CLOSING/TRANSITION
Q: When are you closing your current location?
A: The last day the National Electronics Museum will be open for walk-ins, tours, or visitor reservations will be Friday, October 28, 2022. This closure to the public is necessary to give the museum time to prepare for moving out of our current location before March 31, 2023.
ADMISSION
Q: What is the cost of admission?
A: Admission is $7.00 for adults, $5.00 for students, seniors and active duty military (except during Blue Star Museums). Kids 5 and under are free. Donations are gladly accepted. Groups of 10 or more receive a $2.00 per person discount if the visit is arranged at least two weeks in advance.
Q: Where do I park?
A: The museum has limited free on-site parking. Additional parking, which we share with Northrop Grumman, is available at the end of the building.
Q: Are strollers allowed in the museum? Does the Museum rent strollers?
A: Yes, strollers are allowed. The Museum does not currently rent strollers to the public.
Q: Is smoking allowed inside the Museum?
A: Smoking is not permitted inside the Museum or the grounds except the front parking area.
Q: Are cameras allowed in the Museum?
A: Personal use photography and filming is allowed in the museum. Flashes and artificial lighting are prohibited. Tripods are prohibited. Please be considerate of other visitors when taking photos.
All student projects and professional photography or filming require advance approval and may be subject to staff supervision. Please submit a description of your project and your requested date to nemuseum@gmail.com at least two weeks in advance.
Q: Does the Museum supply wheelchairs?
A: The Museum currently has two wheelchairs, which are offered free of charge and on a first-come-first-served basis.
Q: How much time should I set aside to visit the museum?
A: A self guided tour takes generally one hour.
Q: Is there a gift shop?
A: Yes, souvenirs are available for purchase in the museum lobby.
Q: Is there a restaurant or vending machine at the museum?
A: There are no food services available at the museum. There are many restaurants nearby.
MEMBERSHIPS
Q: How do I become a NEM member?
A: Click here.
VOLUNTEERS
Q: How do I become a volunteer?
A: Click here or contact nemuseum@gmail.com.
GROUPS
Q: I want to bring a group to the museum.
A: We are currently not accepting tour reservations.
Q: What age groups would find the museum most interesting?
A: Junior and Senior High students as well as adults would find the museum most interesting. The museum has a Fundamentals Gallery where basic concepts of electricity and magnetism are taught using hands-on exhibits.
CURATORIAL
Q: I would like to donate an item for the Museum’s collection.
A: Please click here for information on donating objects and artifacts. However, we are not currently able to accept object donations.
Q: What type of objects is the museum seeking?
A: Our mission is to preserve the history of defense electronics and products derived from them. This can include objects, photographs, books, and manuals. Please contact the museum before you bring in a donation. Also, keep in mind that manuals or correspondence may be just as valuable if not more so than the actual objects, so don’t throw them away. However, we are not currently able to accept object donations.
Q: Does the museum offer appraisals?
A: The National Electronics Museum staff cannot, by law, provide appraisal services. The American Society of Appraisers can provide a state-by-state list of accredited appraisers arranged by subject category.
Q: Who can see the collections in storage?
A: Due to our upcoming move from our current facility, our collections storage is not available for view at this time.
Q: Does the museum have a library?
A: There is a library of more than three thousand books covering electronics and related topics.
HAM STATION
Q: Is it possible for me to operate K3NEM, the ham station at the museum?
A: Yes, if accompanied by a member of the Museum’s Radio club and you show your license. Many museum volunteers are also members of the club–ask at the desk. If you want to schedule an operating session ahead of your visit, please contact nemuseum@gmail.com.
Q: What is the call sign of the museum’s amateur radio station, and how can I contact them on the air?
A: There are two call signs associated with the museum: K3NEM is the Museum’s call sign, while W3GR is the H.E.M Amateur Radio Club’s call sign. Occasionally the ham club operates with the call W2W for special events commemorating World War Two. Check the ham club website for regular net activities and operating schedules.
ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS
Q: I still have questions.
A: For additional information, e-mail nemuseum@gmail.com.