Science Museum of Virginia
Cost: $50 per adult ($20 is tax-deductible) Benefits: A year of unlimited free admission to the Science Museum, the Virginia Aviation Museum, the Danville Science Center and more than 250 science and technology centers worldwide; four exhibit guest passes; subscription to the quarterly newsletter Quest and the monthly e-Quest; 10-percent discount at the Shop 4 Science, café, classes and programs; invitations to special events such as free IMAX previews. Perks: Four passes to films in the IMAX® DOME Theater. Pitch: "Somebody who buys a $50 Franklin membership gets four combo passes (film and exhibits) worth $60, and they get four guest exhibit passes worth $34, so you total them up and those passes alone are worth more [a $94 value]," says Nancy Tait, public relations manager. Bottom Line: The value is certainly there if science is your thing. Contact: 864-1449, membership@smv.org, smv.org
Children's Museum of Richmond
Cost: $100 (annual family membership, non-tax-deductible) Benefits: Unlimited admission to the museum including all special events (except ticketed events) for two named adults and all the children under 18 living in the household; advance notice and special pricing on ticketed events, programs, camps and birthday parties; free admission to more than 100 participating children's museums around the country; museum and event updates with bi-monthly email newsletter Infoflash and special event postcards. Perks: Birthday card greeting for member children from Seymour, the museum's mascot; 10-percent discount in the museum shop and USA Baby; invites to members-only events like twice-monthly Magical Member Mondays, which feature activities and snacks for kids — and info sessions and Starbucks coffee for moms and dads. Pitch: "Unlimited fun for the entire family, as much as you would like to come, for less than $10 a month," says membership coordinator Stacy Smith. "It's a great value." Bottom Line: With regular admission at $8, this membership pays for itself if a parent of two visits four times or more during the year. Contact: 474-7011, ssmith@c-mor.org, c-mor.org
Virginia Museum of Fine Arts
Cost: $40 (one adult living in the metro Richmond area; $15 is tax-deductible) Benefits: Free tickets and previews to special exhibitions; invitations to members-only events; subscription to the quarterly myVMFA magazine; free parking in the VMFA Parking Deck during museum hours and events; and monthly e-newsletters on museum events. Perks: 10-percent discount in VMFA Shop and the Café (a new café will open in the museum expansion in May 2010); monthly Member Day with free programs, tours and lectures; discounts on classes and programs; discounts on tickets for performances, members-only travel opportunities; and eligibility to join VMFA special-interest support groups such as Collector's Circle. Pitch: "Joining now supports one of the finest art museums in the nation, which in 2010 will be among the top-10 comprehensive art museums in the United States," says membership director Jenna Mossman. "Joining now guarantees member privileges for the grand reopening events [in 2010]. Plus, being a VMFA member means becoming truly engaged with this fabulous institution. Why be a visitor to this treasure of the Commonwealth when you can be family?" Bottom Line: While the VMFA is under construction, the galleries will be closed from June 28 to May 1, 2010, which means fewer perks, but unlike some other museums, an entry-level membership grants rights to educational trips around the world (for a fee) and discounts on a hefty list of classes through its Studio School. Contact: 340-1520, membership@vmfa.museum, vmfa.museum
The Valentine Richmond History Center
Cost: $45 (fully tax-deductible) Benefits: Free admission to the galleries and the John Marshall House and Black History Museum; guided tours of Wickham House; a complimentary guest pass; free parking while visiting; discounts for walking and bus tours of historic neighborhoods; invitations to opening receptions and exhibition previews; subscription to the Timeline newsletter. Perks: Free admission to the archives and its manuscripts, books, ephemera and a one-million-strong photograph collection to research the history of your home or family; 10-percent discount in the Valentine Gift Shop and 20 percent at holiday time (excluding books and food items); 10 percent off breakfast and lunch at Café Richmond. Pitch: "As more people are staying in town and trying to investigate their city, visiting the archives is a great way of learning about your city as a whole or your neighborhood or your house or influential Richmonders," say Beth Petty, a development assistant. Bottom Line: In addition to the museum benefits, if you work or live in the area, a 10-percent discount at the cute outdoor café, along with a complete tax deduction, makes membership smart. Contact: 649-0711, ext. 325; membership@richmondhistorycenter.com, richmondhistorycenter.com
