Membership
The Sharpsteen Museum Association was founded to support and maintain Calistoga's Sharpsteen Museum and Sam Brannan Cottage. The all volunteer organization not only staffs the museum, keeping it open to the public 7 days a week, but is responsible to the City for its operation as well as the conservation and display of its collection. The Association owns the adjoining Museum House where it maintains offices, photo darkroom, meeting and work space.

The Association as an all volunteer organization, requires a broad range of support. As a volunteer, you could help provide office assistance, assist computer data input, assist fundraising, help staff the Museum Store or be trained as a docent. If you have an interest in the Museum, enjoy meeting new people and have the ability to commit a few hours each month, please call 942-5916 for further information

We also appreciate the support of our members who, while unable to volunteer, support us with their interest and sponsorship. Please consider joining us.

Members Benefits: Members receive a monthly newsletter, a 10% discount at the Museum Store and priority notice of Museum trips, lectures and events.

Annual Dues Schedule Due June 1 Senior  (65 and over) $20.00 Individual $30.00 Family/Dual $40.00 Associate $50.00 Sponsor $100.00 Business $50.00 Individual Life $300.00 Family Life $500.00 Business Life $1,000.00

The Sharpsteen Museum Foundation has been established as a vehicle for the acceptance of donations and bequests for the benefit of the Museum in manners which will meet the needs of the donor. Please keep us in mind when you are discussing the future with your tax or estate planning professional.

Some frequently asked questions about the
Sharpsteen Museum Endowment Fund

Why do we need and endowment fund?
For 25 years the SMA has covered expenses by fund raising, store sales, membership fees and donations in addition to donating thousands of volunteer hours. This has not allowed for the investment in additional programs. The establishment of the Endowment Fund will both ensure the future and fund new projects and programs.

How will the Fund be managed?
The Museum Foundation Board selects the professional fund manager and reviews their performance. Initially, the board has partnered with the Community Foundation of the Napa Valley for this purpose.

Can I designate the purpose of my gift?
Contributions may be designated specific purposes provided it is within the requirements of the Gift Policies and within the mission of the Sharpsteen Museum.

How will my gift be spent?
If your gift is to the non-permanent fund, principal and earnings are available to the Museum based upon the your designations. If your gift is Permanently Endowed, the principal is held and only the earnings are available for distribution based upon your designations.