Benicia Historical Museum

CLEANING FEE AND DAMAGE DEPOSIT:

• Cleaning Fee is $400.00. This is in addition to the facility rental fees and is non-refundable. The Cleaning Fee includes post-event sweeping, mopping, cleaning of kitchen and restrooms, and Museum cleaning and takedown of the Museum’s indoor tables and chairs.
• Damage Deposit is $400.00. This deposit is separate from the facility rental payment and will be returned in total or in part depending on the condition of the building, garden, and grounds upon rental completion and report from the Museum Representative/cleaning firm.
• Damage Deposit will be returned by mail within 2-3 weeks following your facility use.
• Any cost for extra cleaning of the facilities and furnishings, both inside and outside, or damages to floors, walls, furnishings, plants, the fountain, irrigation system, landscaping, etc. will result in a deduction from or forfeit of your deposit.
• Renters who overstay their scheduled close time will automatically have an additional hour withheld from their deposit.
• If ANY stones/coins are found in the fountain after the event, the entire deposit will be forfeit. These objects can cause irreparable damage to the fountain pump.
• To secure the Rental and reserve a date: $400.00 Damage Deposit is due at the time of contract submission. Deposit will be refunded if the contract is canceled within two (2) weeks of contract signing. If canceled after two weeks, no refund is granted.
• First payment: 50% of the Facility Rental Fee is due no later than one (1) month from the date of contract.
• Second payment: Balance of Facility Rental fee and Services Fees/Optional Items fees are due two (2) months prior to the rental date.
• If the contract is dated less than two (2) months prior to the rental date, payment is due in full at the time of application.

Additional Terms & Agreements

OUTSIDE RENTAL COMPANIES:

• All outside vendors must be acknowledged and approved by the Museum prior to the Event.
• Renter and all vendors must supply their own equipment (extension cords, carts, etc.). All floral and greenery are to be delivered to the appropriate area and must be pest free.

ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES:

• The host/sponsor of events where liquor is served is responsible for insuring that all participants comply fully with all applicable California State Liquor Laws and Regulations of the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control; including but not limited to those relating to consumption of alcohol by minors or intoxicated persons.
• If liquor is served at the event, all liquor served in the Museum must be coordinated through the Museum office to insure compliance with the State of California and City of Benicia liquor laws.
• If alcoholic beverages are to be sold at the event, you must advise the Museum and obtain a license from the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control. You must present the license when you check in on the day of the event; no license means cancellation of alcohol service or entire event, with no deposit refund applied.

CATERING:

• All caterers must comply with Museum catering policies and procedures.
• The kitchen is a catering kitchen and not for use as cooking space.
• All grease and cooking oils must be removed from Museum’s premises. DUMPING OF GREASE AND OIL IS PROHIBITED IN ANY SEWER OR DRAIN.
• Cooking is NOT permitted within the Museum catering kitchen or in Spenger Garden.
• All Event trash must be removed by renters/caterers and placed in appropriate dumpsters. Museum management staff will inspect the Hall and Garden at the conclusion of the event. An additional clean-up fee will be applied to the final rental if objects not approved by Museum staff are used at the event. You may forfeit your damage deposit should these policies not be strictly adhered to by you and your caterer. Additional charges will apply if cleanup exceeds contracted event hours.

FIRE SAFETY/SMOKING/OUTDOOR FOOD PREPARATION:

• Due to fire concerns, the Benicia Historical Museum is currently unable to authorize ANY personal wood-burning ovens or cooking/grilling over open flame in the outside Museum areas.
• Caterers/Food Trucks may use outside cooking facilities provided they are fully insured and covered under the renters’ event insurance, set up farther than 20 feet from any building or vegetation, and follow best practices for commercial food preparation.

DECORATIONS:

• All decorations must be flame retardant.
• Absolutely no taper candles – floating or votive candles only.
• Use of any type of glitter, confetti, rice, birdseed, or artificial flower petals in the garden is strictly prohibited.
• The Museum does not permit anything to be affixed or fastened to the walls, ceilings, furniture, fixtures, exhibits, or other property of the Museum without the prior approval of the Museum. You may use 3M Command brand hooks and strips only on the walls and bar (other brands can damage the paint surface). 3M Command hooks and strips are available for purchase ($1 per package) in the Museum office if needed. No tape of any kind may be used on floors, walls, or furniture.
• All equipment and decor must be placed a minimum of three (3) feet from exhibits and their related parts. Museum articles, exhibits or furnishings may not be moved without the prior approval of the Museum.
• Dirt, sand, sod, rocks, pebbles, grit, glitter, or any other such products are also prohibited.
• Helium tanks must be used outside to inflate balloons. All tanks must be secured to a post or tie-downs. Renter shall be responsible for the costs of any repair and/or replacement of damaged property if anything is affixed without the Museum’s authorization. Removal of all decorations is the responsibility of the Renter by the close of the contracted hours of the event.