Virginia Historical Society
Cost: $45 (fully tax-deductible) Benefits: Free admission to the museum's permanent and changing exhibits and its extensive research library, plus free admission, by appointment, to Virginia House; subscription to the quarterly Virginia Magazine of History and Biography, and the twice-yearly History Notes newsletter; 10-percent discount in museum shop and Virginia House shop, plus a discount on exhibit catalogs and edited historical documents. Perks: Members-only lectures and programs featuring renowned historians and authors such as Ken Burns, Cokie Roberts and David McCullough, with members getting a chance to meet the speakers afterward at book signings (some events include a fee). Pitch: "I talk to people all the time, and they join for a variety of reasons," says membership director Kelly Winters. "Some want to go on our members-only bus trips; some do it because they want to research their genealogy; some want to go to our members-only garden party at Virginia House at the peak of the garden; some simply want to be philanthropic and want to support the Historical Society." Bottom Line: With discounts on classes covering topics from the economy to photography and how to research, this membership is perfect for those looking for a little education. Contact: 342-9658, kwinters@vahistorical.org, vahistorical.org (free tote bag if sign up online)
Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden
Cost: $60 ($44 tax-deductible) Benefits: Free daily admission throughout the year; two free guest passes; the thrice-yearly Garden Times newsletter, filled with news, gardening articles and tips; advance notice of special events and classes; discounts on classes, selected trips and 10 percent on purchases in the Garden Shop; half-price admission for guests on Mondays. Perks: Discounts on named memorial gifts and on the handprints and 25th anniversary butterflies that are mounted to the fence surrounding the Children's Garden; borrowing privileges in the garden library; complimentary admission to select botanical gardens, arboreta and conservatories throughout the world; discounts at local businesses such as Vogue Flowers and Smith & Hawken; select nights during Gardenfest of Lights free to members. Pitch: "It's a great value because it's a multi-generational experience, and it's always changing because as a member you have the benefit of coming throughout the year, and something is always changing and growing in the garden," says development manager Shanna Chandler. Bottom Line: Solid benefits for a higher-than-average membership price, but if you factor in discounts at area shops, guest-pass benefits and children's activities, it's worth it. Contact: 262-9887 x338, member@lewisginter.org, lewisginter.org
American Civil War Center
Cost: $40 (not tax-deductible) Benefits: Unlimited admission to the exhibit for one year (artifacts change but content doesn't); free or discounted admission to lectures, conferences such as "Lincoln and the South" and Civil War Day; two guest passes; 10-percent discount at the museum and online stores. Perks: Free parking in the center's lot. Pitch: "For location and exhibit content, you get more bang for your buck when joining the American Civil War Center. Members can visit the center's exhibit and continue to see changing artifacts and also enjoy the center grounds throughout the year," which includes the 8.3 acres surrounding the ruins of the historic Tredegar Iron Works, says Anedra Bourne, director of marketing and public relations. Bottom Line: Free parking at the center also means free parking for Belle Isle and events on Brown's Island during the center's working hours. Contact: 780-1865, info@tredegar.org, tredegar.org
Maymont
Cost: $45 individual (fully tax-deductible) Benefits: Members-only hours at the Nature Center; free full-color booklet (while supplies last) on Maymont's history, habitats and horticulture; Maymont e-news updates; advance notice of events and programs; discounts and early registration for events and programs (camps, classes and lecture series); discounts and specials for members at local retailers. Perks: Free Maymont Tram privileges. Pitch: "Your Maymont Membership helps preserve and maintain a Richmond treasure. Become a member at everyone's favorite family attraction and receive special benefits: Unique discounts and offers from area retailers, restaurants and Subaru of Richmond. Year-round privileges including discounts and advance notice on special events, programs, camps, kids' birthday parties and more!" says Cathie Rosenberg, Maymont's director of marketing/public relations. Bottom Line: Play a part in preserving a true Richmond treasure, and write it off on your taxes. Contact: 358-7166, ext. 316, crosenberg@maymont.org, maymont.org
