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“To become an astronaut, I had to be good in math and the sciences, and understand how to solve real problems. Traveling in outer space was an experience of a lifetime. I recommend it to any student who has an interest in science and technology, and a spirit of adventure.
I also recommend visits to the Shenandoah Valley Discovery Museum. The Discovery Museum offers excellent educational experiences in a fun and interesting way. And, the Museum’s new, state-of-the-art facility promises to be an asset to the entire region.
I believe in its mission of making science and technology accessible to everyone. Won’t you become a member?”
Dr. Kathryn C. Thornton
NASA Program 1984-1996
Four Completed Space Missions
Lifetime Member of the Shenandoah Valley Discovery Museum |
“Through the influence of my teachers, I discovered that the world around me was full of interesting things to examine, take apart and ponder.”
Dr. Kathryn C. Thornton
Physicist, NASA Astronaut and Educator |
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Dr. Thornton currently is a faculty member of the University of Virginia School of Engineering. |

Membership in the Shenandoah Valley Discovery Museum connects you to a world of hands-on exploration, with benefits like free admission to the Museum; invitations to members-only openings and events; discounts on programs, camps, and birthday parties; local merchant discounts, and a quarterly newsletter mailed to your home to keep you up to date with Museum events and exhibits.
Your membership also helps to ensure the financial health of the area’s only interactive Discovery Museum by providing means to fund exhibits and programs that are always changing to meet the growing needs of our visitors. Why wait? Join today!
Membership Makes a Great Gift
Membership to the Discovery Museum is a perfect gift that keeps giving all year long. Treat your family or friends to a gift of membership and we'll rush them a membership card, current newsletter and a special coupon in your name. If you would like to purchase a gift membership please contact (540) 722-2020 with the information. Our PayPal option below does not accommodate for gift memberships.
Refer a Friend Program
Receive one additional month of membership for each referral. (limit 3 referrals per year)
Membership includes reciprocal admission to other Passport Program participating museums across the country and participants in the ACM Reciprocal Program
* Please note: We encourage you to buy local and support your local Children's Museum. Reciprocal admission could be denied if you purchase a membership outside of the geographical area in which you reside. Please call if you have questions or refer to the links above for specific policies.
Get Local Merchant Discounts with your Membership Card
DISCOVERY MUSEUM MEMBERSHIP $100.00 per year
- Admission for your immediate family (members of the same household including nanny/babysitter) for one year.
- Reciprocal Admission to Over 150 participating Association of Children's Museums.
- Reciprocal Admission to more than 220 other Association of Science-Technology Centers Passport Program participating museums across the United States.
- Discounts to Participating Local Merchants in Downtown Winchester.
- Quarterly calendar of programs and events mailed to your door.
- *Discounts for programs, camps and parties
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GRANDPARENT DISCOUNT$65.00 per year
- Admission for two grandparents and their grandchildren under the age of 18 for one year.
- Does not include benefits
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*Reciprocal memberships from other museums do not receive these discounts.
** Memberships are non-transferrable, ID required upon request. Membership admission cannot be applied to group visits.
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The Shenandoah Valley Discovery Museum is an independent, 501(c)(3) non-profit educational organization and is an integral part of the cultural, social, and educational fabric of the region.
By becoming a patron of the Discovery Museum, you are building a legacy for positive educational reinforcement among children and their parents, caregivers, group leaders, and teachers in the region.
You can be a patron of the Discovery Museum in a number of ways:
- Give to the Museum’s Capital Campaign
- Give to the Museum’s Annual Operating Fund
- Donate an Exhibit Item or Important Artifact
The Discovery Museum is always looking for interesting scientific items and projects that would engage and educate children. And, we would be delighted to take a look at an artifact that you think would be appropriate for us. Please call Martha Wolfe, Exhibits Director, at (540) 722-2020 to make arrangements.
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There are literally hundreds of opportunities to be a sponsor of the Discovery Museum. Here are a few.
Designing, constructing and installing an exhibit involves a substantial amount of time, talent, materials, logistics and maintenance—but its fun, too. Individuals who can offer any parts of, or an entire exhibit, are encouraged to call us. Also, this is an excellent opportunity for companies to educate children about their business or industry through an exhibit featuring a related operating process or a scientific concept. Please call Martha Wolfe, Exhibits Director, at (540) 722-2020 to explore your ideas for a Discovery Museum exhibit, or to contribute to an existing exhibit.
To serve the needs of our visiting children and their families, the Discovery Museum offers regularly occurring events and special presentations. Costs associated with these gatherings could include promotions, refreshments, and/or speaker fees. If you would like to be publicly acknowledged (or remain anonymous) as the individual or company who makes it possible for the Discovery Museum to offer an event, please call (540) 722-2020.
The Discovery Museum’s Annual Gala is a prominent social event of the year and a fundraiser attended by adults from throughout the region and beyond. As a primary or secondary sponsor of this event, you gain broad promotional recognition for your community-minded patronage.
For more information on sponsorships of this and other Discovery Museum major events, call (540) 722-2020.
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Our volunteers are bright, know how to communicate and interact appropriately with children and adults alike, and have fun while they’re assisting the Discovery Museum. To discuss volunteer opportunities, call or email business@discoverymuseum.net. Here are some ways you can volunteer.
- Work as an assistant in the Museum’s Paleontology Lab.
- Work as a field assistant to the Museum’s Paleontologist—one week in Montana.
- Assist as a committee member for fundraisers, such as the Museum’s Annual Gala.
- Assist with mailings for the Museum’s newsletter, or other special mailings.
- Assist with school field trips to the Museum—responsibilities include pick up and cleanup, assisting with art projects, and group organization.
- Assist with cleanup and repair days for the Museum facility.
- Provide childcare in the Museum while parents attend adult classes/programs, such as “Mother Goose Asks ‘Why?’”
- As a junior volunteer, assist after school, during weekends and summers. Responsibilities include pick up and cleanup, assisting with camps and general art projects, and some office tasks.
- If you are interested in volunteering at the Discovery Museum please fill out a Volunteer Application and return it to the Discovery Museum or email it to business@discoverymuseum,net
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