Museum Insider

Volkswagen Beetles and Chevrolet Chevelles are zipping up and down Colfax Avenue. Denverites are humming along to “I’ll Take You There” by the Staple Sisters and “American Pie” by Don McLean. They are wearing wide lapels and bell bottoms. Water cooler chatter includes Bobby Fischer’s chess world championship and NASA’s announcement to launch a space shuttle program. Some Denver residents are entering the doors of the Denver Museum of Natural History as card-carrying members for the very first time.

The moment in which Museum membership was created was one that would forever impact how Coloradans and visitors from around the country engage with the Museum. The Junior League of Denver, along with some Museum staff members, proposed a membership program with hopes that it would engage the community, draw support for the Museum’s work and encourage volunteer service. Their vision resulted in a legacy whose impact continues decades later, achieving these goals and more.

The Junior League was critical in launching this new program. The group contributed financial support and worked to make their dream a reality. The first official membership campaign kicked off in September of 1972, with membership prices ranging from $1 for a Junior membership and $10 for a Family membership, up to $500 for a Benefactor membership. In just a few months, the campaign had gained more than 600 individuals.

As of 1992, membership grew to 32,000 members. At the time, the Denver Museum of Nature & Science had the second-largest membership program in the country. The program has continued to evolve, attracting appreciators of nature and science of all ages. Young Professional and Grandparent membership levels were added in 2011, creating even more meaningful opportunities for members to engage with their Museum.

Blockbuster traveling exhibitions such as “Body Worlds 2,” “Dead Sea Scrolls” and “Leonardo DaVinci: 500 Years of Genius” drew large numbers of new members who fell in love with their Museum. When asked about their favorite memorable traveling exhibition, members often tell us that it is the first one they remember attending that holds a special place in their heart. It’s the moment they discover that they can see more of the world at their Museum than they thought possible... and that there is so much more to discover.

50 years since the Junior League first envisioned a membership program, the Museum now has 45,000 members. They enjoy 364 days of free admission a year, previews of traveling exhibitions, special member events, member-exclusive discounts and more. But membership is much more than an annual pass with special experiences. Each and every member contributes to the ongoing work of igniting our community’s passion for nature and science and empowering a community that loves, understands and protects our natural world.

We may not be able to predict the type of fashion or music that will be popular in Denver 50 years from now. We do not know in exactly which ways scientific discoveries will shape the world. However, with near certainty, we can predict that the Denver Museum of Nature & Science will be here as a place for connection, belonging and legacy. As a member, you are a part of this legacy. Your membership today supports your Museum as a renowned institution providing opportunities for our community to engage with nature and science – but your impact reaches far into the future.

As a member, your support is shaping the Museum that children 50 years from now will visit and look up at dinosaur bones in awe, just as they do today. Families will continue to make their Museum a part of their family traditions for generations to come. The Museum will continue to be a space where audiences can go to be mentally transported miles away. It will continue to be a space for scientific discovery and accessible education.

As we reflect on the impact members have had at the Museum over the last 50 years, we are filled with gratitude. As we honor our past and celebrate our future, we invite you to join us. Tell us what your Museum membership means to you. Share your favorite Museum memories, stories and moments of wonder with a note to [email protected]. We can’t wait to hear from you!