Features Editor

Buy one, get one free sales are always very popular among shoppers. Everyone likes to get a good deal.

And, boy does the Pioneer Museum of Alabama have a deal for you.

The membership drive for the museum is underway and, for the price of a 2002 membership, you get two months of admission absolutely free.

So, from now until Jan. 1, 2001, new members will get to enjoy unlimited access to the museum and the special event that are just around the corner. On Nov. 10, the museum will host Pioneer Day, a recreation of the 1800s where a family can step back into the past as pioneer and Native American camps come to life. Then, in December, the entire family can enjoy and old-fashioned Christmas lighting and caroling service that will a highlight of the holiday season.

Charlotte Gibson said two months free membership is just the beginning of the good deals that membership offers.

"Of course, membership offers unlimited access to the museum and its grounds," Gibson said. "We have wonderful walking trails and a picnic area that are perfect for family outings or for those who just want to enjoy the peace and quiet of a walk in the woods."

The museum is open seven days a week throughout the year except the major holidays. The hours are 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday and from 1 until 5 p.m. on Sunday. Therefore, the museum offers fun and entertainment almost all day long, almost every day of the year.

Members are also admitted free to all special events at the museum except the Jean Lake Festival which is not solely a museum sponsored event.

"We are continually adding more events and activities and that makes the feature of membership very attractive," Gibson said. "The museum has twice sponsored Scheer’s Lumberjack Show, which, alone, is worth the price of membership."

Members also get 10 percent off at the museum gift shop, which is a favorite shopping place for many.

"We have an outstanding line of items, many of them are one-of-a-kind," Gibson said. "We have a large selection of regional books, pottery, handcrafted items, food and pantry items, stuffed animals, old-time toys, frames, jewelry, tee shirts, just to name a few. We also have Christmas ornaments and seasonal items. We are always adding new items so there is always something new in stock when you visit our gift shop."

Members also receive a quarterly newsletter detailing events and happenings at the museum.

Gibson said the museum staff and board of directors would like to welcome their newest members: the families of Leslie Parris, Gentry Hassett, Shirley Boykin, Darrell Potter, Hugh B. Sikes, Chip and Helen Wallace, David Plunkett, Dykes and Dorothy Pruitt, William L. Johnson, David D. Conrad, Sr., Tim and Dana Mc Quitty, Bill and Anne Thompson, Leslie and Kim Thompson, Brian and Terry Henry, Jean W. Barr, William N. Geouge and T.F. and Fay Burrage, Leon and Mary Hilyer, Sarah Ann Whaley, Roy E. Jeffcoat, Joyce G. Law, Ella Lou Botts and Pat and Sandra Smith.

"We would also like to express our thanks to our corporate gold sponsors for the year, The Messenger, Horn Beverage Company, R.L. Zeigler Co. Inc. and Pepsi Cola Bottling Co." Gibson said. "Because the support of our sponsors and our members we can continue to grow and offer more programs, activities and events for Pike County and the many visitors from our state and across the nation."

So, those who are looking for a fun or learning or fun-learning experience, need look no farther than the Pioneer Museum of Alabama.

Memberships are $35 for a family and $20 for individuals.

Memberships make great gifts for Christmas or any time of the year.

To become a member, call the museum at 566-3597 or send a check or money order to Pioneer Museum of Alabama, 248 U.S. Hwy. North, Troy, AL 36081.