Make a Donation, Become a Member and Find Volunteer Opportunities at the Colburn Earth Science Museum

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Donations

The Colburn is a 501c-3 non profit organization and all donations to us are tax deductible to the amount allowable by law. We are always very happy to accept donations - and it doesn't have to be money! We have a long wish list of objects that we would love to have, ranging from a toaster to a copy of Adobe InDesign. So please, if you're thinking of cleaning out the garage or attic, or you've just upgraded your computer and have an old one or software you no longer use, call the Colburn!

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Membership

Joining the Museum opens up a world of possibilities. Not only will you receive free admission to the Museum for an entire year, you will also get advance notice of our many popular programs and events and discounts on those events and in the Gift Shop. You'll also be directly supporting science education in Western North Carolina and helping us carry on the legacy of Burnham Colburn. The Colburn Museum needs you to keep its many wonderful exhibitions and programs going. We invite you to join the Colburn Family.

By joining the museum today you will support:

Educational programs for adults and children, including lectures, fieldtrips, summer camp, and planetarium shows.

Instruction and Outreach to more than 10,000 school children annually from 27 counties in NC and SC.

Care of our collections , including more than 13,000 minerals, gems, fossils, and reference material from North Carolina and around the world.

Development of permanent and temporary exhibits relating to the Earth Sciences. Previous special exhibits included Smithsonian Jade, Harvard Gold, Crown Jewels, Green Fire - Emeralds of North Carolina, Hatching the Past, John Payne's Natural History Machines, and more...

Special Annual Events such as Asheville Gem Fest and Teacher Trainings.


MEMBERSHIP LEVELS and BENEFITS

Individual $35
* FREE, unlimited admission to the Museum for one person
* Subscription to Touchstone, the Museum's quarterly newsletter.
* 10% discount in the Crystal Pocket Gift Shop
* 50% off admission to the WNC Nature Center!

Family $50
* All of the benefits listed above for two adults and all children in the household under age 19.
* Discounts on programs for children and adults, including Summer Camp.

Patron $100
* All of the benefits listed above
* Free admission to 55 museums throught the Southeast through participation in the Southeastern Reciprocal Museum Program.

Sustaining $250
* All of the benefits listed above
* 4 free gift passes to the Museum
* Free admission to over 280 museums around the world through participation in the Association of Science Technology Centers.

Earth Partner $500
* All of the benefits listed above
* 4 more free gift passes to the Museum (total of 8)
* 1 free Individual level gift membership to the Museum
* Name on the Colburn's Donor Wall

Colburn Circle $1000
* All of the benefits listed above
* 1 free Family level gift membership to the Museum (instead of individual)
* Use of the Museum for a private party (associated costs responsibility of the member; not transferable.)

Memberships are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law. For more information or to buy a membership, stop by or call the Museum at 828.254.7162

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Volunteering at the Colburn

People often comment on the Colburn Museum's amazing ability to offer so many programs, educational initiatives, and exhibits with such a small staff. Our secret? Our "other staff" - the volunteers who generously donate their time and abilities to augment our regular staff. Volunteers are involved in all of the Colburn's day-to-day activities. Call the Museum at 254-7162 to become a Colburn volunteer. It's a great way to give to the Museum, meet new people, have fun and enjoy the satisfaction of knowing that you are a vital part of a Museum that has been an integral part of Asheville since 1960.

Colburn volunteers and staff pose on top of Mt. Mitchell during a volunteer-only field trip.

Jim Parker Asheville Citizen-Times Hometown Hero

Bill Miller Asheville Citizen-Times Hometown Hero