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A Meaningful Membership

It’s never been a better time to join the Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History! As a Museum Member, you will enjoy a wide range of benefits to deepen your connections with nature and science, whether you’re visiting our locally-specific exhibits, joining us for a walk or workshop, or picking up an educational gift from our Museum Store.

While enjoying your yearly benefits, you’ll also have the satisfaction of knowing you’re supporting an important community resource that has served locals and visitors alike for over 100 years.

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Your Membership Supports

  • Gathering, preserving and promoting natural history collections
  • Dynamic natural history exhibits throughout the year
  • Free Museum hands-on science education for school groups
  • Resources and rentable kits for educators
  • Programs for lifelong learners with world-class speakers, researchers, and artists
  • Nature-based camps for youth throughout the year
  • Community partnerships with local nonprofits

Universal Member Benefits

All Museum Members receive:

  • Free admission to the Museum for one adult
  • Discounts on Museum programs
  • Invitations to Members-only events
  • 10% discount on purchases at the Museum Store
  • Subscription to our e-newsletter

Join us at the Club level and above to receive the ASTC Passport, and enjoy free reciprocal admission to participating science centers & museums nationwide!

Please note: Some benefits have monetary value and are not tax deductible. More information is provided under the benefit tables, below. 

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Annual Membership Levels

Member dues help further our mission to connect people with nature and science to inspire stewardship of the natural world.

Level Fee Guest Passes Camp Discount ASTC Passport for Reciprocal Admission Club Events Donor Events Digital Donor Wall & Annual Report
Student/Senior $20
Dual Senior $40
Individual $40 1
Family $65 2 ✔
Golden Eagle Club $100 2 ✔ ✔ ✔
Gray Whale Club $250 2 ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔
Mastodon Club $500 2 ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔

Curator Circle

Donors whose cumulative annual contributions reach $1,000 or more by the end of our July to June fiscal year will be welcomed to our exclusive Curator Circle! Don’t want to wait? You can also become a Curator Circle member with a single gift.

Already in the Circle? Contact development@santacruzmuseum.org to claim your benefits, including private experiences for your small group.

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Curator Circle Giving Levels

Members of the Curator Circle receive all Club-level benefits in addition to exclusive opportunities.

Curator FAQs
Level Gift Exhibit Tour for 4 Guests Naturalist Walk for 4 Guests Priority Booking for Facility Rentals Collections Tour for 2 Guests
Pat & Kirk Smith Circle $1000 ✔
Randy Morgan Circle $2500 ✔ ✔
Humphrey Pilkington Circle $5000 ✔ ✔ ✔
Laura Hecox Circle $10000 ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔

A Note About Taxes

The benefits listed below have fair market values, impacting the total deductibility of your membership. If your membership was purchased through a Donor Advised Fund or similar entity, you may not be eligible to accept these benefits, please consult your tax preparer for more information.

Across all levels of our Membership Program, these are the only benefits with associated fair market values:

  • Unlimited Admission: $5.00 per entry
  • Store Discount: 10% off each purchase
  • Program Discount: Varied; please check receipts
  • ASTC Passport: $100 (Club and Curator Levels Only)