learning Center: For a more casual meeting space, the Educational Learning Center is available and seats 50 people.  Located on the lower level, the Learning Center is accessible by stairs or elevator.

The Manitowoc County Heritage Center has tables and chairs available for use.  The Mirro Auditorium is equipped with a microphone and sound system.  This equipment can be used upon advanced notice, but cannot be removed from the building or rental area.  Set up and moving of equipment will be handled by Historical Society personnel only.

The Heritage Center is a smoke-free facility.  The user is responsible for ensuring that no smoking is permitted in the Heritage Center building, including the lobby and rest rooms.  Firearms and other weapons are not permitted on the premises.

2.   PUBLIC USE AND PRIORITIES:

·        All rooms are subject to availability, and the Manitowoc County Historical Society retains the right to refuse to rent its facilities for activities or events incompatible with its educational or historic preservation practices.

·        Conduct or activities by any member, guest or vendor of the Rental Party that endangers the Heritage Center’s exhibits, facilities or visitors, or is incompatible with the Museum’s educational or historic preservations practices, will result in the event being immediately canceled and forfeiture of all rental and event fees and charges. Decisions by the Museum staff on duty are final.

·        The Manitowoc County Historical Society does not rent the Heritage Center for wedding receptions.

·        Any damages to buildings, artifacts, equipment, or property must be reported immediately to Society personnel on duty.  Under NO circumstances is any individual or party to attempt to repair or clean any damage suffered to the facility.  All damage costs, as determined by the Society, will be borne by the group under which the damage was sustained.

·        Signs, posters, and decorations cannot be taped, nailed, or affixed to any rental area wall or ceiling in the building.  Table exhibits or displays are allowed, but must be removed at the end of the rental period.

·        Storage Space for equipment and supplies is not available at the Heritage Center. Under NO circumstances does the Historical Society assume responsibility for materials left in the building or rental areas.

3.  FOOD AND BEVERAGE:

·        Food and beverage are allowed ONLY in the Mirro Auditorium, Service Kitchen, and Educational Learning Center.  Food, refreshments, and merchandise of any kind cannot be sold 

    Alcoholic Beverages:

If individuals or organizations wish to rent the Heritage Center for an event where alcoholic beverages will be consumed, they must first possess the following:

·        Written approval of the Executive Director obtained at least thirty (30) days prior to the scheduled event.  The Executive Director retains the right to deny approval to any individual or organization whose function does not advance the historical, educational, and/or professional mission of the Manitowoc County Historical Society.

·        A valid liquor license available for inspection by the Executive Director.  Note: certain private functions are exempt from this criterion.  Check with Executive Director for details.

·        Certificate of insurance listing the Manitowoc County Historical Society as an additional insured party.  This certificate must be on file at the Heritage Center at least 14 days prior to the scheduled event.

In addition, individuals or organizations wishing to rent the Heritage Center for an event where alcoholic beverages will be consumed:

      ·        Cannot sell alcoholic beverages

·        Cannot serve alcoholic beverages at functions where minors are present

·        Cannot serve alcoholic beverages during the Heritage Center’s normal hours of operation (Tuesday – Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.)

·        Must contract the services of a Manitowoc County Sheriff’s Deputy (at events with more than 75 attendees) for the duration of the event

·        Are responsible for complying with all elements of this policy

4.  RESERVATIONS

·    The Heritage Center may be rented from January 1^st to December 31^st. All rental reservations end at 11:00 pm, unless prior arrangements have been agreed on the rental agreement.  This includes the clean-up time of the rental party or caterer.

• A deposit of $50 must be paid at the time of application.  All rental payments are due five days from the date of invoicing.

• All Society-sponsored events have priority over outside requests.

•  Scheduling of facilities should be made at least 30 days in advance of a desired date.

To reserve your room, contact an MCHS representative at (920) 684-4445 to determine availability of facilities for the desired date

MCHS will then send the renting party a rental policy and contact.

Complete and sign the application form and send to: Manitowoc County Historical Society, 1701 Michigan Avenue, Manitowoc, WI 54220

You will receive a confirmation by mail once the application has been processed

5.  CANCELLATIONS

·        The Manitowoc County Historical Society office (920) 684-4445 must be notified of any cancellation or change of dates, times, or group size immediately.

·        Rentals must be canceled in writing.       

·        If a cancellation is made thirty (30) days prior of the scheduled reservation date, the renting party forfeits one half of their rental deposit.

·        If the renting party cancels the booking within thirty (30) days of the event, the entire deposit will be forfeited.

6.  FEES: 

A separate fee of $5.00 per person and $4.00 per child is charged to view museum exhibits and galleries and for guided tours.  Arrangements for guided tours must be made at the time of application. 

The Historical Society expects the renter to return the building to its original condition.  Clean up must take place directly after the rental period.  If the rental area or related areas are deemed to be excessively dirty or littered after the rental period, the Society reserves the right to assess the renter for any cleaning or repair costs. 

Room Rental

Room	Charge per hour during MCHS business hours 9am – 5pm	Charge per hour after regular business hours 5pm-11pm
Mirro Auditorium	$60	$85
Educational Learning Center	$40	$65

Non profit organizations may receive a 20% discount on the rental fee of either room.  To receive the discount non profit organizations must submit proof of their 501(c)3 status with their rental application.

     Equipment Rental

Room Set Up	$15 (required of all rental parties)
Use of Kitchenette	$20
Use of Audio Equipment (P.A. System) & Lecturn	$20

Groups using facilities at the Manitowoc County Heritage Center are charged with the responsibility of adhering to the rental policies outlined above.  The user agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the Manitowoc County Historical Society from any and all claims that may rise from accidents or injuries to participants or persons connected with the use of facilities at the Heritage Center.  Groups may be asked to submit a certificate of liability insurance.

Policy approved by the Board of Directors of the Manitowoc County Historical Society October 19^th 1999.  Alcoholic Beverages policy adopted July 15^th 2003.  Policy revised and approved by the Board of Directors of the Manitowoc County Historical Society October 17, 2006.