OTHER SPECIFICS:

• Indoor chairs may not be removed from Stone Hall unless approved by the Museum.
• Renter may not store items in any area of the Museum Hall or Garden either before or after the event unless contractually agreed and noted.
• Be aware that the Museum is open to the public Wednesday through Sunday, from 1pm to 4pm, and Museum patrons must have access to the restrooms in Stone Hall. Please keep the area in the Hall entryway clear during set-up and event, and do not block the hallway entrance to the restrooms or the gate and stairway to the Museum during Museum hours.
• No food, chafing dish fuel, live flowers, wax, candles, or beverages not in sealed containers can be left out overnight pre-event. Ants and other pests are attracted to these items.
• Facility rental cannot be transferred, assigned, or sublet.
• Contract may be terminated or voided by the Museum if the information provided on the application is inaccurate and/or incorrect.
• After the event, the renter is responsible for:
• Removal of all decorations and all other items brought onto the premises.
• Removal of all food items and beverages, emptying of all trash containers from the buildings, garden, and parking area, and the placement of all trash and recyclable items in the appropriate dumpsters.
• The complete removal and proper storage of garden chairs if used and/or any tables used outside.
• Please keep in mind that your closing time is when the Museum representative will be locking the gate. All personal property should be removed from the premises and all cars from the parking lot. You will be charged for extra time spent in the Hall/Garden after your close time.

RENTER RESPONSIBILITIES

• Renter needs to be 21 years or older and present at least one form of photo ID ID#
• Renter is responsible for all damage or injuries to any person(s) or property resulting from the use of the Museum facilities.
• Museum’s insurance requires Renter provide a general liability endorsement in the amount of $1,000,000 naming the Benicia Historical Museum as additional insured.
• Renter is responsible for ensuring any outside catering/food trucks/services also have adequate insurance coverage. Information regarding event insurance providers can be obtained from Museum.
• Renter is responsible for all vehicles parked in the parking lot. No cars may be left in the lower parking lot after your rental as the gate will be locked upon completion of Event.
• Renter is responsible for designating a person to meet with the Museum Representative for a walk-through inspection prior to the commencement of rental and at the conclusion of the rental period. In addition, facilities personnel provide us with a condition report after cleaning, which may also negatively affect rental deposit refund.
• Minors attending events or on the premises during set-up must be supervised by an adult at all times.
• Museum pictures, exhibits, furniture, stanchions, and other displays are for Museum use only. Any movement of exhibits or exhibit furniture must be pre-approved and/or supervised by Museum personnel. All offices are for Museum staff only.
• There is no smoking inside the Museum or on Museum property.
• There is no open flame of any type permitted inside the Museum. Chafing dish fuel may be used for the sole purpose of keeping food or beverages warm.

CLEANING FEE AND DAMAGE DEPOSIT:

• Cleaning Fee is $400.00. This is in addition to the facility rental fees and is non-refundable. The Cleaning Fee includes post-event sweeping, mopping, cleaning of kitchen and restrooms, and Museum cleaning and takedown of the Museum’s indoor tables and chairs.
• Damage Deposit is $400.00. This deposit is separate from the facility rental payment and will be returned in total or in part depending on the condition of the building, garden, and grounds upon rental completion and report from the Museum Representative/cleaning firm.
• Damage Deposit will be returned by mail within 2-3 weeks following your facility use.
• Any cost for extra cleaning of the facilities and furnishings, both inside and outside, or damages to floors, walls, furnishings, plants, the fountain, irrigation system, landscaping, etc. will result in a deduction from or forfeit of your deposit.
• Renters who overstay their scheduled close time will automatically have an additional hour withheld from their deposit.
• If ANY stones/coins are found in the fountain after the event, the entire deposit will be forfeit. These objects can cause irreparable damage to the fountain pump.
• To secure the Rental and reserve a date: $400.00 Damage Deposit is due at the time of contract submission. Deposit will be refunded if the contract is canceled within two (2) weeks of contract signing. If canceled after two weeks, no refund is granted.
• First payment: 50% of the Facility Rental Fee is due no later than one (1) month from the date of contract.
• Second payment: Balance of Facility Rental fee and Services Fees/Optional Items fees are due two (2) months prior to the rental date.
• If the contract is dated less than two (2) months prior to the rental date, payment is due in full at the time of application.

Additional Terms & Agreements

OUTSIDE RENTAL COMPANIES:

• All outside vendors must be acknowledged and approved by the Museum prior to the Event.
• Renter and all vendors must supply their own equipment (extension cords, carts, etc.). All floral and greenery are to be delivered to the appropriate area and must be pest free.

ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES:

• The host/sponsor of events where liquor is served is responsible for insuring that all participants comply fully with all applicable California State Liquor Laws and Regulations of the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control; including but not limited to those relating to consumption of alcohol by minors or intoxicated persons.
• If liquor is served at the event, all liquor served in the Museum must be coordinated through the Museum office to insure compliance with the State of California and City of Benicia liquor laws.
• If alcoholic beverages are to be sold at the event, you must advise the Museum and obtain a license from the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control. You must present the license when you check in on the day of the event; no license means cancellation of alcohol service or entire event, with no deposit refund applied.

