Public Health Museum FAQs:
DO I NEED TO BOOK TICKETS IN ADVANCE?
If you would like to ensure a guided tour, advance booking is required, as docents are only guaranteed when tours are scheduled ahead of time. Even for self-guided visits, we recommend booking in advance to ensure availability, as tickets may sell out.
HOW LONG DOES A TOUR TYPICALLY TAKE?
A guided tour typically lasts about one hour, though the length may vary depending on questions and discussion with the docent.
Self-guided tours usually take 30 to 60 minutes, depending on how much time you choose to spend exploring the exhibits.
Self-guided tours usually take 30 to 60 minutes, depending on how much time you choose to spend exploring the exhibits.
wHY DO I NOT SEE AN AVAILABLE TIME FOR a TOUR?
Available tour times may not appear for several reasons. The time slot may be sold out, the museum may be closed due to a holiday or inclement weather, or the time may have been reserved for a school or group visit.
If you have questions or need assistance, please feel free to contact us.
If you have questions or need assistance, please feel free to contact us.
dO YOU OFFER SCHOOL OR GROUP TOURS?
Yes. All group visits should be scheduled through our museum coordinator, preferably at least a month in advance. Please include your group size, preferred tour type, and preferred tour date and time when submitting a request.
To request a group or school tour, please email [email protected].
To request a group or school tour, please email [email protected].
iS THE MUSEUM SUITABLE FOR CHILDREN?
Yes. While much of the museum’s content is geared toward middle school–aged visitors and older, younger children are still welcome.
To help engage younger guests, the museum offers scavenger hunts that encourage exploration and make the visit fun and interactive for all ages.
To help engage younger guests, the museum offers scavenger hunts that encourage exploration and make the visit fun and interactive for all ages.
ARE REFUNDS AVAILABLE IF I AM UNABLE TO ATTEND MY SCHEDULED TOUR?
Refunds are not available for missed tours. The museum is staffed entirely by volunteers and relies on tour fees to support its work.
If you are unable to attend, you are welcome to reschedule. Please contact the museum with a date that works for you.
If you are unable to attend, you are welcome to reschedule. Please contact the museum with a date that works for you.
iS PHOTOGRAPHY ALLOWED?
Absolutely! Feel free to snap photos during your visit.
If you share them online, we’d love for you to tag the museum so we can see your photos and join in on the fun!
If you share them online, we’d love for you to tag the museum so we can see your photos and join in on the fun!
aRE THERE OPPORTUNITIES TO SCHEDULE A TOUR WHEN THE MUSEUM IS NOT OPEN TO THE PUBLIC?
The museum is open to the public on Thursdays and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Group visits (such as schools, organizations, or large parties) may be scheduled on other days, depending on volunteer availability.
All such visits must be arranged in advance through the museum coordinator.
To request a group tour, please email [email protected].
Group visits (such as schools, organizations, or large parties) may be scheduled on other days, depending on volunteer availability.
All such visits must be arranged in advance through the museum coordinator.
To request a group tour, please email [email protected].
wHAT EXHIBITIONS ARE CURRENTLY ON DISPLAY?
Currently the Public Health Museum has exhibits on:
- Tewksbury Almshouse and Hospital history
- HIV/AIDS
- Smallpox
- Tuberculosis
- Polio
- Pandemics (1918 and COVID)
- Patent Medicine
- Mental Health
- Nursing
- Public Health Laboratories
- Dentistry
CAN WE GO INTO OTHER BUILDINGS ON THE CAMPUS?
No. While museum tours discuss the history of the Tewksbury Hospital campus, access is limited to the Old Administration Building, where the museum is located. Tours do not include entry into other historic buildings on the campus unless stated otherwise.
WHERE ARE YOU LOCATED? iS THERE PARKING AVAILABLE?
The museum is located on the Tewksbury Hospital Campus at 365 East Street, Tewksbury, Massachusetts, in the Old Administration Building near the East Street entrance. Parking is available in the lot just inside the East Street entrance.
Look for the building with the tall green spire—that’s us!
Look for the building with the tall green spire—that’s us!
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Map Key: White line: East Street entrance to campus Red square: Parking lot Orange line: Path to museum entrance Blue line: Handicap entrance to museum |
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