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Rent the Courthouse
Event Rental Information
The Historic Henry County Courthouse is the perfect location for your upcoming event. We can accommodate conferences, meetings, weddings, family reunions, class reunions, recitals, performances and other gatherings.
Our downstairs venue will seat from 100-140 (depending on current rotating exhibit) in a total of 1,000 square feet. Tables and chairs are available for use.
The restored 1929 Courtroom upstairs seats 140. There is a total of 1,700 square feet space available. Permanent bench seating is in place. Podium, table, chairs, and a PA system are available for use.
Both the first and second floors are handicapped accessible, including with ramp and elevator.
Use of the front plaza is also available. Anchors are in place for an event tent.
Please call the MHC Heritage Center & Museum at 276-405-5361 or email mhchistoricalsociety@gmail.com for more information and to reserve space for your special event.
Rental Rates
All prices are based on the specified minimum hours listed below and include 1.5 hours for set-up and 1 hour for clean-up. For events that last longer than listed, a $25/hour security fee will apply.
Conference Room (Capacity 20 people)
Note: Table and chairs included; access to handicap restroom from other rooms is to be permitted.
$125 for up to 4 hours
$200 for up to 8 hours
First Floor and Plaza (Capacity 140 people, or 100 if beer and/or wine served)
Note: Available other than public visiting hours; table and chairs available; refrigerator and microwave in preparation area are available
$275 for up to 6 hours; Non-Profits $215*
$525 for up to 12 hours; Non-Profits $475*
Courtroom (Capacity 140 people bench seating)
Note: Podium, tables, chairs, screen, projector and PA system are available. Food and drinks are not allowed.
$300 for 6 hours; Non-Profits $225*
$525 for 12 hours; Non-Profits $425*
First and Second Floors and Plaza
$375 for up to 6 hours; Non-Profits $275*
$625 for up to 12 hours; Non-profits $475*
*Officially Recognized Non-Profit Organizations and Government
MHC Historial Society Rental Contract Agreement
Date: ______________________
Name of Group or Individual: ________________________
Contact Person: _____________________________________
Telephone: ________ Cell Number ________________________
Email Address: ___________________________
Address: _________________________________
Date of Event: ______________________________
Start Time of Event: ___________________________
End Time of Event: _________________________
Rental Area(s): __________________________
Number Attending: ________________ Caterer: ________________________
Rental Fees: ______________ Deposit: (50% of Rental Fee)_______________
Damage Deposit: $100
DEPOSIT AND PAYMENT: The Group-User must return this contract, signed by its representative, with payment of the deposit fee. The balance of the rental fee will be paid at least 10 days prior to the event. Rental fees are based on the specified times outlined in the “Heritage Center Event Information and Rates” and include 1.5 hours for Setup and 1 hour for Cleanup within those times.
Check payable to the MHC Historical Society.
DAMAGES: In the event of damage to the Heritage Center, its exhibits, equipment or furnishings beyond ordinary use or damage to the grounds, including but not limited to, plantings, benches, monuments, cannons, railings, brick or stonework, by the user or any of its party, the Group-User agrees to pay the full cost of repairs, restoration, or replacement whichever option the MHCHS deems appropriate. A damage deposit is due with the signed contract. If no damages have been incurred, the deposit will be returned in full within ten (10) business days following the event.
CANCELLATION: Either party may cancel this agreement by written notice sixty (60) days or more before the date of the rental without liability or, in such event the deposit shall be refunded in full. The Group-User may cancel after sixty (60) and more than ten (10) days before the date of the rental but, the deposit fee shall not be refundable and shall be forfeited. In the event that ten (10) days or less before the date of the rental the Group-User fails to use the space, the rental shall be paid in full. The MHC Historical Society may at any time cancel this contract as a result of an event or events beyond its control which make performance of this contract impossible. The MHC Historical Society further reserves the right to cancel this contract as a result of inclement weather. In such events it shall return the rental fees paid as of the date of cancellation.
INDEMINIFICATION: The Group-User agrees to defend, indemnify and hold harmless the MHC Historical Society from all claims arising from Group-User’s use of the premises. It is understood and agreed that this is a contract for rental of space only and the Group-User is solely responsible for its conduct and that of its guests and its caterer.