CATERING:

• All caterers must comply with Museum catering policies and procedures.
• The kitchen is a catering kitchen and not for use as cooking space.
• All grease and cooking oils must be removed from Museum’s premises. DUMPING OF GREASE AND OIL IS PROHIBITED IN ANY SEWER OR DRAIN.
• Cooking is NOT permitted within the Museum catering kitchen or in Spenger Garden.
• All Event trash must be removed by renters/caterers and placed in appropriate dumpsters. Museum management staff will inspect the Hall and Garden at the conclusion of the event. An additional clean-up fee will be applied to the final rental if objects not approved by Museum staff are used at the event. You may forfeit your damage deposit should these policies not be strictly adhered to by you and your caterer. Additional charges will apply if cleanup exceeds contracted event hours.

FIRE SAFETY/SMOKING/OUTDOOR FOOD PREPARATION:

• Due to fire concerns, the Benicia Historical Museum is currently unable to authorize ANY personal wood-burning ovens or cooking/grilling over open flame in the outside Museum areas.
• Caterers/Food Trucks may use outside cooking facilities provided they are fully insured and covered under the renters’ event insurance, set up farther than 20 feet from any building or vegetation, and follow best practices for commercial food preparation.

DECORATIONS:

• All decorations must be flame retardant.
• Absolutely no taper candles – floating or votive candles only.
• Use of any type of glitter, confetti, rice, birdseed, or artificial flower petals in the garden is strictly prohibited.
• The Museum does not permit anything to be affixed or fastened to the walls, ceilings, furniture, fixtures, exhibits, or other property of the Museum without the prior approval of the Museum. You may use 3M Command brand hooks and strips only on the walls and bar (other brands can damage the paint surface). 3M Command hooks and strips are available for purchase ($1 per package) in the Museum office if needed. No tape of any kind may be used on floors, walls, or furniture.
• All equipment and decor must be placed a minimum of three (3) feet from exhibits and their related parts. Museum articles, exhibits or furnishings may not be moved without the prior approval of the Museum.
• Dirt, sand, sod, rocks, pebbles, grit, glitter, or any other such products are also prohibited.
• Helium tanks must be used outside to inflate balloons. All tanks must be secured to a post or tie-downs. Renter shall be responsible for the costs of any repair and/or replacement of damaged property if anything is affixed without the Museum’s authorization. Removal of all decorations is the responsibility of the Renter by the close of the contracted hours of the event.

OTHER SPECIFICS:

• Indoor chairs may not be removed from Stone Hall unless approved by the Museum.
• Renter may not store items in any area of the Museum Hall or Garden either before or after the event unless contractually agreed and noted.
• Be aware that the Museum is open to the public Wednesday through Sunday, from 1pm to 4pm, and Museum patrons must have access to the restrooms in Stone Hall. Please keep the area in the Hall entryway clear during set-up and event, and do not block the hallway entrance to the restrooms or the gate and stairway to the Museum during Museum hours.
• No food, chafing dish fuel, live flowers, wax, candles, or beverages not in sealed containers can be left out overnight pre-event. Ants and other pests are attracted to these items.
• Facility rental cannot be transferred, assigned, or sublet.
• Contract may be terminated or voided by the Museum if the information provided on the application is inaccurate and/or incorrect.
• After the event, the renter is responsible for:
• Removal of all decorations and all other items brought onto the premises.
• Removal of all food items and beverages, emptying of all trash containers from the buildings, garden, and parking area, and the placement of all trash and recyclable items in the appropriate dumpsters.
• The complete removal and proper storage of garden chairs if used and/or any tables used outside.
• Please keep in mind that your closing time is when the Museum representative will be locking the gate. All personal property should be removed from the premises and all cars from the parking lot. You will be charged for extra time spent in the Hall/Garden after your close time.

RENTER RESPONSIBILITIES

• Renter needs to be 21 years or older and present at least one form of photo ID ID#
• Renter is responsible for all damage or injuries to any person(s) or property resulting from the use of the Museum facilities.
• Museum’s insurance requires Renter provide a general liability endorsement in the amount of $1,000,000 naming the Benicia Historical Museum as additional insured.
• Renter is responsible for ensuring any outside catering/food trucks/services also have adequate insurance coverage. Information regarding event insurance providers can be obtained from Museum.
• Renter is responsible for all vehicles parked in the parking lot. No cars may be left in the lower parking lot after your rental as the gate will be locked upon completion of Event.
• Renter is responsible for designating a person to meet with the Museum Representative for a walk-through inspection prior to the commencement of rental and at the conclusion of the rental period. In addition, facilities personnel provide us with a condition report after cleaning, which may also negatively affect rental deposit refund.
• Minors attending events or on the premises during set-up must be supervised by an adult at all times.
• Museum pictures, exhibits, furniture, stanchions, and other displays are for Museum use only. Any movement of exhibits or exhibit furniture must be pre-approved and/or supervised by Museum personnel. All offices are for Museum staff only.
• There is no smoking inside the Museum or on Museum property.
• There is no open flame of any type permitted inside the Museum. Chafing dish fuel may be used for the sole purpose of keeping food or beverages warm.