A Gift of an Experience

We have been hearing many comments from and program participants recently like, "That must be new,
when did you receive that?" and "Things are really coming alive here."  It seems no matter how often or what time of year one visits, one always discovers something new.  That is why a gift of a membership to the Museum is one that keeps on giving all year long.

In addition to the awesome benefits listed above, the Museum is offering this special opportunity.


Receive an autographed edition of the book, The Town That Wouldn't Die by renowned local author,
Bob Haltiner when you visit the Museum to purchase a membership between September 12th, 2011 through January 15, 201.

 

 

The Besser Museum for Northeast Michigan

MUSEUM MEMBERSHIP & VOLUNTEERING

Where in Northeast Michigan can you find...


The Besser Museum for Northeast Michigan is an educational institution dedicated to serving the public of all ages and abilities in art, history, and science. Through research, it collects, preserves, and interprets artifacts, specimens, and information concerning the 15 counties in Northeast Michigan. Through programs and exhibits, it promotes
understanding and appreciation of the past and present.

Besser Museum: By the Numbers!

14,000 - the number of annual visitors the Museum attracts.

30,000the additional people who annually benefit from the Museum’s Community Outreach Programs.

2,521 - the schoolchildren who participated in programming in 2005 alone.

28,000 - the objects and artifacts in the Museum’s collections. These make the Museum the region's foremost repository and chief interpreter of Northeast Michigan legacy.  

15 - the number of Trustees and ex official members of the Museum’s governing Board of Trustees.

1,000 - the people and institutions that support the Museum through their memberships.

100+ - Founders Society members who assist the four full-time staff members and five part-time personnel with programming.  

9+ - the number of community groups calling the Museum home such as the Thunderbay Woodcarvers Club, Genealogical Society, Weaver's Guild, and Artist's Guild to name a few of them.

1 - the number of public planetariums in Northeast Michigan.


Where is it?   

The Besser Museum — that’s where.






Volunteer
The breeze, the trees, the honey bees --- All volunteers!  ~ Juliet Carinreap

We could not do what we do without you! Volunteers are the lifeblood of the Besser Museum of Northeast Michigan.  We appreciate you, we love you, and we NEED YOU!  Give us an opportunity to show just how uniquely valuable you are to our community.
Bring a friend or make a new one when you volunteer at the Museum.  Please call Amanda at 356-2202 for details on volunteering options including: helping with our upcoming special events, during school group visits, our research and writing needs, decorating for the holidays, and giving our guests a great experience  with your overall kindness and smiles. 

If you think you are too small to be effective, you have never been in bed with a mosquito.  ~ Betty Reese

  Categories and Benefits of a Besser Museum Membership

Membership is applied for a full 365 days from the day you sign up!

All Basic Membership categories offer the following perks,

  • Free Admission to the Museum for a full year, (Including events like Log Cabin Day, Fall Harvest Festival, and Exhibit Opening Receptions).
  • Annual subscription to monthly members news bulletins and to the Besser Museum's Quarterly Newsletter, Passages.
  • Advanced notification of upcoming Educational programs
  • 10% discount on purchases in the Besser Museum gift store.
  • 15% discount on museum lectures, workshop, camps, and other regular programming.
  • A good, tingly feeling knowing that you are supporting the Besser Museum's vision to inspire curiosity, foster community pride, and cultivate independent legacy. 
  • THANK YOU
  • Individual..................$25
  • Educator (current)....$20
  • Family........................$40 (All membership benefits for two adults and children residing in the same household).
  • Senior (60+)...............$20
  • Senior Couple........... $35

Friend Membership: $100.00

This membership includes all of the benefits included in the Basic membership, in addition to,

  • Free admission to Planetarium programs

  • A portion of the membership cost is tax deductible.


Supporter Membership: $250.00

You will receive the same benefits as the Friend membership, in addition to,
  • A private docent tour of Museum and grounds
  • The annual due may be paid quarterly

Patron Membership:  $500.00

This membership includes all of the benefits included in the Supporter membership, in addition to,

  • The choice of a private Planetarium show or a private behind the scenes tour by the staff
  • Recognition on the Donor's Wall, located at the Museum's front desk

Leader Membership:  $1,000.00

This membership includes all of the benefits included in the Patron membership, in addition to,
  • Exclusive use of the building for one party or gathering per membership term.

 A Gift Forever

The Besser Museum for Northeast Michigan has benefited from generous donors who have included the Museum in their gift planning.  Trusts, IRAs, life insurance, bequests, and estate gifts help fund special initiatives and support the mission of the Museum.  With proper planning, donors can provide significant support for the Museum, enjoy tax advantages and establish life income arrangements. 

The Besser Museum for Northeast Michigan encourages all donors to consult with personal financial and legal advisors when considering a planned gift.