Scheduling & Planning

The most successful field trips and group programs are those that are well planned and coordinated. Our scheduling staff looks forward to assisting you in making your arrangements. Please review our fees and scheduling and planning information.

To make your reservation or for further inquiries, please fill our on-line registration form below or contact Katy Pownall, Education Coordinator, at kpownall@mercermuseum.org.

Confirmation and Payment: Once your reservation is made you will receive an invoice detailing your visit. Payment for all on-site programs is due on the day of the program. One check or payment must be provided for the entire group, we do not accept individual payments for group reservations.

Inquiry Form

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Information About Your Visit

Arrival: Please make every effort to be on time. We cannot increase the length of a program or tour due to late arrivals. If your group arrives late some programs may need to be shortened. If your group is unavoidably delayed please notify us by calling the Mercer Museum reception desk at 215-345-0210, or at Fonthill Castle at 215-348-9461.

Chaperones are required to stay with their groups at all times, both to assist students and to monitor behavior. Please prepare chaperones by outlining their responsibilities prior to your arrival.

Bus Parking: Mercer Museum parking is available at the far end of the Mercer Museum parking lot. Follow the signs upon entering. At Fonthill Castle, buses and large vehicles SHOULD NOT attempt to pass through the concrete pillars at the entrance on Court Street. Instead, use the entrance off Route 313 (Swamp Rd.). Follow the path to the left to the Fonthill lots on the left.

Accessibility: The original Mercer Museum is partially handicapped accessible (approximately 65%) by elevator. The new wing which includes the changing exhibition gallery and learning center is fully accessible including the restrooms. Other alternative education areas are or can be fully accessible. Fonthill Castle has limited accessibility, however, a ground floor tour may be arranged. Please notify us when you make your reservation if your group includes individuals with special needs.

Mercer Museum Shop: The Mercer Museum Shop offers a variety of affordable souvenirs for students. All children MUST be accompanied by a chaperone while in the shop area. Inquire about scheduling a time to shop.

Lunch Space: Outdoor lunch space is available on the Mercer Museum and Fonthill Castle grounds, both of which are equipped with picnic tables. Groups are encouraged to bring outdoor games and equipment to fully enjoy the space. Mercer Museum and Fonthill Castle DO NOT have indoor lunch space available for youth groups.

Museum Climate: The original portion of the Mercer Museum is not climate controlled. The temperature inside the museum roughly matches the outside temperature. Similarly, the Log House is not climate controlled. However, the museum’s exhibition wing, exhibit gallery and program facilities are fully heated and air-conditioned. Fonthill Castle is heated, but not air-conditioned. Students and chaperones are urged to dress accordingly.

Photography: Photography is allowed in both the Mercer Museum and  Fonthill Castle.

During School programs and tours at the Mercer Museum and Fonthill Castle our staff may take photographs for publicity purposes. These images may be used in brochures or other forms of promotion for our institutions. No information, school names or individual names are ever used to document these images. Teachers, parents, or guardians with concerns about such use should contact the Education Department at 215-345-0210 ext. 123.

Pre- and Post-Visit Activities: Visit our Resources page to help make the most of your museum experience. There are activities and other resources to use in your classroom before, during and after your visit.

ROLLO'S FACTS

All the concrete used to construct Fonthill (1908-1910) was mixed by hand!
Rollo's Fact 2

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• On Tuesday, March 19, 2024, Fonthill Castle will have a delayed opening. The first tour will begin at 11:45am.

• Fonthill Castle will be closed to the public on Tuesday, March 26, 2024.

Full schedule information can be found here.
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