Facility Rental Policies
The Chuckey Depot Museum offers one party caboose and one room inside the museum for rental year-round, as well as the restroom, outside of regular Museum hours. These spaces are open to the public and are used by various town entities for educational purposes. All rental requests are subject to special consideration due to programming, performances, events and exhibits.
Museum and Caboose
The Chuckey Depot Museum at Jonesborough is a reconstructed, historic facility that houses historic railroad artifacts and is an ideal location for small business meetings, birthday parties, seminars and receptions. The caboose is best suited for activities for a few guests at a time due to the narrow space. The caboose not suitable for guests with mobility issues. The caboose does not have air conditioning or heat. Please dress appropriately.
Reservations and Deposits
Dates reserved by verbal agreement will be held for a maximum of two weeks. After the two-week period, the rental fee and a signed rental agreement are required to secure your reservation.
A $25 refundable damage deposit is required and must be paid by check when securing the event date. The damage deposit will be refunded to you within thirty days after the event following a satisfactory inspection of the grounds and/or facility rented.
Cancellation Policy
To cancel a rental, written notice is required. If a wedding/wedding reception or special event is cancelled three months or more in advance, a full refund will be given minus the $25 non-refundable deposit.
Rental Fees
See Enclosed Rental Fee Sheets. A staff member will be on site during the event. There is a 3-hour minimum rental required on all rentals.
To qualify for non-profit rental rates, you must provide proof of your legal non-profit status.
Guidelines for Renters and Guests at the Chuckey Depot Museum at Jonesborough
Alcohol
Alcohol is not allowed on the premises.
Setup and Cleanup
The renter is solely responsible for all setup and cleanup during the hours the rental has been reserved. This includes catering, musician, and florist activities. A staff member will be available to answer your questions. Furniture, wall fixtures, plants and pictures may not be moved without permission from staff. All materials needed for your event must be brought at the time of your setup and removed immediately after your event. The Town shall not be liable for any loss/damage of items left at the Museum. The user agrees to take the utmost care not to damage the facility and/or its grounds. The user will be held solely responsible for any and all damages to the building, equipment, fixtures, furniture, and grounds arising from use of the premises.
Tables and Chairs
Tables and chairs to accommodate up to 35 individuals is available as a package at $50. This includes up to 8, 6’ tables and 45 folding chairs. Setup of tables and chairs are the responsibility of the renter.
Safety
All exits/hallways MUST remain clear at all times. The Town reserves the right to enforce all safety and/or fire guidelines.
Decorations
Decorations shall be limited to tabletop and/or freestanding elements.
Nothing may be placed on the walls, doors, furnishings, or windows with tape, tacks, staples, nails, or other methods. Nothing shall be hung from the ceiling beams.
Candles are not permitted. Electric candles and lights may be used but must be approved by staff.
Electrical connections and special lighting must be approved by staff in advance of your event. If approved, the installations must be done under the supervision of staff.
Rice, paper, glitter, silly string, birdseed, and confetti may not be used.
Nothing can be placed over existing Museum signage.
No Smoking
The Museum is a smoke-free environment. Smoking is prohibited inside the Museum and only allowed in designated areas outside.
Printed Material
For events that are open to the public, the renter must be careful to make the distinction between events that are sponsored by the Museum, and events that are merely taking place at the Museum. Therefore, promotional materials relating to your special event that reference the Museum must be submitted to the Center for approval of copy before they are put in their final printing stages. Failure to submit advance copy will be cause for the Museum to cancel the event.
Liability
The Museum will not be liable to the user, its guests, agents, performers or employees for any personal property. Additionally, it is the sole responsibility of the user to follow all applicable local, state, and federal safety rules and regulations and to maintain safe conditions for workers, activity patrons, guests, and the public.
