SIA Tour Road Rules for Conferences and Tours

SIA Tour Road Rules

Tours of active and former industrial sites are a key ingredient of the annual conferences and fall tours of the Society for Industrial Archeology.

The SIA is dependent on the willingness of site owners and managers to permit visits. Please remember that as a tour attendee you are representing the SIA and are a guest of the factory or site owner.

You are expected to abide by all rules communicated to you by your tour guides and in conference registration materials.

These rules may include but are not limited to:

  • Wearing appropriate clothing, such as long pants, long sleeve shirts and closed-toe shoes Sandals and sneakers should never be worn in factories and hard-soled shoes, such as work shoes or hiking boots, are required for your own safety.
  • Using specified safety equipment, such as earplugs, hardhats, or safety shoes
  • Taking only authorized photographs
  • Staying with your tour guide and staying out of restricted areas
  • Sticking to the tour schedule and not causing unnecessary delays
  • Controlling the behavior of children who are in your care
  • Not touching products on the factory floor

If you are uncertain of the rules for a particular site, you are encouraged to ask.

Not following tour rules may result in your expulsion from the tour by your host, tour guide, a event committee member, or an SIA Board member. This policy is intended to ensure that each tour is an educational and enjoyable event for everyone.

Please contact a Tour Leader or a member of the SIA Board if you have comments or questions.