Get Involved

As a museum we feel it's important to support our community. We also love having the community partner with research and activities at the museum. There are plenty of ways to join us and help support science learning. 

Are you faculty or a researcher?
Use our Collections to support your research. Bring your classes to museum to explore and learn. Share your research with the public by partnering with our education team on programs like Sunday with a Scientist or Science Chat Specials. 

Are you a member of the public or a fan of museums and natural history?
Volunteer at one of our public locations or in our Research Collections. Become a member and explore as often as you want. Consider supporting the museum financially so we can continue sharing science in our communities. Or interact with one of our Community Access Program events. 

Regardless of how you got here, we're grateful for your interest and support. 

Man talking a photo of Archie mascot with his family.

Ways to Get Involved:

Volunteer

Volunteers play an integral role in fulfilling UNSM’s mission of promoting natural history and world cultures through research collections, educational programs, and behind-the-scenes opportunities. 

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UNSM volunteer showing kids a sauropod bone puzzle.

Community Access Program

The University of Nebraska State Museum believes science should be accessible to everyone. We also believe it is important to be stewards of our communities. Our Community Access Program (CAP) allows us to achieve both objectives. CAP lets museum members and visitors join UNSM in supporting Lincoln-based community and non-profit organizations to give back and support residents facing a variety of challenges or accessibility issues. CAP offers four different ways to engage and support the community. 

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A young girl and woman collect donated stuffed animals.

Friends of the State Museum

The Friends of the State Museum (FOSM) is a 501c3 with a mission to bring people together in support of the University of Nebraska State Museum by promoting an understanding, appreciation, and stewardship of science and natural history.  FOSM accomplishes this by volunteering at events, helping make connections in the community, advocating for the museum, and fundraising for various museum needs.

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Two friends of the state museum staff a table at an event talking about the museum.

Corporate Membership

Corporate Membership allows organizations to invest in both their employees and the community. Corporate Memberships allow the museum to provide FREE Morrill Hall access to members of the community with WIC/SNAP/EBT via Museums for All. It also enables us to continue supporting area non-profits through our Community Access Program. Corporate Members also receive discounts on memberships for their staff and other benefits for their organization. 

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A mom and her daughter look at specimens under a microscope during an event in Elephant Hall. Other kids in the background also use microscopes. The activity is an example of what members and the public can enjoy when visiting the museum.