The University of Nebraska State Museum-Morrill Hall recently partnered with People’s City Mission to provide 206 free museum passes as part of a winter membership drive.

For every membership purchased or renewed, Morrill Hall donated two free passes to the mission. Museum members and visitors also had the option to purchase additional passes for donation.

“Science should be accessible to everyone,” said Susan Weller, director of the NU State Museum. “For us, it’s been exciting to partner with People’s City Mission and provide their community with the opportunity to visit Morrill Hall and have fun exploring exhibits and enjoying the interactive science activities.”

People’s City Mission is a safety net for those experiencing homelessness in Lincoln, providing emergency and transitional housing, home-cooked meals and more to men, women and families. The mission’s Help Center provides free housewares, clothing and food to more than 23,000 impoverished individuals in the community. The mission was started in 1907 and has remained open every day since. It is more than 97% funded by community donations.

“Being able to access Morrill Hall will have a two-fold effect on our guests,” said Amy Pappas, People’s City Mission’s chief operating officer. “First and foremost, it gives them the opportunity to experience one of the top natural history museums in the country that showcases Nebraska history, as well. Seeing the fossils and the planetarium personally, not to mention being able to see Archie up close and personal, is awe-inspiring. The second benefit will be for the children and young adults staying at the mission to be able to experience being on a college campus and being able to imagine post-secondary education as a real possibility.”

People’s City Mission is the fifth local organization to receive passes as part of the NU State Museum’s membership program. Friendship Home, CEDARS, the Malone Community Center and F Street Community Center received passes as part of the museum’s previous membership drives. The museum plans to support other entities with future membership drives.

“We hope visiting our museum will create happy memories for these individuals and families, and I thank all those who donated additional admissions,” Weller said.