Recent developments, including the U.S. Supreme Court’s June 22 ruling in New York State Rifle & Pistol Association Inc. v. Bruen, striking down a New York concealed handgun law, and the bipartisan Safer Communities Act recently signed into law the same month by President Biden add to an already fluid and complex array of gun-related laws nationwide.

Gun laws vary from state to state and may or may not apply to your museum. Some laws may only apply to governmental institutions allowing private museums to make their own restrictions. Wikipedia updates a comprehensive page on federal gun laws. Boston University has compiled a list of State-by-State Firearm laws through 2020. The American Association of State Colleges and Universities has a special campaign website against efforts to allow guns on college campuses. They have an associated site that maps the status of campus carry nationwide.

Examples of no firearms/Weapons signage

• Philbrook Museum, Oklahoma
• My Security Sign, Oregon

Examples of wording on museum websites

• National Law Enforcement Museum, Washington, DC
• United States Holocaust Museum, Washington, DC

This Resource Library Page and links are provided for informational purposes only and do not serve as formal legal advice. It is always recommended to consult your own legal counsel with specific questions about you or your museum’s activities.

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