Private Use Agreement

It is understood that The House is established and furnished as a public museum, and consequently, it is necessary that any private parties using it shall exercise the utmost care as to the treatment of the furnishings and artifacts located therein. Many of these furnishings and artifacts would be difficult, if not impossible, to replace if they were damaged, destroyed, or stolen. Therefore, any private parties executing this agreement shall assume full liability for damage or loss sustained by The House or its furnishings as a result of their use of the premises.

The House will be immaculate before your function and it is expected that it will remain in the same condition in which it was found. All rented equipment must be moved to a storage area (garage or porches). (Any moving of artifacts or furniture must be discussed prior to your function.) All set-ups and take-downs are the renter’s responsibility, including the porches and the garden (chairs, extra tables, etc.)

One-half of the total fee is due upon confirmation of your reservation date. This is fully refundable up to 60 days prior to the date. A fully refundable damage deposit of $150 (separate check, please) is also due at confirmation. The balance is due in full 60 days prior to your function. If cancellation occurs 31-59 days prior to the date reserved, you will receive a 50% refund of monies received by The House. If cancellation occurs within 30 days of the date reserved, you will receive a 25% refund of monies received by The House.

The Museum at times is in the process of restoration. At such times it may be necessary to restrict certain areas from use. If this is the case, you will be advised ahead of time. The user hereby agrees to observe the restrictions of access in the Museum. The basement of this facility is restricted to staff members only.

The garden/yard is the user’s responsibility as to setting up and taking down tables, chairs, tents, etc. The garden/yard also must be left the way it was found. Tables and chairs must be removed immediately after your function.

The renter and/or caterer is responsible for cleaning the kitchen and related areas. It is your responsibility to inform your caterer of this. You or your caterer will also be responsible for taking the trash to the dumpster. Please replace the basket liner.

All equipment such as extra tables, linens, dishes, silverware, glasses, cups, can opener, dish soap, trash bags, paper towels, serving utensils, etc. must be furnished by the renter or caterer. Tablecloths may be rented from the House.

Set-up and take-down of tables, chairs and other items rented through an outside agency are the renter’s responsibility. Please discuss delivery times with the Administrative Coordinator.

A large dining table and several smaller tables in each room are available to the renter. These tables must be protected with a pad and/or plastic covering, which the House will supply. Up to 50 folding chairs are also available at no additional cost.

A museum host will be on duty to help ensure the success of your event. We ask that the renter assist the museum host in returning the House to its original condition. Such assistance may include returning House chairs to the lower level.

The House is protected 24 hours a day by Metro Community College Security.

Restrictions

Because of the nature of the Crook House, we must restrict certain items and activities. Any activity that may cause a fire is not permitted. Therefore, please do not smoke, do not use lit candles and do not use any of the fireplaces. The Crook House does not have a sub-floor, so dancing is not allowed. Do not move any furniture without permission of the Museum host. The dining room sideboards may not be used for serving food or drink. Please refrain from placing dishes or glasses on museum furniture. Wedding parties are asked to discourage guests from throwing rice or birdseed. Bubbles are acceptable.

Liquor may be served through an open bar arrangement. Cash bars are not permitted. Please make sure that all guests served alcohol are of legal drinking age. The House will not be responsible for under-age drinking or for any accidents due to overconsumption of alcohol.

It is understood and agreed that the House Committee is charged with the responsibility of offering the use of the House, and that it may deny such use with or without cause to any parties requesting it. The use of these premises by private parties is intended to be a privilege to be granted at the sole discretion of the House Committee. If the Museum Host feels the privilege is being abused or the terms of the agreement are being violated, the Host has the right to request the immediate removal of the renter from the premises. The renter agrees, upon request, to immediately and peacefully vacate the premises.