The Pioneer Museum of Alabama kicked off its annual membership drive with a dinner and silent auction at the museum on Aug. 1. Although memberships will be available throughout the year, now is the best time to join.

“Our annual memberships begin on Aug. 1 and end on July 30, so, now is the time to become a member of the Pioneer Museum of Alabama,” said Kari Barley, museum director. “Those who join now will be able to take advantage of our programs all year long. You won’t find a better value for your money.”

Jeff Kervin, museum board of directors chair, said there are several ways the museum is funded and the dinner/auction was a fantastic fund-raising event and laid the groundwork for an annual event.

“We will continue our fund-raising efforts, continue to apply for grants that are available to us and encourage donations,” Kervin said. “And, we will focus on growing and restoring memberships. Memberships are the lifeblood of the museum.”

Barley agreed that memberships are extremely important to the museum because they provide the interest and energy to the museum’s programs year around. Individual memberships are $25; family memberships (immediate family) are $45 and group memberships up to eight are $60.

The memberships provide free admission to the museum and all museum events and activities with the exception of special events.

Those who would like to support the museum on a different level are invited to become a sustaining member for $100, a pioneer member for $250, a heritage member for $500 and an underwriter for $1,000.

Barley said everyone who enjoys history and the great outdoors is encouraged to become a member. “We have 21 historic structures on 40 beautiful acres with walking trails. We have a picnic area with plenty of space for children to play and an amphitheater. Inside the museum’s main building, we have 18,000 artifacts and four thematic exhibition halls.”

For more information about the museum or to become a member, call 334-566-3597 or visit the museum on U.S. 231 north in Troy from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday.