Webster Club

Benefits of Membership

The Adler Planetarium’s Webster Institute houses one of the world’s greatest collections of historic scientific instruments, rare books, maps, works on paper, and materials documenting space exploration. The Institute is led by Ph.D. historians, with oversight by civic leaders and scholars.

Meet the Webster Club Steering Committee

Copernicus ($100–$249)

For members under 35, Ptolemy ($65)

• Contributions above $100 per year will be applied to the Webster Club Temporarily Restricted Funds
• Quarterly members-only events centered on the Adler collection
• Opportunities to participate in special projects at the Webster Institute throughout the year, with an emphasis on the acquisition and care of historic scientific artifacts and works on paper
• Recognition as a member of the Webster Club in the Adler’s Annual Report to Donors

Galileo ($250–$499)

Receive all previous benefits, plus:

• Contributions above $100 per year will be applied to the Webster Club Temporarily Restricted Funds.
• Complimentary subscription to the Adler Planetarium’s quarterly newsletter, AdlerStar
• Invitations to museum special events throughout the year.

Newton ($500–$999)

Receive all previous benefits, plus:

• Contributions above $100 per year will be applied to the Webster Club Temporarily Restricted Funds
• Complimentary subscription to the Adler Planetarium’s donor newsletter
• Invitations to programs of The Alan B. Shepard Society
• Opportunities for private tours of exhibitions with Adler curators

Herschel ($1000–$2499)

Receive all previous benefits, plus:

• Contributions above $100 per year will be applied to the Webster Club Temporarily Restricted Funds
• Complimentary catalogs to current Adler exhibitions
• Invitations to VIP events at the Adler including the Shepard Society Annual Dinner, exhibition openings, and other program

Life Member ($2500–$9999)

This unique membership opportunity is presented to donors with a commitment to establish and advance the Webster Club.  Life Members also receive all previously listed benefits. Contributions above $100 per year will be applied to the Webster Club Temporarily Restricted Funds.

Life Patron ($10,000 +)

Life Patrons hold the most significant level of membership in the Webster Club. The full portion of their gift (less $100) is applied to the Webster Club Temporarily Restricted Funds.

Life Patrons receive all previous benefits, plus:

• Private tours (up to ten guests) of the Adler Collection and conservation areas not open to the public
• The opportunity to ensure the long-term success of the Webster Club

Member Events

To recognize these extraordinary museum leaders, the Adler Planetarium Board of Trustees authorized the creation of the Webster Club, a special group of museum friends. The Webster Club works to strengthen and preserve the Adler Collections. Members enjoy exclusive access to the Webster Institute’s priceless artifacts, invitations to special events, and opportunities to participate in unique projects.

Programs for Webster Club members are held at least four times per year. Program subject matter, date, and location for each event will be posted on the website as soon as the specifics have been solidified.

Topics in the past have included: Telescopes: Through the Looking Glass, From Metals to Minarets: Astrolabes in the Middle East and Mapping the Universe.

Enroll Today!

To enroll in the Webster Club, please fill out the enrollment Form (PDF) and send to:

Adler Planetarium
Attn: The Webster Club
1300 S. Lake Shore Drive
Chicago, Illinois 60605