INSURANCE: The group-user agrees to provide the MHC Historical Society with a certificate of its liability insurance, naming the MHC Historical Society as an additional insured, with a combined single limit of not less than $1,000,000. For group-users serving alcoholic beverages as part of their function, the required limit of liability shall be not less than $1 million. The group-user will provide a certificate of its liability insurance with thirty (30) days’ notice of cancellation or change, addressed to the MHC Historical Society’s business office.
ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES: Group-Users serving alcoholic beverages must meet the VABC regulations including: no liquor to be served to anyone under 21 years of age and no concealed firearms permitted on the premises.
POLICIES: Group-User agrees to adhere to all the following policies:
1. It is understood that the integrity of the building, grounds and exhibits shall be respected.
2. Availability of space subject to Heritage Center’s exhibitions or other public programs. Adjustment to set-up may be necessary.
3. Any print material such as invitations or announcements must first meet the approval of the MHCHS designated representative.
4. The Group-User is expected to submit an itinerary of the rental events activities to the MHCHS designated representative.
5. The Group-User is required to secure and furnish evidence of required permits, including but not limited to VABC license (https://www.abc.virginia.gov/licenses/get-a-license/banquet-licenses) and Martinsville City event license (contact Pam Shoemaker at 276-403-5133 and visit the City’s Special Events information website at https://www.martinsville-va.gov/government/commissioner- of-the-revenue/special-events).
6. Heritage Center’s daytime available rental hours are from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
7. Heritage Center’s evening available rental hours are from 5:00 p. m. – 12:00 midnight.
8. The Group-User may not extend the hours agreed upon in the contract.
9. An approved Security Guard, MHCHS Board Member or designee must be present at all events.
10. Rental equipment may be delivered the day of the event and must be removed the following morning.
11. Food or drinks are not permitted on the second floor.
12. Smoking is not permitted anywhere in the building.
13. Open flames are not permitted anywhere in the building.
14. Pets are not permitted anywhere in the building. Guide dogs an exception.
15. All opened beer and wine must be discarded at the end of the event. Opened liquor cannot be combined.
16. All alcohol must be served by the caterer or an appointed adult. Alcohol must not be left unattended. (Bars close promptly at 11 p.m. unless otherwise contracted).
17. The MHCHS reserves the right to refuse service of alcohol based on the Virginia ABC Policies.
18. Alcohol is not permitted to leave the building. If event takes place on the plaza and alcohol is served, the event area must be roped off.
19. Any decorations must be free-standing. No glitter, glue, tape or nails are permitted.
20. Items not permitted include: smoke machines, chewing gum, or confetti, glitter, sparklers, maracas, hackey sack/items that release beads or bead-like material when broken open, rubber bouncing balls, helium balloons without weights.
21. All food and drinks must be removed from the premises immediately following the event.
22. The Group-User must remove, or hire someone to remove decorations, refuse and supplies within 24 hours following the event and clean entire area used, inside and outside, including restrooms.
23. The Group-User is responsible for chaperoning all children.
TERMS:
1. Right to Terminate. The MHCHS reserves the right to terminate facility and/or grounds reservations for any activity if it determines, while the activity is going on, that facility exhibits, equipment or furnishings or grounds are being damaged as a result of the activity, or if it determines that the activity is endangering the health or safety of patrons, interfering with the processes of the Heritage Center, or infringing on the rights of others.
2. Fire Safety: Group User agrees to be aware of and abide by fire safety regulations and procedures, including the proper exit procedures, room capacity, and room setup requirements.
3. Heritage Center Safety. Identification of any individual on the premises of the Heritage Center facilities may be required at any time at the discretion of a MHCHS board member or security guard on the premises.
4. Future Use. Future requests for Heritage Center facility use will be denied and other sanctions may be incurred by Group-User if it violates any terms of this agreement.
5. Publicity. Group-User shall not use, in its external advertising, marketing programs or promotional efforts, any data, pictures of other representation of the Heritage Center and Museum except on the specific written authorization in advance by the MHCHS designated representative. The MHCHS will not withhold authorization unreasonably.
Signed (Group-User Authorized Representative)
_________________________________________________________
Date: ________________________
Signed (MHCHS Representative) _______________________________________________
Date: _______________________
02/2022