Membership into the Pioneer Museum of Alabama is a great way to get more bang for your buck.

Dinner and a movie will cost a family of four more than a year's membership to the museum and that's a good deal and a good deal more.

Charlotte Gibson, museum director, said the membership drive for 2003 is under way and already about 25 percent of the museum's 300-plus members have renewed their memberships.

"Museum memberships expire on Dec. 31 and we will be sending out reminders soon to those who were on our roll last year," Gibson said. "But we also want to encourage those who have not yet joined our museum to consider the benefits of membership - for members and for the museum. Self-generated income, donations and membership keep the museum going and growing."

Family memberships are $35 a year and individual memberships are $20.

"A membership includes unlimited access to the museum and to all special events on the grounds," Gibson said. "It also includes a 10 percent discount in our gift shop and a subscription to our newsletter.

Memberships bring awareness and income to the museum. We appreciate the support we get from our members. Without them, we would not be able to offer the outstanding programs and exhibits that we do."

The museum has outstanding programs planned for the spring.

"Our train and doll exhibits have been very popular and they will continue through the end of January," Gibson said. "On Feb. 13 our quilt show will open with about 100 quilts on display. That exhibit will run through March 31. Our Farmers Market will also open in March.'

"On April 5, we will

host Pioneer Music Day, which is always a lot of fun for the pickers and singers and for those who just come to listen."

The Civil War exhibit will run the entire month of April with one full week of forums and talks by authors and historians.

"On April 26, we will have Antique Appraisal Day and it should be exciting to find the value of pieces that were handed down or what purchases made at an estate sale or a flea market might be worth," Gibson said. "We plan to have other activities on that day but they haven't been finalized."

The museum will have other programs throughout the year including Pioneer Day in the fall and Pioneer Christmas.

"We are always looking for programs and exhibits that will enhance and enrich our existing programs," Gibson said. "These programs are part of our educational mission in the community.

"Much of what we do, we do as a result of our membership drive. So, we encourage families and individuals to renew their memberships as soon as possible, so they can begin enjoying the benefits of the museum again. Those who have not joined are encouraged to become members."

A membership to the Pioneer Museum of Alabama makes a great gift for any occasion.

"It's a gift that can be enjoyed all year long," Gibson said.

Memberships may be purchased by sending a check to Pioneer Museum of Alabama, 248 U.S. Highway 231 North, Troy, AL 36081 or by credit card over the telephone at 566-3597.