Mornings at the Museum: Sensory Days
Join us in the morning at the museum for a sensory-friendly experience inside our temporary exhibits; specifically catered to members of our community with ASD, who are neurodivergent, and their families. We welcome visitors of all abilities and museum experience.
This program is free to participate. Pre-registration is encouraged. To register: please call 616-842-0700 ext. 123 or email Marv Bolthouse at mbolthouse@tchmuseum.org.
Mornings at the Museum are offered once a month from 9:00 a.m - 10:00 a.m.; an hour before opening to the public.
Upcoming Sensory Days
June 21st, 2022
July 19th, 2022
August 9th, 2022
What to Expect
During our Mornings at the Museum, changes are made to our temporary exhibits; with the intention of helping make the museum more accessible and enjoyable for those with ASD and who are neurodivergent. These changes include:
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Offering sensory-friendly toys to be used during your visit.
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Offering a sensory-friendly map, museum story guides, and a visual checklist of the museum.
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Adding additional signage to assist in navigation aid in understanding museum rules/expectations.
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Having fewer visitors than normal.
Visitors are welcome to:
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Come and go as they please.
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Bring comfort items - fidget devices, headphones, weighted vests, etc.
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*Use the designated quiet space.
*Designated Quiet Space
Our designated quiet space is located on the third floor, off of Centennial Hall. Included in this space are:
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Places to sit.
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Sensory/fidget toys.
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Coloring materials.
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Other hands-on items.
This space is quiet, has dim lighting, and is in a semi-secluded location.
Before Your Visit
We want to make sure that your visit with us is a memorable experience. The following documents have been designed to help prepare visitors for their visit to the museum.
TCHM Sensory Map
TCHM Sensory Map shows the suggested path through the museum and where sound items are located.
Museum Story Guides
Museum Story Guides are a visual, step-by-step guide to visiting TCHM and the temporary exhibits.
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Visual Checklist
The Visual Checklist is a customizable to-do list for visitors to use for planning their visit. Will require scissors.