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On-call guide gives tours for anyone, anytime

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Daryl Knee
  • 90th Space Wing Public Affairs
One of the Warren Museum's programs initiated a new form of tourism on base in May. 

The new program transforms a cellular phone into an audio tour guide to inform and educate the user about Warren's history. 

"This program is something to offer to our Airmen, retirees and dependants," said Paula Taylor, museum director. "They just have to dial a number to receive a chunk of our history and the capability to share that with their families." 

When the tour phone number is dialed, an automated response asks for the number of the historical site for which information is desired. The numbers come from a map available at the museum. The maps are also being distributed to various high customer traffic areas on base. 

"This tour is great for small groups that wouldn't have had a chance to receive a professional tour," Ms. Taylor said. "It helps a limited staff with a limited budget to inform anyone at anytime." 

The base policy is that all formal tours must be coordinated through the local public affairs office. These tours must be for at least 10 people; individual or small group tours are only supported when manning and mission allows. 

"It's a luxury to have this program because of work schedules, flexibility and the size of some families," Ms. Taylor said. "Now you can take your family on a tour when normally you wouldn't meet the requirements for one." 

The museum staff updates the recordings with additional information as needed. Those without access to the base can still take the audio tour but are not able to see the areas talked about. The call is free but uses cell phone minutes. 

Cell phone use is prohibited while driving a vehicle at Warren. Drivers should place the cell phone on speaker and lay it down during the tour so both hands are free. Offenders will be ticketed. 

"I love history and wanted to make it interesting and exciting to everybody," Ms. Taylor said. "Now, all you have to do is pick up a phone." 

To access the audio tour, call (307) 316-0073. For more information, call the museum at 773-2980. 

This is part one of a three part series on museum programs.