The St. Charles History Museum is a 501(c)3 nonprofit supported by the community and people like you.
History starts with you!
At the St Charles History Museum, we are the keepers and stewards of our community's 190+ year history. Through educational exhibits, programs, and events, we strive to foster a curiosity in our community's past as we build our future together.
At the heart of our efforts are our members and donors. As a 501(c)3 non-profit, nearly 75% of our annual budget is funded through the generous support of individuals like you!
As a supporter of history, members receive many benefits and perks, while sharing in the collective community spirit that makes St. Charles 'The Pride of the Fox.' We encourage you to get involved and be a part of our collective history. It all starts with you!
Here's how you can help:
become a member
Membership at the St. Charles History Museum not only supports the Museum, but it also comes with great benefits! Members receive discounted access to the Museum, as well as special programs and events. You will also receive advance notice and invites to exhibit previews. In addition, you receive a 10% discount at the Museum Gift Shop, reduced research fees, and a subscription to our newsletter The Charlemagne. To purchase a Membership online, please visit our Membership page.
Our members are the people who allow the museum to dream big and deliver on our mission to collect, preserve, and present our local history. If you are looking for a great way to have a lasting impact on your community, please consider moving up to the Support level of giving. These levels start at just $100 and include Museum Membership, as well as many additional benefits. For information on Supporter Levels, please visit our Member Supporter page.
General Member
When you become a General Member, you are assisting in the Museum's mission to engage visitors and present St. Charles' rich history.
It is because of our members and supporters that the museum continues to be an important benefit to the St. Charles community.
MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS
As a member of the St. Charles History Museum, you enjoy a full year of perks, including:
Free admission to the Museum.
Invitation to the Annual Membership Celebration.
10% off all gift shop purchases.
Advance notice of event tickets.
Annual calendar of museum programs.
Email updates of upcoming activities at the museum.
Reduced program and special event admission.
Reduced research fees.
Time Traveler Reciprocal Museum Benefits with hundreds of other museums.
Become a Museum Supporter!
History truly starts with you! We encourage you to please consider upgrading your donation amount to become a museum supporter today. All museum supporters are listed annually on our Donor Wall in the front lobby. You’ll receive all Member Benefits, as well as these additional benefits.
Member Supporter Levels and Benefits
Sapphire: $120+ $10+/month}
Name on Annual Donor Wall.
Recognition in annual mailing.
Complimentary one-year membership.
Invitation to VIP events.
Expanded North American Reciprocal Museum benefit!
Emerald: $250+ ($25+/month}
All benefits from Sapphire level.
Free admission to special programs.
Ruby: $500+ ($50+/month}
All benefits from Emerald level.
Complimentary House History Research.
Diamond: $1000+ ($100+/month}
All benefits from Ruby level.
Behind-the-scenes tour of museum collection and archives.
Become a “GEM” Member by Giving Every Month!
The St. Charles History Museum is a 501(c)(3) and all memberships are tax-deductible to the full extent of the law.
Donate
100% of the donations we receive go towards the Museum's mission to collect, preserve, and present St. Charles' history. Your donation, of any size, will ensure we continue moving forward with the redevelopment of our permanent exhibit, allow us to continue developing engaging temporary exhibits, and let us continue in our preservation efforts of the Museum collection. On top of all that, all donations are tax-deductible!
Leave a Legacy
The Museum relies on the generosity of its members and supporters throughout the community. We are continually grateful to the individuals and families who have established Planned Gifts over the years, leaving a legacy that has benefited the Museum both during and after their lifetime. Click here to learn more.
Shop the Curious Fox Gift Shop
Support the St. Charles History Museum while you shop for gifts and your daily needs. Looking for a great souvenir or memento? The Curious Fox Gift Shop located in the St. Charles History Museum features a wide selection of everything St. Charles -including St. Charles branded pillows, blankets, t-shirts and other apparel, locally produced pottery, jewelry, honey and salsa products.
The St. Charles History Museum is always looking for enthusiastic volunteers to help with the Museum collection, exhibits, and Museum events. No matter your age or skill level, the History Museum has many volunteer opportunities available. For more information about volunteering or to fill out a volunteer form click here.
Be a Sponsor
Over the last three years, the St. Charles History Museum has made significant changes in its operations by developing a new permanent exhibition titled The Makings of St. Charles, showcasing the origins of St. Charles and the many components of its growth. The Curious Fox Gift Shop has established itself as a one-stop shop for uniquely St. Charles merchandise that focuses on working with local businesses and artisans. The museum has also become a strong community stakeholder by working with other community organizations on new programming and events.
