The Pioneer Museum of Alabama’s annual membership drive is underway and plans are to offer annual memberships beginning in August.

Seth Kinard, museum assistant director, said memberships play an important role in the operation of the museum while offering free admission to members throughout the year.

There are many benefits to membership, including first dibs on limited seating activities and classes at the museum, the museum newsletter and discounts on certain items in the gift shop.

But most of all, memberships are the lifeblood of the museum, Kinard said.

Individual memberships are $25 and family memberships are $45.

“You won’t find a better deal for families than a membership to the Pioneer Museum of Alabama,” Kinard said. “Most one-time events for a family will cost that much or more.”

Other memberships range from the $60 Preserver membership to the $1,000 Underwriter membership.

“We have a full slate of activities and events planned for our summer and fall/winter calendar,” Kinard said. “We have something planned for all ages and for all of those who enjoy learning about our pioneer history.”

A small fee is required for some of the activities.

Kinard said the first upcoming event is the Children’s Farm Life program on July 18.

On August 1, the museum will host its annual Making History Benefit Dinner and Auction. The public is invited to attend the benefit dinner. Tickets are $25 for individual and $45 for couples.

“We would very much appreciate donated items for the auction,” Kinard said.

The museum’s very popular Basket Weaving Class will be held on Aug. 22.

Two new events are scheduled for September. Music in the Moonlight on Sept. 5 will feature local groups and will be held in the amphitheater, weather permitting.

A Cider Making Class is set for Sept. 19 and participants will learn to make cider from apples and other fall fruits.

The Pioneer Museum’s Pioneer Days, Sept. 9 and 10 will bring hundreds of school children to the museum on Friday for a day of hands-on activities, demonstrations, old-time games and re-enactment group presentations. On Saturday, Pioneer Days will continue with all the activities offered on Friday plus music and added attractions.

Also in October, the museum will host a spooky but family fun event on Oct. 31.

In November, the museum will offer a hide tanning class and also a crocheting class.

The museum will be decorated with holly and ivy for the Christmas season. Its Ole Time Christmas on Dec. 11 and 12 has become a holiday tradition for many families in the area. Ole Time Christmas features music, stories and strolls through the village that is all decked out for the Christmas season.

The Pioneer Museum’s calendar of events for 2016 is being completed and will be available soon.

To become a member of the Pioneer Museum of Alabama or for more information about museum programs and activities, visit the museum on Highway 231 north in Troy or call the museum at 334-566-3597.