Starting October 1, 2023 the DC History Center will launch a new and improved membership program! The new structure aims to offer a wider range of benefits and levels that speak to the variety of people who engage with our organization’s work, while also accounting for increasing costs and inflation. This means that we are raising the price for membership levels that include the more costly benefits, such as the Washington History magazine, while also creating affordable options for those who are more interested in digital benefits and community events. We have also created tiers with enhanced rewards for those who choose to become Investors in the DC History Center.
With this major change, we know that our community will have questions about the new levels. Below, we have included an FAQ that answers questions about our new membership structure. If you have any questions that aren’t addressed here, please contact us at membership@dchistory.org!
1. Is my current membership changing?
No! If you are currently a member of the DC History Center, and paid for your membership prior to October 1, 2023, your membership for the year will continue under the previous structure. Any membership transaction after October 1, 2023 will fall under the new structure.
2. Can I renew my current membership?
If you are currently a member of the DC History Center, you have the opportunity to renew your membership for another year prior to October 1, 2023. All renewals will automatically extend your current expiration date by one year, regardless of the date you renew. To renew as a member after October 1, you will need to select a tier from the new membership structure to rejoin! This allows our current members one year to adjust to the changes in membership benefits and pricing.
To renew your current membership, log in at https://dchistory.org/membership/ and in the account dropdown menu select “Membership History.” From here, your current membership should show an option to “renew now.”
3. Can I join a new tier now?
Starting October 1, 2023, anyone can join under the new membership structure! Current members will receive an invitation to renew when their membership is due to expire.
4. Why did the price of membership change?
For nearly two decades, the cost of membership has remained the same, even as the level names and structure have changed. With rising inflation and costs, the price of producing Washington History magazine now exceeds the cost of Annual Level membership. At the same time, more and more people are reading magazines online. To create necessary income for the organization, and a donation opportunity for members, we have raised the price of some tiers based on the cost of these benefits.
However, with the knowledge that many of our community members might not be willing or able to contribute funds to the organization at this level, we have also created new tiers at a lower price. These levels offer competitive benefits for those interested in finding a like-minded group of people who care about the story of DC, past and present.
5. What are the new membership benefits?
Interested in the new tiers and benefits? You can find a comprehensive list of our new levels here!
6. I am not a member but would like to join. How do I become a member?
We are excited to have you become a Friend of the DC History Center! To join, you can click here. Please note that until October 1, you are joining under the old member structure. If you want to join under the new structure starting October 1, be sure to join our email list here to receive your invitation to join!