Join & Support
RMSC Council
Fundraising and supporting all three locations of the RMSC since 1941!
Get involved!
The RMSC Council supports the RMSC Museum & Science Center, Strasenburgh Planetarium and Cumming Nature Center and offers the opportunity to:
- Use your time and talents to create programming, activities, and fundraisers
- Socialize and collaborate with others who share your interests
- Help make the RMSC accessible to all
- Try new things and address interesting challenges
- Be inspired by unique events and programs hosted by the RMSC Council
We look forward to your sharing your time and talents to strengthen and support RMSC!
GET TO KNOW THE RMSC COUNCIL!
We would love to have you join us as a guest at one of our monthly general meetings. You’ll learn more about this meaningful volunteer opportunity and meet our amazing members. We meet monthly from March-June and September-December. Please contact us at co*****@**sc.org for dates and more information.
What THE RMSC COUNCIL DoES:
MONTHLY PROGRAMS/MEETINGS:
These monthly gatherings consist of a variety of engaging presentations/speakers, a breakfast/luncheon and a business meeting. In addition, there is an annual dinner, a tri-council meeting with the Memorial Art Gallary and George Eastman Museum councils and a celebratory end of the season picnic.
SOCIAL GATHERINGS:
Special programs are hosted throughout the year to build connections among members. Past programs have included wine tasting and chocolate events, author presentations, guest speakers and many other opportunities. Ideas for social gatherings appeal to a wide array of interests and new ideas are always welcome!
PLAN AND HOST FUNDRAISERS:
These annual fundraisers directly support the operating costs of the RMSC:
- Beautiful Blooms (Order in April, pickup in May):
A sale of beautiful assorted plants perfect for starting the garden and celebrating spring . - Rochester Red Wings Concession Sales at Innovative Field (Six Spring/Summer Dates): Members work at a variety of refreshment booths at 6 Red Wings Games from May – September
- Fantastic Findings (Collected Year Round/September Sale):
This is a “next-to-new” sale that consists of collectibles, jewelry, lamps, toys, linens, china, furniture, silver, antiques, art and boutiques. - Holiday Bazaar (November):
A juried show with five floors of displays across the RMSC campus. A spectacular variety is available with more than 150 exhibitors showcasing creative fine arts and unique crafts: ceramics, jewelry, glass, woodwork, paintings, photography, fiber arts, floral crafts, and more!
EVENT CALENDAR:
Fantastic Findings
A “next-to-new” sale organized by RMSC Council, Fantastic Findings features treasures and collectibles from jewelry to toys.
Holiday Bazaar
A juried show with FIVE floors of displays across the RMSC campus. A spectacular variety of carefully selected exhibitors showcase creative, unique, hand-made items.
Beautiful Blooms Plant Sale (pick-up)
Buy spring blooms for yourself or as a gift while supporting your favorite non-profit.
Bunco blast
It’s RMSC Council’s social event of the year! Join them for the food, fun and the opportunity to meet new friends!
How To Join
Here is a step-by-step on how to join!
- Become a RMSC member here.
If you’re not a member yet, click on the link above and follow the prompts. Then, return to this page and continue the directions below. - Apply for your “Council Membership” here. Download the form. Once you complete the form, save it, and turn it in by emailing co*****@**sc.org.
Council Expectations: Active members should plan to attend meetings, support Council events and volunteer a minimum of 40 hours per year to RMSC Council projects. Council dues will be collected in June and are $30 per year.
Still have more questions? Feel free to join us for one of our general meetings or volunteer events. This is a great way to meet current Council members and ask questions. Our meetings are held monthly except for July/August and volunteer work is ongoing all year. For dates and more information, contact us at co*****@**sc.org.
Already a member? Renew Your Membership
history of THE COUNCIL
The RMSC Council began in 1941 when several Rochester women decided to form a Women’s Council for the purpose of supporting the Rochester Museum & Science Center (RMSC). These women volunteered their time and energy to create special activities and social gatherings as well as sponsoring annual fundraising events.
In 2018, the RMSC Women’s Council opened its membership to all and changed the name to the more inclusive RMSC Council. We also expanded our mission to provide educational programming for all of the Rochester community. Since its inception over 80 years ago, the RMSC Council has proudly raised over $3 million to help maintain and improve the RMSC!
CURRENT MEMBERS
HOW TO KEEP TRACK OF VOLUNTEER HOURS:
Volunteer Hours
What constitutes volunteer hours? Examples include, but are not limited to, the following: (Please round to the nearest ½ hour)
- Any RMSC and/or Council volunteer event,
- Transportation to/from any of these events,
- Business or Council meetings,
- Work related to your committee (shopping, setup/clean-up, etc.), and
- Computer work, phone, text, mailings to events.
Suggestions for keeping track of your hours:
(Note – We are no longer using the app CauseConnect)
- Print and record on the “volunteer hours” tally sheet in the monthly newsletter
- Keep a list of hours on the fridge or wall near your desk
- Keep a volunteer hours/mileage notebook in your car
- Circle/Highlight volunteer dates/times on your calendar
When to submit and to whom do you submit?
We will ask you to tally your hours and submit them in June, concurrent with your Council membership renewal. Don’t worry – we will remind you!
Why do we collect this information?
- Our goal is for each active member to volunteer a minimum of 40 hours
- Members with 100+ hours receive a complimentary individual RMSC membership
- Members with 200+ hours receive a complimentary family RMSC membership
- Most importantly, RMSC receives grant money based on total volunteer hours!
Please contact Laure Adams, la**************@***il.com if you have any questions or concerns.
HOW TO RENEW YOUR RMSC AND COUNCIL MEMBERSHIP
- Renew your RMSC Membership here.
REMINDER: If you volunteer more than 100 hours you qualify for a free individual membership, and 200 hours qualifies you for a family or grandparent membership. Please note – The hours are collected in the spring and the free membership begins in September.