Museum FAQs
Planning a Visit
Q: What special procedures are in place due to COVID-19?
A: Please visit our planning your visit page for a detailed run-down of current procedures.
Q: How do I reserve a ticket?
A: Due to COVID-19 we have introduced a system of timed ticketing. Please purchase tickets in advanced here.
Q: I am a member of the KSU Museum. Do I still need to reserve a ticket?
A: We are asking that all visitors, even members and others with free admission, reserve timed tickets. To reserve your time click here.
Q: How much is admission to the Museum?
A: General admission is $6, senior citizens are $5, and children (5-18) are $4. Admission is free for children younger than 5, anyone with a current KSU ID and to all on Sundays.
Q: When is the Museum open?
A: Please view our hours on our Hours & Visitor Information page.
Q: How do I get to the Museum?
A: Please view our directions on our Hours & Visitor Information page.
Q: Where can I park my car?
A: There is designated free parking reserved for Museum visitors. All guests must register their license plate number at the visitor services desk upon arrival. Buses and motor coaches are welcome and also have designated free parking. More information under Parking on our Hours & Visitor Information page.
Q: Is there a coat check?
A: There is a coat rack available to visitors located in the Museum lobby.
Q: Is the Museum wheelchair accessible?
A: Yes.
Q: How do I arrange for a group of adults or students to visit?
A: If you would like to arrange a group tour of the Museum led by one of our docents, please contact John Puntel at 330-672-3450 or e-mail jpuntel@kent.edu.
Q: How can I see an object from the Museum’s permanent collection in person?
A: At any given time, there are at least 100 objects from the Museum's collections on view to the public in the galleries. Researchers interested in studying particular objects not on view in the galleries may make a special appointment. Please see our Research Appointments page for more information.
Q: Is photography permitted in the Museum?
A: Yes, photography for personal use is encouraged. Please share on social media with #ksumuseum! For press and other special photography needs, including film and videotape projects, please contact the Curator, Sara Hume at shume1@kent.edu or 330-672-0302. Learn more at Visitor Guidelines.
Q: Are visitors permitted to sketch in the Museum?
A: Sketching with pencil is permitted. However, pens, paints, markers, charcoal, and easels are not permitted. While sketching, please do not hinder visitor traffic flow in the galleries.
Q: Does the Museum have a lost and found?
A: If you have left something behind at the Museum, call 330-672-3450 or check with the Security Guard on duty.
Q: Can I host an event at the Museum?
A: The Museum’s Murphy Auditorium is located on the second floor of Rockwell Hall. The auditorium seats 120 and can be reserved by contacting John Puntel, Head of Security, at jpuntel@kent.edu or 330-672-3450. A grand piano is available.
About the Museum
Q: Why are the light levels so low in the galleries?
A: Textile-based objects are extremely vulnerable to fluctuating temperatures and humidity, as well as to bright lights. The light levels are kept low in order to prevent the materials from fading or disintegrating.
Q: What is in the Museum’s permanent collection?
A: The Museum's world-renowned permanent collection includes dresses, accessories, textiles, as well as decorative arts.
Q: How do I find out how much an object in the Museum collections is worth?
A: The Museum does not disclose the monetary values of objects in its collections.
Q: Can you tell me the value of a costume, accessory, or textile that I own?
A: The Museum does not provide monetary appraisals. To determine the value of an object you should consult a reputable appraiser or auction house.
Caring for Historic Garments and Textiles
Q. I have a vintage garment that has been in the family for years. How do I properly take care of it?
A. Textiles are inherently fragile and should be handled carefully, ideally historic costumes should not be worn or washed, they should be carefully stored in a stable environment and not exposed to light.
Q. You say I should “carefully store” the historic costume, what exactly does that mean?
A. Choose an area with minimal fluctuations in temperature and humidity, good air circulation and minimum of light – generally this means somewhere in the living area of the house rather than an attic, basement or garage. Garments can be stored either hanging or boxed. Any garment to be hung must have strong shoulder areas and should be stored on a padded hanger with a fabric cover. On the other hand, garments with sheer, lacy, or beaded fabrics, bias-cut sections, heavy skirts or trains should be stored horizontally in a box to avoid excess stress. All items coming in contact with the stored artifact should be acid-free – this includes the tissue paper used to stuff the item to prevent creases, cotton muslin to protect the garment from dust and light, and the storage box. Do not use plastic either as a garment bag or as wrapping inside the box because they release harmful chemicals and trap moisture, which can cause mold and mildew. Here are additional on-line resources for more detailed instructions.
Q: Where can I find archival quality boxes and supplies so I can safely store my vintage garments?
A: The following are the suppliers that the Museum uses for such materials as acid-free boxes and tissue paper:
Archivart www.archivart.com
Gaylord Brothers www.gaylord.com
Light Impressions www.lightimpressionsdirect.com
Talas www.talasonline.com
University Products Inc. www.universityproducts.com
Volunteering
Q: How do I volunteer at the KSU Museum?
A: The Museum welcomes volunteers to perform a variety of important tasks including sewing and serving as docents or greeters. Please see our Volunteer page for more information and to see how you can help.
Donations
Q: How do I make a financial contribution to the KSU Museum?
A: Financial contributions are most welcome and needed! Donations of money can be made by sending a check payable to "Kent State University Museum" to:
| Kent State University Museum PO Box 5190 Kent, OH 44242-0001 |
More information about contributing to the Museum can be found on our Contributions page.
Q: How do I donate clothes, accessories, or other fashion related material to the KSU Museum?
A: The KSU Museum has long benefited from the public’s generosity in building its collections. We continue to welcome gifts, however not every object is right for the Museum’s collections. If you have something you believe belongs in our museum contact the curator, Sara Hume at shume1@kent.edu. You must be able to send a description and images of your proposed donation. If emailing images, please limit the file size to 2MB. Please be aware that unsolicited donations are not accepted, and will be returned to the sender. For more information about our careful process for reviewing all gift offers and what to expect, please visit our Donations page.
Other
Q: My question isn't answered here. Who can I contact?
A: For queries that are not answered here, or elsewhere on our website, please email museum@kent.edu.