For other non-U.S. readers and those who may be on the road, World Tourism Day is September 27 (coincidence… I think not). Many other countries are holding free events on this day too. Worth a look!

Some museums — such as our art museum — are well worth the price of membership. You get free guest passes and passes to the big traveling shows, which are expensive for the hoi polloi to visit. Often, too, you get reciprocity with museums in other states. And you support a key cultural feature in your community.

Many museums in the United States are free. Of those that do charge admission many offer free days or evenings throughout the year, and discounted or free admission to members. It is estimated that there are over 17,500 museums in the United States. If even 25% of these are free think of all the neat experiences folks can have for a few hours of their time.

The American Association of Museums has a members directory that can help people find museums in their area or that may relate to a topic they are interested in.