Kentucky Museum News

To meet new financial challenges, the Kentucky Museum has recently revamped its Membership program and established an Annual Fund to support key operational needs, such as its Student Docent program.

Beginning July 1 of this year, Membership to the Museum's Friends program is a flat rate of $50 per year per household - or $15 per year for those self-identifying as underemployed, low-income, or students. Members receive exclusive benefits, including:

• a Bi-Annual Magazine, delivered via email or mail in January and July;
• monthly Insider Emails with behind-the-scenes content;
• invitations to all museum events and, when available, members-only experiences; and
• acknowledgement in the Museum's Annual Report and WKU's Philanthropy Recognition Program.

Members and the public also have the option to make a gift to the Museum's new Annual Fund, which supports their Student Docent program and critical operations needs, such as investing in new technology, gallery maintenance, and the collections preservation environment. Notably, the Docent program employs WKU students as gallery hosts and tour guides throughout the year. Docents learn 21st century skills such as collaboration, flexibility, leadership, and initiative, while also gaining exposure to career opportunities in the heritage sector. Many Docents later pursue internships, graduate-level study, or become inspired to undertake research and creative endeavors. 

"Since 2019, admission to the Kentucky Museum has been free for everyone, and we want to keep it that way," stated Tiffany Isselhardt, Exhibits Curator and Development Coordinator. "But admission revenues are critical for museums, especially during financial hardships. By promoting our membership program and establishing an Annual Fund, we hope to maintain free admission while meeting these new financial challenges - and most importantly, keep providing experiential learning and career opportunities for our campus and community."

To join the Museum's Membership program, click here.

To make a one-time or recurring gift to the Annual Fund, click here.