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Portable Museum FAQ

Questions about the Portable Museum Program? Check out the FAQ below.

How far in advance should a Portable Museum rental be booked?

Portable Museum rental reservations must be made a minimum of two weeks in advance. It is recommended to make rental reservations 1-2 months in advance as certain Trunk or Kit topics may be in high demand at certain times of the year.

When and where can Portable Museum rentals be picked up and returned?

Portable Museum Trunks and Kits can be picked up at MOHAI’s South Lake Union location by the loading dock (on the eastern side of the building) 7 days a week during museum hours on the confirmed pick-up date. Trunks must be returned by 5 pm on or before a scheduled return date (or by 8 pm if the return date is the first Thursday of the month). All Portable Museum rentals must be returned as scheduled and short-notice rental extensions cannot always be accommodated.

When picking up a Portable Museum Program, please note the dimensions of the Trunk or Kit and plan ahead to ensure the rental can be properly transported to and from MOHAI. All portable museum Trunks come with a dolly for transport, and the larger Kits include their own wheels.

Does the teacher using the Portable Museum Program have to be the one to pick it up?

Teachers are welcome to send another person to pick up or return their Portable Museum Program rental. Please ensure that whoever is picking up the materials has the rental confirmation information, pick-up instructions, and knows which Trunk or Kit topic they’ll be receiving.

Can MOHAI deliver or pick up a Portable Museum at our school?

Unfortunately, MOHAI does not drop off or pick up Portable Museum Program Trunks or Kits. All materials must be picked up and returned at the museum. MOHAI is also unable to ship Portable Museum rentals due to their size, weight, and fragile nature of their contents.

How much do Trunks and Kits cost?

MOHAI’s Portable Museum Program provides hands-on learning to students using primary source materials.

View Trunk and Kit offerings and prices

Late returns will result in a fine of $5 per day. Please be mindful that Trunks are often booked back-to-back in the busy season, and late returns may disrupt another teacher’s rental.

What is MOHAI’s cancellation/rescheduling policy?

Rental reservations may be canceled or rescheduled up to 14 days from the pick-up date. All rental date changes and cancellations made within 14 days of the scheduled pick-up date will incur a $25 fee.

What happens if an item is lost or broken?

Renters are responsible for keeping the Portable Museum rental and its contents safe, and will be charged the replacement cost of any lost or broken items. Trunks and Kits should be stored in a secured area, or locked if others have access to them.

Is financial support available to help with the cost?

Scholarships for discounted rentals are available for schools that qualify; fines and regular rental extension fees still apply. Learn more

What is the best way to prepare for using a Portable Museum in the classroom?

A basic list of each Portable Museum’s contents and an outline of included lessons or activities is available in each of the Portable Museum listings. Once a reservation is booked, MOHAI will send a detailed teacher packet along with the confirmation materials, which includes specific lesson plans for each Trunk or Kit that teachers can use for planning purposes.

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