Membership FAQ

There are four ways to purchase a Membership with Nauticus:

• At the admission desk
• Click here to purchase online
• Print the application form and mail it to: ATTN Membership Office, One Waterside Drive, Norfolk, VA 23510
• Call the Membership Office at (757) 664-1005.

Once your application has been received, please allow one week for your membership card to arrive by email. When you visit Nauticus, simply show your membership card on your digital device at the admission desk to gain entry to Nauticus. Please Note: Members may have to reserve tickets for special exhibitions or events prior to visiting.

Yes! Prior to your visit, please call the Membership Office at (757) 664-1005 to verify your membership status. The admission desk can provide you a temporary card to use until you receive your digital membership card by email. If you join online, you will be emailed a confirmation that you may print out and use right away.

Absolutely! Admission receipts must be presented in person at the admission desk on the day of your visit. Applied tickets may not be combined with other offers, discounts, or promotions. No refunds.

Please view our Digital Membership FAQs here.

If there is an error on your card or your card is lost or stolen, please call the Membership Office at (757) 664-1005 or email us via membership@nauticus.org, and  a new card will be mailed to you.

Memberships are non-transferable. At least one of the members named on the card must be present for the visit.

Nauticus offers a variety of Membership levels from an Individual Membership ($50) to various higher levels up to $1,000+. You may upgrade your membership at any time, however, your expiration date will remain the same. At each level more enhanced benefits will be received, such as guest passes, invitations to behind-the-scenes tours, and much more. To upgrade your membership, contact the Membership Office at (757) 664-1005.

Your support helps us to benefit our community through education, impactful experiences and by sharing access to maritime resources. For higher level gift giving or donation opportunities, please contact the Development Department at (757) 664-1046.

As a Nauticus Member, you will receive Member-exclusive email updates about upcoming programs, Members-only events, and all Nauticus happenings. For upcoming events, please view our Events Calendar. For general museum updates, click here to sign up for the museum’s e-newsletter. Also connect with us on social media, like us on Facebook and follow us on Instagram.

Contact the Membership Office at membership@nauticus.org, by phone at (757) 664-1005.

Yes, we will notify you 90 days prior to your expiration date to renew your membership. Remember to renew early so you do not have an interruption in your membership benefits.

Sometimes during the renewal process, paid memberships and renewal notices cross in the mail. To verify that payment has been received, call the Membership Office at (757) 664-1005.

Memberships are tax deductible to the full extent of the law. Please consult your tax attorney for specific guidelines.

You can register for our website here.

Download the ASTC Passport Program guide here.

Of course! Any level of membership is available as a gift and may be purchased online, at the admission desk, by phone, or through the mail. Please be sure to clearly indicate the recipient and the gift-giver. You may include a personalized message with the gift membership, as well as any special instructions for the Membership Office.

Gift memberships are active immediately after purchase. If you prefer that the gift recipient activate the membership on their first visit, a membership gift certificate is available for purchase by calling 757-664-1005.

Gift memberships expire on the last day of the month, one year from date of purchase. (If you purchased a membership on November 15, 2020, it will expire on November 30, 2021.)

Digital membership cards are emailed to the gift recipient within 48 hrs. of the membership purchase. If you do not wish for the gift recipient to receive their digital membership card immediately, please leave the recipients email address blank. 

Please allow 5-7 business days to receive the membership packet by mail. During holiday seasons, please allow 10-12 business days to receive the membership packet by mail.

Absolutely! It is best to upgrade in person at our Admissions desk or by calling 757-664-1005.

A 20% discount on Individual or Family Memberships is available to seniors (55+), active and retired military, dependent military, students, and City of Norfolk employees, who present appropriate ID. To receive this discount, you must purchase the membership in person at the admissions counter or call / email the membership dept. at 757-664-1005 or memberships@nauticus.org

Memberships are good for one full year from the time of purchase. If you are renewing, please be assured that your new membership year will begin when your current membership expires – there’s never a penalty for renewing early.

Nauticus memberships are non-refundable and non-transferable.

Yes, as a Nauticus member you are entitled to reciprocal admission to other museums participating in the NARM (North American Reciprocal Museums) Program when you show your valid Nauticus membership card at the Admissions/Box Office of these participating museums. Visit www.narmassocaition.org for listings of participating museums and program restrictions.

Family Plus level members and up, are also enrolled in ROAM (Reciprocal Organizations of Associated Museums) Visit https://sites.google.com/site/roammuseums/home/list-of-roam-museums for listings of participating museums and program restrictions.

Parking validation is no longer a benefit of membership. There are several parking garages located within short walking distances. Visit www.norfolk.gov/parking for a detailed parking map.

Yes, we offer add-on guest options for Family memberships and higher.  You may add any additional person onto any Family level memberships for $25. Family memberships are also permitted to list a nanny/babysitter on their membership. Please notify the Membership Office of the nanny/babysitters name prior to visiting.