How can I purchase a membership?
We offer online memberships purchases.
Also, anyone who wishes to purchase a membership may purchase it at the front desk of any of our Portsmouth Museums; via telephone at 757-393-8983; download the membership form and fax it to 757-393-5228, Attn: Membership Coordinator; email the form to francisi@portsmouthva.gov; or mail the form to 521 Middle Street, Portsmouth, VA 23704, Attn: Membership Coordinator.
When will I receive my membership cards?
Cards will be mailed to the address provided on the membership application within 2-3 weeks of the purchase date. Only one membership card will be mailed.
How can I visit the museum if I do not have my membership card?
You may provide your photo ID to the admission desk staff, and they can verify your membership in our point of sale system.
How can I update membership information like my address, email address, and names on my account?
You may contact our Membership Coordinator or visit the front desk and ask a staff member to request an update of information.
Do you offer reciprocity with other museums and cultural centers?
For those at the Stargazer and Visionary membership levels, we participate in the Association of Children’s Museums (ACM), Association of Science and Technology Centers (ASTC) and the North American Reciprocal Museums (NARM) which allows for free and/or discounted admission to over 700 participating museums worldwide. There are specific restrictions with these programs, so please verify the restrictions before making a Stargazer or Visionary level membership purchase.
The Portsmouth Museums has no say in which museums enter or leave the reciprocal programs, and we cannot issue refunds because museum’s change their protocol regarding reciprocity. We recommend calling any museum that participates in these programs ahead of time to understand their policies regarding reciprocity. They can refuse reciprocal benefits for non-compliance.
Check out the ACM listing, ASTC listing, and NARM listing. If you have any questions regarding reciprocity, please ask the front desk staff during your visit or contact the Membership Coordinator.
Can I upgrade my membership?
You can upgrade your membership by paying the difference at any point during your membership. Please note your current expiration date will not change. If your membership expires on 12/31/2013 and you upgrade on 12/1/2013, then your membership will still expire on 12/31/2013.
What if I have a family of five or more?
Our Stargazer membership level covers a total of 6 people. Our Visionary membership level covers a total of 8 people. Also, you can add additional people to each membership level at a cost of $20 per person. There is a limit of only two additional people that may be added to a membership level. Exceptions cannot be made.
Who is permitted to use membership benefits?
Our memberships are designed to be flexible. One of the adults listed on the membership must be in attendance to use membership benefits. As long as one of the adults listed is present, then that adult may bring along whoever he or she chooses up to the total number designated by his or her membership level. Anyone who visits over the total number allotted on the membership will be expected to pay general admission. Please do not give your membership card to an adult not listed on the membership. If you need to make changes to any named adults listed on your account, please contact the membership coordinator. Anyone trying to visit under the membership who is not listed on the account will be charged general admission and will not be provided a refund. Members are responsible for making sure that the named adults on their membership are accurate at the time of entry.
Can membership be used on group or field trip visits?
Adults who are not part of the official chaperone group may visit under the membership. Children visiting with an organization or school may not use membership benefits to visit with their group or school. Typically, there is a cost for programming, and the school has costs associated with a field trip, so we cannot permit the use of membership benefits for these reasons.
Can I transfer my membership to someone else or receive a refund?
Memberships are non-transferable. Memberships are also non-refundable. If you are moving and have a Stargazer or Visionary level membership, you may be able to use it at other museums participating in the ACM, ASTC and NARM reciprocal programs.
Why must I present my photo ID when checking into the museum?
We want to protect our members from misuse or fraud in the event that your card is lost or stolen.
How can I receive a replacement membership card?
Please contact the Membership Coordinator or alert the front desk staff.
How can I contact the Membership Coordinator?
You may either call 757-393-8983 or email at francisi@portsmouthva.gov to receive a response to a specific question.
