MEMBERS NIGHT OFFERS ALL-ACCESS BACKSTAGE PASS TO MUSEUM COLLECTIONS

If you've been putting off becoming a member of the museum, here's an extra incentive to join up. On Tuesday, Oct. 23, from 5:30 to 9 p.m., the museum holds its annual "Members Night: Behind the Scenes." For this one night a year, members will have an all-access backstage pass to the museum's collections and laboratories.

Members of all ages are invited to visit collection storage areas to view items never displayed in museum exhibits. They can tour laboaratories to watch staff and volunteers demonstrate the work that goes on every day to build and protect museum collections. They also will have an opportunity to meet curators and other staff and learn about the ongoing research projects of the museum scientists. The museum’s famous “bug room,” where colonies of dermestid beetles are employed to clean the tiny skeletons of frogs, mice and birds, also will be open for viewing. Each year curators and staff prepare something new for members to see and experience for this special event.

The event is open only to museum members, and there is no charge for any of the family-friendly activities. There is still plenty of time to become a museum member and join in Members Night. The cost of membership begins at $20 for seniors, $30 for individuals (or senior couples) and $45 for families. Memberships can be purchased in advance online at www.snomnh.ou.edu/membership, or by calling (405) 325-5020. Memberships also can be purchased at the door on the night of the event.

The benefits of museum membership include free museum admission for one year; a one-year subscription to Tracks, the museum’s newsletter, and accompanying events calendar; discounts on educational programs and purchases in Excavations, the museum store; plus invitations to special members-only events. Membership dues support the ongoing programs and exhibits at the museum.