Visitor Code of Conduct

OPENING SEPTEMBER 30th

When Visiting the Museum

The African American Civil War Memorial Museum is a place of history, remembrance, learning, and reflection. We welcome visitors of all backgrounds to explore the stories of the United States Colored Troops, African American military service, freedom, citizenship, and the continuing struggle for equality.

To ensure that the Museum remains a safe, respectful, and welcoming environment for everyone, all visitors are expected to follow the guidelines below.

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Prohibited Behaviors

Visitors are expected to treat Museum staff, volunteers, other visitors, and the Museum itself with courtesy and respect.

The following behaviors are not permitted:

Harassment, discrimination, intimidation, threats, or abusive behavior toward visitors, staff, volunteers, or Museum representatives.
Verbal or physical conduct that is threatening, disruptive, or offensive.
Fighting, physical altercations, running, rough play, or behavior that may endanger others.
Excessive noise or other disruptive behavior that interferes with the experience of other visitors.
Smoking or vaping inside the Museum or in areas where prohibited on Museum property.
Disruptive demonstrations, flash mobs, or organized gatherings that interfere with Museum operations or visitor access.
Bringing firearms, weapons, explosives, or hazardous materials into the Museum.
Unauthorized solicitation, commercial activity, distribution of materials, petitioning, leafleting, or promotional activity.
Any activity that could damage Museum property, collections, exhibits, or facilities.
Refusing to follow reasonable directions from Museum staff or security personnel.

The Museum reserves the right to address conduct that interferes with the safety, security, accessibility, or experience of our visitors, staff, volunteers, or collections.

Prohibited Items

For the safety of our visitors, staff, volunteers, and collections, certain items are not permitted inside the Museum.

Prohibited items include, but are not limited to:

Firearms or other weapons, including knives or objects intended to cause harm, regardless of licensing or permit status.
Explosives, fireworks, sparklers, or other hazardous or combustible materials.
Aerosol cans, spray paint, or other materials that may damage Museum property or collections.
Laser pointers.
Signs, placards, banners, or other materials intended for demonstrations or solicitation, unless specifically authorized by the Museum.
Clothing or materials displaying threatening, obscene, or discriminatory language or imagery.
Tripods, monopods, or other large photographic equipment, unless approved in advance.
Any item that Museum security determines presents a safety, security, or collections risk.

The Museum reserves the right to address conduct that interferes with the safety, security, accessibility, or experience of our visitors, staff, volunteers, or collections.

Service Animals:

Service animals that meet applicable federal requirements are welcome in the Museum.

Service animals must remain under the control of their handler at all times. Pets and other animals are not permitted inside the Museum unless they qualify as service animals under applicable law.

Visitors who require accommodations are encouraged to speak with Museum staff. We are committed to providing an accessible experience for all visitors.

Food and Beverages

To protect our collections and maintain a clean and safe environment:

Food and beverages are not permitted in Museum galleries or exhibition spaces.
Bottled water with a secure, closed cap may be permitted in designated areas.
Visitors may be asked to dispose of or store food and beverages before entering exhibition spaces.
Special accommodations for medical or accessibility needs may be arranged with Museum staff.

Conduct in the Galleries

Our galleries contain original artifacts, documents, photographs, artwork, and other materials that help tell the history of African Americans and their service, sacrifice, and contributions to the nation.

Visitors are asked to help us preserve these resources for future generations.

Please:

Do not touch artifacts, artwork, display cases, or other collection materials unless specifically invited to do so.
Use only designated interactive or tactile exhibits as instructed.
Remain behind barriers and within designated visitor areas.
Do not lean against display cases or exhibit structures.
Keep pathways, doorways, stairs, and accessible routes clear.
Be mindful of speaking volume, cell phone conversations, and other activities that may disturb other visitors.
Please use headphones when listening to audio on personal devices.
Do not use pens, markers, crayons, charcoal, paint, or other materials that could damage Museum property in the galleries.
Graphite pencils may be used for approved sketching or note-taking.
Food and beverages are not permitted in exhibition spaces except as specifically authorized.
Visitors under the age of 13 must be accompanied and appropriately supervised by an adult.
Organized tours, educational programs, filming sessions, or other group activities must be arranged in advance with the Museum.

Photography, Video, and Social Media

We encourage visitors to share their Museum experiences and help others discover the history preserved here.

Unless otherwise posted:

Personal, noncommercial photography and video are welcome in designated Museum spaces.
Flash photography is not permitted.
Tripods, monopods, and extendable selfie sticks are not permitted unless approved in advance.
Photography or recording must not interfere with other visitors, Museum operations, staff, programs, or collections.
Visitors may not photograph or record restricted areas or objects identified as unavailable for photography.
Visitors may not use photography or video equipment to obstruct pathways, entrances, exhibits, or other visitor areas.

Commercial Photography and Videography

Commercial photography, filming, interviews, productions, and live broadcasts require prior written approval from the Museum.

For purposes of this policy, commercial activity includes using the Museum, its collections, exhibitions, Memorial, or facilities as a backdrop or setting to promote a business, product, service, organization, campaign, or other commercial or promotional purpose, whether or not the resulting material is distributed for profit.

Requests for professional photography, filming, media interviews, or commercial productions should be submitted to the Museum in advance.

Programs, Events, and Special Exhibitions

The Museum strives to provide a welcoming experience for everyone while protecting our visitors, staff, volunteers, facilities, and collections.

Visitors who violate this Code of Conduct may be:

Asked to modify their behavior.
Asked to leave the Museum or Museum property.
Restricted from participating in a program or activity.
Subject to temporary or permanent exclusion from the Museum.
Subject to revocation or suspension of Museum membership or other privileges.
Reported to law enforcement when appropriate, particularly when conduct involves threats, violence, weapons, theft, property damage, or other unlawful activity.

Museum staff and security personnel have the authority to take reasonable steps to maintain a safe and respectful environment.

The Museum reserves the right to address circumstances not specifically listed in this Code of Conduct when necessary to protect the safety, security, accessibility, dignity, or experience of visitors, staff, volunteers, and the Museum’s collections.

Enforcement of the Code of Conduct

The Museum offers programs, lectures, ceremonies, tours, educational activities, and special events throughout the year.

Visitors attending Museum programs are expected to:

Follow instructions provided by Museum staff, program leaders, security personnel, and event organizers.
Respect speakers, performers, educators, veterans, descendants, and other participants.
Remain in designated areas during programs and ceremonies.
Avoid behavior that disrupts presentations, performances, tours, or commemorative activities.
Obtain advance approval before recording or broadcasting an entire Museum program or event.

The Museum may photograph or record programs and events for archival, educational, promotional, or institutional purposes. Visitors who do not wish to be photographed should speak with Museum staff upon arrival.

Thank You for Visiting

Thank you for helping us protect the history entrusted to the African American Civil War Memorial Museum.

We invite you to explore, learn, reflect, and be inspired.

See it. Be inspired.

The African American Civil War Memorial Museum honors the heroic roles of 209,145 US Colored Troops (USCT) who helped end slavery and kept America united under one flag.

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1925 Vermont Ave, NW Washington, DC 20001 Ph. 202-667-2667

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This project is funded, partially or fully, through the District of Columbia Executive Office of the Mayor – Office of the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development