Museum membership program offers reduced rates

October 31, 2016

The UA Museum of the North offers a variety of hands-on programs and activities that are free for members.

The University of Alaska Museum of the North is launching a new membership program. Starting Nov. 1, the museum is offering new benefits and lower prices for all membership levels. A museum membership will now pay for itself in three visits. In addition, museum staff have created packages to fit families of all sizes.

Museum Director Aldona Jonaitis said the museum is committed to providing a quality experience for visitors, especially those who live in this community. “It is obvious that finances are tight for the museum and the entire university,” Jonaitis said. “But times are tough for the entire community.”

In response, the museum has lowered membership prices and expanded options. An individual membership will now cost $40 annually. A dual membership is $75 for two adults or one adult and one child.

Morgan Dulian, UAMN development and membership director, said the museum has magnified the concept of membership to accommodate extended families and even caretakers.

“A family membership includes two adults, but now they can be any adults because we removed the stipulation that they must live in the same household," she said. "For example, a parent and a grandparent, an aunt or uncle, and even a family friend can be included in your membership.”

Under the new program, a family membership now costs $85 a year and includes two adults and all children. The family plus membership, including up to four adults and all children, costs $165 a year. This is a new category based on community feedback.

A new benefit for museum members is the UAMN Curiosity Club. This activity-packed club for kids is made possible by a donation from the UA College Savings Plan. Enrollment in the club includes admission to all family programs, a button, birthday shout-outs and monthly activity sheets emailed to members.

Members will also get a gift certificate to spend in the Museum Store and discounts on birthday parties, workshops and other offerings.

UAMN programs offer something for everyone

A new membership program at the UA Museum of the North offers expanded packages and lower prices.

The museum offers a multitude of hands-on activities and programs for families during the school year. Family Days, sponsored by TOTE Maritime, are free for kids 14 and under. These events offer something for all ages. They feature museum experts and activities to help visitors collect with collections.

Other museum programs include Early Explorers, for children five and under, which meets each Friday from 10 a.m.-noon, and Junior Curators, for kids six and up, which occurs one Saturday a month from 2-4 p.m. A new program, Teen Studio for ages 13 to 18, requires advance registration. All programs are included with admission or free for UAMN members.

In addition, all active military and their immediate family stationed in Alaska are offered free admission to the UA Museum of the North. That program is due to support from Wells Fargo.

Museum admission costs $12 for adults and $7 for youth 5 to 14. Children under 5 are always free. As a result, Jonaitis hopes the the new membership packages and prices will encourage community members to return to the museum often.

ADDITIONAL CONTACTS: Aldona Jonaitis, UAMN director, at 907-474-6989 or via email at ajonaitis@alaska.edu; Morgan Dulian, UAMN development and membership director, at 907-474-5484 or via email at madulian@alaska.edu; Dan David, UAMN visitor services manager, at 907-474-5137 or via email at dsdavid@alaska.edu

ON THE WEB: www.uaf.edu/museum/membership-giving