At the Museum of the Shenandoah Valley, we strive to provide a welcoming environment of engaging and meaningful experiences that can be accessed by all.

Accessible parking

There are designated accessible parking spaces located near the museum’s entrance. Curb cuts to access the sidewalk are located near these spaces and in several places along the front of the museum building.

Wheelchairs

The main galleries building is wheelchair accessible. Wheelchairs are available to borrow during your visit on a first come first served basis. The Glen Burnie gardens and house have some limitations to their accessibility due to their historic nature. If you have a mobility concern, please contact us so that we can ensure a successful visit.

Blind/low-vision

Touch tours are available upon request, dependent on staff availability. Large print gallery guides are available in select exhibitions.

Spanish

Select exhibitions may have handouts or interpretive text in both English and Spanish. Please contact us to find out about a particular exhibit or whether exhibit materials are available in Spanish.

Trails

The park features over three miles of paved, ADA-accessible trails. There are also paved and turf/mulch trails that are not ADA accessible. The trails map available here shows the various trails.

Service Animals

Trained service animals are welcome. We do not allow pets in the Glen Burnie gardens, house, or galleries building. Leashed dogs are welcome on the trails at the MSV.

Questions? Contact Adult Programs Manager Sam Scalph at sscalph@themsv.org or by calling 540-662-1473 ext. 226.

Quietest time

Families concerned about visiting when the museum is crowded are encouraged to visit on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons when the museum tends to be less heavily attended. Visitors may call ahead and speak to Guest Services staff about attendance on your chosen day.

Sensory kits

Sensory Kits contain a variety of sensory aids, fidget tools, and noise cancelling headphones, as well as copies of the MSV social narrative. Kits are available at the Guest Services desk in the lobby or at the Gatehouse. Sensory Kits can be borrowed for use during your visit.

Social narrative

The MSV social narrative is a resource for people who may benefit from descriptions and pictures that show what a typical visit to the MSV is like. If you, your child, or someone else in your group would benefit from this resource, you can download our Social Narrative as a PDF below:

Social Narrative for visits January through March
Social Narrative for visits April through December

Questions? Contact Adult Programs Manager Sam Scalph at sscalph@themsv.org or by calling 540-662-1473 ext. 226.

We welcome visitors of all abilities to participate in our programs. Please let us know in advance if you have access needs so that we can do our best to make your visit successful and enjoyable. You can find more information or register for programs here.

In addition to the MSV’s commitment to ensuring that our programs can be accessed by all, we also offer several individualized programs specifically intended for people with disabilities.

Access MSV

Take part in this sensory-friendly, accessible morning at the MSV!

Art Ability

Art Ability is a program primarily designed for teens and adults with developmental and sensory disabilities. For ages 16 & older.

Memories at the MSV

Designed especially for individual visitors with memory loss and their care partners, Memories at the MSV is an opportunity to socialize, enjoy history and art, and create together.

Questions? Contact Adult Programs Manager Sam Scalph at sscalph@themsv.org or by calling 540-662-1473 ext. 226.