The Pennsylvania Lumber Museum tells the story of the Commonwealth’s long-standing and historic connection to our forests and the associated lumber industry. The museum, administered by the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission in partnership with the Pennsylvania Lumber Museum Associates, is located in the rugged and beautiful high plateau region of Potter County, along scenic US Route 6 between the communities of Galeton and Coudersport.
Newly renovated in 2015, the museum visitor center incorporates sophisticated yet natural design elements into its interior and exterior spaces. The well maintained and landscaped grounds provide multiple locations for outdoor event staging, all with picturesque views of the surrounding mountains and forests. The over 1,800 square foot program and special event room boasts state-of-the-art multimedia presentation equipment as well as a modern kitchen facility. The site is fully accessible to persons with disabilities, and there are ample paved parking areas for guests. Please call to make arrangements to preview the facility.
Capacity
The suggested capacity of the center for an indoor wedding ceremony and/ or wedding reception is 100 guests. The maximum capacity for an outdoor event is 300 guests due to facility limitations of restrooms and parking. The capacity for lectures, meetings, and other events in the program room (limited table seating) is 150 attendees.
Seating
Facilities rental does not include tables and chairs for outdoor weddings. If you wish to hold an outdoor event, you will need to rent tables and chairs. The museum has 60 folding tables (20 round tables and 40 rectangular tables) each seating six to eight persons, and 200 folding chairs available for indoor use only. A variety of seating plans are available for the program room depending on the nature and style of the event.
Security Deposit and Damages
A non-refundable deposit is due upon initiation of a signed Facilities Use Agreement, equal to 25 percent of the projected cost of the event rental fee. The remaining balance is due a minimum of ten (10) business days prior to the event. In the event of damages, the event sponsor will be responsible for all repairs. Cleaning and repairs completed by the museum will be invoiced to the sponsor.
Event Insurance Coverage Requirement
Groups or individuals holding events at the Pennsylvania Lumber Museum will be required to obtain and present a ‘Special Event’ Certificate of Insurance. An “event insurance” policy rider can typically be issued at an additional cost by most home/auto insurance companies. The Certificate of Insurance for the event must be in the amount of $1,000,000 combined single limit liability for bodily injury and property damage coverage. The Pennsylvania Lumber Museum Associates and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Pa. Historical and Museum Commission will be named as additional insured on all certificates. If hard liquor other than beer and/or wine is to be served at the event, additional ‘Dram Shop’ coverage must be added to the Certificate of Insurance. No hard liquor may be served if Dram Shop coverage is not obtained. Any caterers/ contractors must also provide a copy of their Certificate of Insurance for the same amount of coverage. Certificate of Insurance must be received at least two weeks in advance of the event from all concerned parties. The event name and date must be included on the Certificate of Insurance.
Event Logistics
An evening or weekend event may not last more than five hours or past 10:00 pm, whichever comes first. Last call for events serving alcohol will be one hour prior to the end of the event. All guests are expected to leave the center within half an hour of the conclusion of the event. Exceptions are allowed for caterers, service providers and those helping with clean-up. Rentals for business meetings and other events taking place during normal hours of operation for the museum are structured on either a “half-day” or “full-day” schedule. Lunch may be catered at either length of event.
Indoor and Outdoor Venues at the PA Lumber Museum
Special events, weddings, and meetings will need to accommodate the business hours of the PA Lumber Museum Visitor Center and the availability of staff. Events to take place outside of normal operating times may be charged at an appropriate, pre-defined after-hours rate. The Pennsylvania Lumber Museum is open to the public year-round, Wednesday through Sunday from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The museum is closed to the public on Monday and Tuesday, but special events can be pre-arranged for these days. Between the months of November and March, the logging camp and other exterior exhibits will be available only during favorable weather and temperature conditions. Please call the museum to verify the availability of these attractions.
Visitor Center
Available seven days a week, all year; closed all state holidays. The museum attractions and exhibits are open to the public Wednesday through Sunday, from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, and the museum must be able to operate in conjunction with any special events scheduled during those times. Food and drink is prohibited in the exhibit gallery and must remain in the program room during any special event.
Grounds
Available seven days a week seasonally (April through October); closed all state holidays. Renting tents or shelters through a third-party vendor is recommended for outdoor events. Indoor spaces are not available as an alternative in the event of inclement weather for outdoor events unless previous reservations have been made. As with the visitor center, exterior museum exhibits and attractions must remain accessible to public visitors during normal operating hours. Unless prior arrangements are made, all of the exterior attractions and buildings at the museum will be closed and locked by 5 Pm.
Set-up and Clean-up – Grounds
With the exception of a tent(s) (which may be set up the day before), nothing may be set-up on the grounds until the morning of the event. Clean-up of the grounds must be completed by the end of the day. Any trash, garbage and/or recyclables generated by your group must be cleaned-up and placed in the proper containers by the end of the day. Tents must be removed within one day following the event (unless prior arrangements are made with the museum staff).
Set-up and Clean-up – Visitor Center
In addition to the day of the event, the visitor center will be available for decorating from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM the day before the event. If more time is needed, prior arrangements must be made in advance with the museum’s staff. This also applies to rental equipment drop-off and set-up. Any trash, garbage and/or recyclables generated by your group must be cleaned-up and placed in the proper containers by the end of the day.
Decorating Restrictions
Consideration must be given to the judicious use of decorations. Decorations may not be mounted or attached to any museum surface, including walls and woodwork. The use of tape, stickums, glue, tacks, nails or other mounting/hanging devices or equipment is strictly forbidden. Visitors are encouraged to use tables, podiums, and easels to accommodate their decorations. You are responsible for any damages as the result of decorations. The museum reserves the right to have any decorations removed.
Alcoholic Beverages
Alcoholic beverages are not permitted unless the Museum grants permission and a Facilities Use Agreement has been read and signed. The privilege of serving alcoholic beverages at your event requires compliance with a number of terms and conditions to be discussed at the signing of the use agreement.
Lost or Stolen Items
The Pennsylvania Lumber Museum is not responsible for any items owned or used by renters/guests before, during or after the event; including (but not limited to) personal items, food, beverages, decorations, tents, vehicles or equipment.
Parking
Parking is permitted in paved and lined areas only unless directed otherwise by museum staff. Damage caused by parking in unauthorized areas will be billed at-cost to the renter. The paved parking lot at the museum is designed to accommodate approximately 100 standard-size vehicles.
The Kitchen
The Visitors Center’s kitchen is available for use as part of your facility rental. Its function is limited to food assembly and staging only; cooking, use of the dishwasher or any other equipment owned by the museum is prohibited. Any area of the kitchen that is used must be thoroughly cleaned before the end of the event.
If you are interested in renting the museum facilities for a special event, please call 814-435-2652 to discuss rental rates, conditions, and availability.
