Heritage Circle, comprised of MOHAI’s leading supporters, provides crucial contributions to all aspects of MOHAI’s exhibits, public, and education programs.

Through an annual gift of $1,000 or more, Heritage Circle contributors are given increased access to MOHAI and can connect with history in stimulating and original ways.

Heritage Circle Levels

Because of their generous support, Heritage Circle contributors are offered the full and exclusive benefits of the Innovator Level of Membership, as well as the following:

Innovator Member Benefits

Heritage Circle supporters enjoy the following Innovator membership benefits:

  • Member benefits for three people plus children or grandchildren 17 and under
  • Three personalized membership cards
  • Five one-time use guest passes
  • Reciprocal museum benefits to over 1,300 museums through the North American Reciprocal Museum Program (NARM)
  • Time Travelers reciprocal museum benefits to over 300 US historical museums, sites and societies
  • Two Memberships in One with the Smithsonian Affiliate membership
  • Save 10% when you join or renew for two years

Collector - $1,000

All Innovator member benefits AND

  • Invitations to the annual Heritage Circle Appreciation Party and special exhibit openings
  • Recognition of support on the MOHAI Donor Wall and Annual Report
  • Non-tax deductible portion: $75

Narrator - $2,500

All Collector benefits AND

  • Private tour of MOHAI special exhibit
  • Non-tax deductible portion: $75

Guardian - $5,000

All Narrator benefits AND

  • A behind-the-scenes collections tour at the MOHAI Resource Center
  • Non-tax deductible portion: $75

Trailblazer - $10,000

All Guardian benefits AND

  • Lunch at MOHAI with Executive Director Leonard Garfield
  • Non-tax deductible portion: $125

Luminary - $25,000

All Trailblazer benefits AND

  • 20% off private event rental (once per year, catering and security fees not included)
  • Non-tax deductible portion: $125
  • Heritage Circle FAQ

    When will I receive my member cards?

    It takes about two weeks to receive membership cards and a tax receipt in the mail.

    Can I still go to the museum if I have bought a membership but haven't received my member card?

    Yes, provide your full name at the Admission Desk and they can access your membership for entry.

    Are Heritage Circle memberships tax deductible?

    A major portion of all Heritage Circle memberships are tax-deductible and those amounts are listed here. Your tax-receipt will clearly indicate how much of your donation is tax deductible.

    If I make a donation through a donor-advised fund, can I still receive Heritage Circle benefits?

    Unfortunately, current IRS tax guidelines do not allow MOHAI to provide any sort of benefit for donations received via donor-advised fund.

    What is a reciprocal membership?

    MOHAI participates in reciprocal benefit programs as an added benefit for our members. The programs offer MOHAI members at the MOHAI Plus, Storyteller, Innovator and Heritage Circle levels access to visit participating museums locally and nationally. Each reciprocal program and participating museum offers varying benefits so make sure to check before visiting a reciprocal museum.

    MOHAI currently participates in the North American Reciprocal Museum (NARM) and the Time Travelers.

    What is a Smithsonian Affiliate membership?

    Did you know that MOHAI is a Smithsonian Affiliate museum? There are over 200 Smithsonian Affiliate organizations in more than 45 states, Puerto Rico and Panama, all working together to preserve our heritage, expand knowledge, and inspire learning. MOHAI is the Smithsonian Affiliate in your neighborhood.

    As a benefit of this program we are able to offer MOHAI members, Two Memberships in One with the Smithsonian Affiliate membership. Affiliate membership benefits include: Smithsonian Magazine (one year subscription) or Air & Space Magazine (seven issues), a personalized Smithsonian membership card, 10% discount on all Smithsonian Folkways Recordings, free admission to the Smithsonian’s Cooper Hewitt, National Design Museum in New York city, as well as a 10% discount on all IMAX tickets at the Smithsonian.

    When you purchase a MOHAI membership at the Innovator or Heritage Circle levels you will be enrolled in the Smithsonian Affiliate membership.

    When and what is the Heritage Circle Appreciation Party?

    The Heritage Circle Appreciation Party is a way for MOHAI to say thank you! Every August, we get together for cocktails, hors d’oeuvres and live music at the museum as a way to show our appreciation for your support and to update you on the impact you’ve created in our community. Plus, with stunning views of South Lake Union, what’s not to love? Invitations will arrive at least 6 weeks in advance. We hope to see you there.

    How do I arrange to receive my additional benefits (behind-the-scenes tours etc.)?

    Heritage Circle contributors at the Narrator level and above receive some benefits that will require special arrangements.

    Simply give us a call at 206 324 1126 Ext. 193 and we will be happy to coordinate and find a date that is best for you to dive behind-the-scenes at MOHAI.

    We ask that all tours and lunches are arranged at least four weeks in advance to ensure availability and the best possible experience.