FAQ, Information, and Instructions
Please read and make a copy
How do I reserve a trunk?
Complete an online request form to reserve a trunk. Requests will be managed on a first-come, first-served basis, so book early. When the museum receives your credit card information (see below), you will receive the “Teaching Trunk Agreement” to sign and send back to us.
How long can I keep a trunk?
Trunks may be reserved for four to six weeks, depending on demand.
How much does a trunk cost?
There is no cost for borrowing a teaching trunk, including shipping. We do require teachers to submit a credit card number for security of the materials. We also request that the school return three forms of feedback:
- A letter of thanks to the sponsor of the trunk
- Photographs or brief description of student projects or interaction with the trunk, and
- An evaluation form.
Who is responsible for damage or lost materials?
The borrower is responsible for the trunk and its content. We require a credit card number for any losses or damage to the materials. Please inventory all materials when the trunk arrives to make sure our count matches your count. Report any discrepancies as soon as possible so that you are not held responsible.
How is the trunk shipped?
In the local area we use a courier. For all others, the museum uses UPS to ship the trunks. Round-trip shipping is free of charge. The trunk will be delivered to the main office of the school. A few days before the trunk is due to be shipped back to the museum, a reminder will be sent, as well as labels to put on top of the trunk for the driver. Please re-inventory the contents one final time. If items are missing, the value of those items will be charged to the credit card on file.
Are there any restrictions on the use of the material?
The teacher acknowledges that the Teaching Trunk and all inventory items are the property of the Museum. The teacher agrees to use the contents of the Teaching Trunk as he or she would use his or her own department’s materials. The teacher also agrees to use the materials in compliance with all applicable laws, including federal copyright law. The Teaching Trunk and inventory items may be used only for educational purposes and for no other use without the prior written consent of the Museum.
How should the topic be presented to students?
The teacher understands that the subject matter of the Teaching Trunk materials is a sensitive one. In accepting the Teaching Trunk from the Museum, the teacher also accepts the responsibility to communicate respect for the topic to his or her students in the treatment of the subject matter and the use of the materials.
What is the liability of the Museum?
The Museum shall not be liable for any loss of or damage to property of the teacher or others or for death or injury to the teacher or any other person arising from transporting or otherwise using the Teaching Trunk. Teacher hereby releases the Museum from any claim, loss, liability, damage, or expense which may be incurred by the teacher as result of the transportation or use of the Teaching Trunk.