The El Paso Museum of History is actively working to make the museum a space that is accessible and engaging for all visitors.
Programming
Every second Saturday, the Museum of History will host low-sensory hours between 10 AM and 1 PM. During this time, lights are dimmed in the exhibits and sound is lowered. Visitors can also enjoy easy hands-on crafts as well as access to different quiet spaces.
Please note there is no Low Sensory Saturday in October due to festival programming throughout the month.
Amenities
The El Paso Museum of History offers the following amenities upon request for all visitors during operating hours:
- Noise-reducing headphones
- Wheelchairs
- Individual quiet space with low lighting, fidget toys, and weighted lap pads
Please inquire at the front desk for more information.
Background
EPMH’s phase one accessibility work began in July 2022 when they hosted a summer camp in partnership with FabLab. Over the course of a week, a group of high school students learned how to scan, model, and print 3D objects while also learning about the history of the disability rights movement in the United States and universal design principles. Participants also met with a representative from El Paso Council of the Blind, who shared more about their experience navigating the built environment with a visual impairment. At the end of the week, participants unveiled a small pop-up exhibit, which they titled “In Touch with the Past.” The pop-up featured three 3D printed replicas of objects from EPMH’s permanent exhibit Changing Pass: People, Land, & Memory as well as QR codes with audio descriptions. The program received an award from the Texas Association of Museums.
In April 2023, EPMH permanently integrated the three 3D prints from the camp as well as four additional prints by FabLab into Changing Pass. The objects can be handled by the public and are accompanied by braille labels and QR codes that link to audio descriptions.
EPMH is currently working to develop and implement phase two accessibility initiatives in partnership with community groups.
This project was made possible in part thanks to support from the El Paso Community Foundation, El Paso Electric’s Community Partner Program, and Marathon’s Community Investment Program.
Resources
Low Sensory Saturdays Visitor's Guide
Low Sensory Saturdays Exhibition Guide
