Holiday Gift Guide 2005	A Sense of Belonging by Devon Dams-O'Connor

Let’s face it. Some people don’t need another thing. Giving a membership to a cultural organization is a retail-free way of supporting someone’s interests, while supporting the interest itself.

As a member of any of the organizations listed below, the recipient is entitled to VIP treatment, including free admission, a shopping discount (usually 10 percent) at each gift shop, and newsletter subscriptions throughout the year. Each one also offers family memberships, and some even have student or grandparent levels available. Sign someone up for a present with an impact that will last far beyond Christma

(photo: Rose Mattrey)

Albright-Knox Art Gallery

1285 Elmwood Avenue, Buffalo

Who they are: The Albright-Knox is one of the nation’s oldest arts organizations with a world-class collection of modern and contemporary art.

Family/Dual membership: $75

Individual membership: $50

Perks: Free admission to most special exhibitions, invites to members-only previews, and discounts on lectures, workshops, and classes.

To join: Call the gallery’s membership department at 270-8247 or visit www.albrightknox.org for more info.

Buffalo and Erie County

Botanical Gardens

2655 South Park Avenue, Buffalo

Who they are: The Botanical Gardens’ historic glass conservatory houses a vast collection of Victorian-style gardens, arranged by areas of the world.

Family/Dual membership: $85 for 2 years

Individual membership: $35

Perks: Invitations to members’ events, early pickup and discounts at The Great Garden Plant Sale, special prices for workshops, trips and tours, and admission to 165 other gardens in the United States and Canada.

To join: Call 827-1584, ext. 302 or visit www.buffalogardens.com for an application.

Buffalo Museum of Science

1020 Humboldt Parkway, Buffalo

Who they are: The Museum of Science brings the public closer to science through it’s research and collections, and also maintains the 264-acre Tifft Nature Preserve just outside of the city.

Family/Dual membership: $50

Individual membership: $35

Perks: Invitations to members’ openings, discount on workshops, classes, trips, and camps, and free admission to over 275 children’s and science museums all over the country.

To join: Call 896-5200, ext. 310 or visit www.sciencebuff.org to apply online.

Buffalo Zoo

300 Parkside Avenue, Buffalo

Who they are: The Buffalo Zoo is the nation’s third oldest, showcasing a collection of over 1,000 animals with an emphasis on conservation and education.

Family/Dual membership: $55-$70

Individual membership: $30

Perks: Two guest passes, one parking voucher, free or reduced admission to over 100 national zoos and aquariums, zoo window decal, birthday party privileges, invitations to members only events, and bonus benefits at area businesses from movies to dry cleaning.

To join: Call 837-3900, ext. 131 or visit www.buffalozoo.org to apply on line.

Burchfield-Penney Art Center

1300 Elmwood Avenue, Buffalo

Who they are: The Burchfield-Penney showcases the cultural and educational value of Western New York artists and their work.

Family/Dual membership: $45

Individual membership: $30

Perks: Free admission to members-only events and openings, admission to happy hour events, priority registration for workshops, tours, special events, a museum quality poster, and one guest general admission pass.

To join: Visit www.burchfield-penney.org to apply on line or call 878-6011 for more info.

Buffalo and Erie County

Historical Society

25 Nottingham Court, Buffalo

Who they are: The Historical Society preserves and displays hundreds of thousands of local artifacts and records, and opens its doors for public research and education.

Family/Dual membership: $45

Individual membership: $30

Perks: Free admission to the society’s research library, invitations to exhibition previews, and advance notice and discounts on programs and events. Members also have access to the Time Traveler network of museums and historical societies across the United States with admission and shop discounts at over 140 locations.

To join: Visit www.bechs.org to apply on line or print out the membership form and return it to the society.