Join Us!
Be the Backbone of the La Plata County Historical Society
Our members are the heart and strength of the La Plata County Historical Society. Your support ensures that we can continue preserving and sharing the rich history of our region.
Why Membership Matters
- Support - As a member, you empower the Animas Museum to offer exhibits, webinars, lectures, school tours, and history trunks. Your advocacy helps keep La Plata County’s history alive for both the community and visitors.
- Strength - Your commitment inspires us! Members who value authentic history encourage our dedicated staff and volunteers to continue their important work.
- Stability - Did you know that 67% of nonprofit funding comes from individuals? While we seek grants and sponsorships, our members provide the essential foundation that keeps our collections protected, our staff supported, and the museum’s doors open.
- Exclusive Access - As a member, you gain access to our research database and receive *Artifacts*, our informative newsletter. You'll become one of the most knowledgeable voices in our community about its rich history.
Join Us Today!
By becoming a member—or renewing your membership—you strengthen the Animas Museum and help us share the past in ways that shape the future. Thank you for your support. We look forward to welcoming you as a valued member!
Please join us today or renew your membership to help keep La Plata County history and culture alive for present and future generations. You can use the Pay Now buttons below to pay by credit card or PayPal account or you can download a .pdf version of our membership form here and mail it to us with your check.
We offer three levels of membership:
Silver Our basic membership level which includes online database access, quarterly newsletter (email or print), and monthly e-blasts. Cost per year is $50.
Gold Our supporting membership level includes online database access, quarterly newsletter (email or print), monthly e-blasts, and invitations to special events. Cost per year is $75.
Uranium Our highest supporting membership level includes online database access, quarterly newsletter (email or print), monthly e-blasts,and invitations to special events. Cost is $150 per year.
Be a sponsor!
We offer four levels of sponsorship:
Bronze Sponsorship includes your logo in the entryway to the Museum, on our website, and recognition in History La Plata. Cost per year is $500.
Silver Sponsorship includes your logo in the entryway to the Museum, on our website and our quarterly newsletter, and recognition in History La Plata. Cost per year is $1000.
Gold Sponsorship includes your logo in the entryway to the Museum, on our website and our quarterly newsletter, a sponsorship sign at all events, and recognition in History La Plata. Cost per year is $2500.
Platinum Sponsorship includes your logo in the entryway to the Museum, on our website, eblasts, educational material, and our quarterly newsletter. Also included is a large sponsorship sign at all events, a wine and appetizers night at the Museum for 10 people, and recognition in History La Plata. Cost per year is $5000.
For more information on sponsorship opportunities, please contact the Museum at info@animasmuseum.org.
Donate!
Donate!
Financial donations are an important part of our revenue for operations and preservation. The La Plata County Historical Society is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization. All donations are tax-deductible to the extent allowable by law.
Your donation will support:
- Preservation of our 1904 historic sandstone building
- Exhibits in three historic buildings depicting life in the 1870s and 1930s visited by thousands of people
- History trunks and tours for students to learn local history
- Monthly webinars on a variety of interesting topics
- Collection and preservation of oral histories
- Publication of History La Plata and pictures weekly in The Durango Herald
- Research library for families and businesses looking for their roots
- Special events highlighting area stories and people
- Professionally caring for our collection of artifacts and photos
You can donate via Colorado Gives all year long.
Or if you prefer, you can donate via PayPal.
To donate by check, make checks payable to LPCHS and send to LPCHS, PO Box 3382, Durango, CO 81302. To donate by credit card, please come by the Museum as we cannot accept credit cards over the phone.
The La Plata County Historical Society's latest Form 990 is posted here in .pdf format. A program such as Adobe Acrobat is required to read it.
Artifact Donations
We welcome donations of artifacts, documents, and photos that are in keeping with our mission. Items must have a connection to La Plata County. It is best if they tell an interesting story about La Plata County places, residents or events. Once an item is accepted into our permanent collection we assume responsibility for its care forever. This can be an expensive prospect. Please consider a monetary donation along with the item. Items may also be accepted for inclusion in our education collection. These items may be handled by students, or used. Please download and read this brochure for more information then call (970) 259-2402 or email collections@animasmuseum.org to discuss a potential donation.
Volunteers
From its inception, the Animas Museum has depended on volunteers. If you are interested in volunteering, please email us at info@animasmuseum.org.