Collections Visit FAQ

A collections visit provides an opportunity for classes and community groups to engage with objects from our museum or archival holdings through object-based learning. While the exact format varies depending on the selected items and group interests, visits typically include a brief overview from Center staff followed by guided observation and discussion. These sessions are most impactful when they align with a group’s learning goals, course objectives, or research interests.

The Center makes every effort to accommodate all visit and access requests; however, accommodations are subject to staff availability, the physical condition and accessibility of collection items, and relevant cultural considerations.

Check out our helpful resource guide.

Probably! The Center’s museum and archival collections are diverse, aligning with a wide range of interests, disciplines, and learning goals. To learn more about the scope of our collections, we encourage you to explore our website or contact us to discuss possibilities for your group.

We have worked across disciplines to support a range of course content and research goals. Examples include:

• Health, Science & Nutrition — Using archival materials and museum objects to explore the intersection of food culture, nutrition, and health.
• Engineering — Working with our collection of alebrijes (Mexican folk-art carvings) to learn the process of 3D modeling.
• Math — Analyzing pattern sequences in Native American pottery, textiles, and beadwork.
• Art & Design — Exploring color theory and composition of artworks on display in the exhibition gallery.
• Native American & Indigenous Studies — Arts and cultural practices over time.

We request at least four weeks’ notice to allow adequate time for planning, object selection, and scheduling with Center staff.

There is no fee for a collections visit, although donations are always welcome.

Please submit your group visit request using our brief online form. If you have any questions, please contact Cristie Scott at cmscott@fortlewis.edu or (970) 247-7333.

For collections visits, we prepare labels and inventory sheets with basic information about the selected objects. We encourage groups to use these materials as a starting point for observation, discussion, creativity, and further inquiry. However, keep in mind that the Center has been stewarding collections for more than 60 years under evolving documentation practices, which means detailed information is not available for every item in our care.

Depending on the scope and number of objects, Center staff can sometimes arrange for the objects to be placed in our archival display case in the Delaney Research Library for an extended viewing period.

Visitors are also permitted to photograph the objects (without a flash) during the visit.

All food and drinks (including water), along with backpacks and large personal items, should be stored in our reception room, the first-floor lockers, or the cubbies in the Delaney Research Library.

If participants are permitted to handle certain materials (such as archival paper items), they will be asked to wash and dry their hands beforehand. Otherwise, visitors will be asked not to touch objects or lean on walls, cases, or other display supports.

Photography and video without flash are permitted. Only pencils may be used when taking notes in Center spaces (we can provide them if needed). These guidelines will be reviewed with your group at the beginning of the session.

Your role as a group leader or instructor can vary during a collections visit, although we find that the most meaningful learning experiences are those in which the leader or instructor is actively and consistently involved throughout the session. This may include connecting the visit to an assignment, project, or broader learning goals.

If you are bringing your group to the Center for the first time, we will meet ahead of time to discuss your role in the visit and its overall format.

We are located on the north end of the Fort Lewis College campus. See this map with our building and nearby parking lots circled.

Yes, restrooms and water fountains are located on either end of the building’s first floor.

During the fall and spring terms (September–April), parking permits for all visitors are enforced Monday through Friday, from 8:00 AM to 3:30 PM. Parking after 3:30 PM is permitted on campus without a permit.

Visitors to the Center may use the metered parking spaces, purchase a short-term parking permit, or be dropped off and picked up to avoid parking fees.

Parking is free in any campus lot from May through August.

The Center is open year-round and typically closed on the holidays listed below. Please see our website for the most current hours and closures.

• The week observed by the FLC academic calendar for fall break
• Two weeks spanning Christmas and New Year’s
• The week observed by the FLC academic calendar for spring break (typically the third week of March)
• Memorial Day
• Juneteenth
• Fourth of July

If you have a collections visit scheduled during a weather-related campus closure, we will contact you to reschedule as soon as possible.