Groups will sleep in one of our galleries. When groups check in they will be informed of their sleeping area. Groups cannot reserve a specific space in advance.

You may bring sleeping bags, sleeping mats, and twin air mattresses (no queen- or king‐size, please). Battery- or foot-operated pumps are recommended as we are unable to guarantee sleeping space near an outlet due to safety requirements. Please test your air mattress and pumps before arrival. Cots are not permitted. Because the museum has limited space, we have to be able to accommodate everyone and may ask participants to limit how much sleep gear they are bringing.

We recommend bringing comfortable clothes with several layers to sleep in as the temperature may adjust through the night. Shoes are required when moving around the museum, so you may consider bringing slip-ons for a late-night restroom visit. Headphones are required if you need to use your phone after lights out. While the museum does not get totally dark, we also recommend bringing a small flashlight.

NO OUTSIDE FOOD OR BEVERAGES

No handheld electronic gaming devices

No valuables

No weapons

Snack typically consists of a small, bagged snack like chips or pretzels. There is also water. Breakfast typically consists of fruit, muffins, granola bars, as well as hot coffee, juice, and water. Water is available all night.

If someone in your group has allergies, you are permitted to bring your own food for snack and breakfast. We cannot guarantee that our provided food is allergen‐free. Please let us know ahead of time so that we can do our best to recognize and accommodate any allergies.

The schedule is designed for families and groups to explore several different hands-on activities in small groups. Participants will be given a schedule at check-in telling them when they can do each activity. There is a break in the middle for a snack, and the night ends with a special show. Lights out is at midnight and breakfast begins around 7:30 am. The Museum Shop will be open for overnight guests in the morning. There will be a tour of the caboose at 8:30 am. Admission to the museum beginning at 10 am is included for the following day so you can extend the fun.

The museum does not get totally dark, as there are safety lights on in spaces throughout the building. If you are a light sleeper, we recommend that you consider bringing a sleep mask to block any ambient lights and earplugs to tune out nighttime noises. We kindly ask that all guests be mindful of each other during this program, especially after lights out, to avoid interrupting each other’s sleep.

No. Activities are designed for children 8–12 years old, and we find that younger guests have a tough time understanding and participating enough to enjoy the event.

No. To ensure a positive experience for all guests, all children attending must be 8-12 years old. Adults may only attend as chaperones.

Registration for each event ends at midnight on the previous Saturday (one week) before the event date. All reservations are first come, first served. No tickets are available at the door. Refund requests made 2 weeks or less before registration ends will only be entitled to a refund of fifty percent (50%) of the fee. Tickets are non-refundable after registration ends.

Groups are welcome to join all public overnight dates, pending ticket availability. The easiest way is for the group leader to book tickets for the whole group. There is a way for individuals to book but they must note the group leader on the reservation when they buy a ticket. If you would like to book a private overnight, please contact us and we would be delighted to discuss dates and program information.

We will send a detailed email to ticket purchasers about where to go and what to bring a few days before each event, and we kindly request that purchases made on behalf of a group forward the information to all participants to ensure a smooth check-in. Participants must know the name of the person who bought the tickets in order to check-in. We ask that group leaders or organizers make themselves available during check-in to help greet their guests. If you are part of a group but haven’t received any information, please reach out to your group leader, and of course let us know if you have any other questions.

The museum does not provide parking for program guests. However, the nearest long-term parking lot is a block away from the museum at the Triangle/Amtrak lot.

Check-in begins at 7:00 pm at the front desk of the museum. The doors will be locked at 7:30 pm, and anyone arriving after that will not be allowed in and will miss the event. We will have the list of participants printed but you should bring a copy of your ticket just in case. If you are part of a group booking of any size, you must know the name of the person who bought your ticket in order to check-in.

Free next-day admission is included in your ticket. Please continue to wear the wristband distributed at the program to gain entry to the museum. The museum is closed to the public from 9 am to 10 am as we clean, set up, and prepare for the upcoming day, but there are many interesting historical sights, restaurants, cafes, and shops within walking distance for you to visit while you await reopening.

NO alcoholic beverages and weapons of any kind are permitted in the building. Anyone thought to be under the influence of drugs or alcohol will be escorted from the premises without a refund. Please leave valuables and electronics at home. The museum may act on your behalf, or on behalf of your child, in any medical emergency, including, if necessary, emergency medical treatment and admission to an accredited hospital or emergency care center. All Museum of Culpeper History safety policies apply during the program.