Don Harrington Discovery Center Introduces Digital Membership with Cuseum

Bringing Science and Access Closer Together

The Don Harrington Discovery Center in Amarillo, Texas has rolled out its new digital membership system in collaboration with Cuseum. This shift reflects the museum’s broader commitment to smarter, more accessible visitor experiences. By embracing mobile technology, the Discovery Center joins other forward-thinking institutions such as the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, Exploratorium, and the University of Michigan—all organizations using Cuseum’s tools to improve how they connect with members.

A Hub of Curiosity in the Texas Panhandle

Founded in 1976, the Don Harrington Discovery Center is a hands-on science museum and planetarium serving children, families, and school groups across the region. Located in Amarillo’s medical district, the nonprofit center welcomes over four hundred guests each day. Visitors come to experience live science demonstrations, interactive exhibits, and immersive shows in the fully upgraded Digistar planetarium. 

The museum also houses a rare piece of history—the Helium Centennial Time Columns Monument, which doubles as a functional sundial and time capsule collection. The center plays a key role in regional STEM education and participates in reciprocal admission networks that extend its reach far beyond the city. Funded through a combination of admissions, memberships, programs, and local foundation support, the Discovery Center continues to grow thanks to strong community backing.

Membership That’s Easy to Use and Hard to Lose

At the Don Harrington Discovery Center, Digital Memberships now give guests a faster, simpler way to stay connected—directly from their phones. Members receive their card instantly via email and can save it to their mobile wallet for quick, anytime access. There’s nothing to print, mail, or misplace.

With this upgrade, the Discovery Center can share updates, highlight seasonal exhibits, and prompt renewals automatically. Members get the right message at the right time—whether it's an event reminder or a note about reciprocal admission. This keeps the focus on enjoying the museum, not managing logistics.

For staff, Digital Membership reduces hours spent on card fulfillment, printing, and customer service. With fewer manual tasks, more time and resources can go toward what matters most: creating meaningful, hands-on learning experiences for the public.

A Digital Shift That Reflects a Deeper Mission

The Discovery Center has always looked ahead—its Helium Time Columns Monument being just one example of long-term thinking. Now, Digital Membership reflects that same future-minded approach in everyday operations. By eliminating paper and plastic cards, the museum cuts down on waste and lowers fulfillment costs.

Just as importantly, it improves access. Guests who rely on their phones for daily tasks now have a straightforward way to carry their membership, no extra steps or materials needed. This change aligns with the center’s broader mission: to make science accessible, fun, and inclusive for young learners and families throughout the region.

Explore What’s Possible with Digital Tools

The Don Harrington Discovery Center is proving that all institutions can make big changes. Going digital gives members faster access, helps the museum operate more efficiently, and reinforces its role as a dynamic learning space for the next generation. 

If your organization is ready to update its membership model and better serve your audience, book a demo with Cuseum and discover what the future of member engagement looks like.