Discovery Centre

Little Learners: Marine Mysteries
2024-06-09 10:00 - 11:00 (America/Halifax) | Discovery Centre, 1215 Lower Water Street
Calling all junior oceanauts! We invite our youngest visitors to get hands-on exploring ocean science and the diversity of life under the sea. Soak in a Touch Pool Show, make a take-home puppet, and swim into the Ocean Gallery to shape a sandy shoreline and meet the critters that call our shores home.
This program is intended for children ages 2 to 5 and is included in the price of admission.

SEE FULL DETAILS: https://thediscoverycentre.ca/ocean-week-activities/

Dalhousie University Research Study
2024-06-15 09:00 - 16:00 | Discovery Centre, 1215 Lower Water Street
Discovery Centre is partnering with Dalhousie University for a research study and they’re looking for participants to join them on Saturday, June 15 from 9:00am – 4:00pm in our Level 3 Ghosn Room. Your family’s participation will help in Dalhousie University’s research of anxiety disorders in youth, with a $15 gift card to Amazon and free anxiety resources for participants in the program. The study should take no more than 20-minutes of your time.
Please see below about the study and your involvement:
In today’s fast-paced world, looking after our children’s mental well-being is crucial. Anxiety affects about 15% of Canadian youth, a number that has increased due to the COVID-19 pandemic, adding extra stress to our kids and teens.
As parents, caregivers, and community members, we need to recognize the seriousness of this issue. Anxiety disorders, like specific fears, general worry, and social anxiety, can disrupt our children’s lives, making it hard for them to enjoy school, socialize, or even participate in activities like sports or the arts.
Anxiety disorders have been on the rise for the past three decades, calling for action and deeper understanding of why our youth feel this way. Genetics play a significant role in how we handle anxiety, but we know little about how this works in young people. Understanding more about the role genes play in anxiety disorders can help us find better ways to treat them.
That’s why we’re excited to introduce the GAYA Study (Genetic Architecture of Youth Anxiety). This research aims to uncover how genes contribute to anxiety disorders in young people, helping us find better treatments.
We’re inviting youth aged 10-19 and their parents or guardians to join this important research. All youth experiencing anxiety at any level are welcome to participate. Taking part involves completing easy online surveys and playing interactive games on a safe app. Participants will receive a saliva kit by mail (with postage provided) and a $15 Amazon Gift Card as a thank-you for completing the study.
For kids facing extra anxiety who aren’t receiving help, we’re offering access to an online program called Breathe, proven to help teenagers aged 13 and up manage their anxiety better.
We understand that talking about mental health can be tough, especially for young people. That’s why participants can skip any questions they feel uncomfortable with. While participation might not directly help them, it could greatly impact how we support mental health in the future. By joining the GAYA Study, you can make a real difference in understanding and tackling anxiety disorders.
Thank you for considering our study and for your ongoing support in advancing mental health research for our youth!

Dr. Sandra Meier and The GAYA Research Team

Father's Day
2024-06-16 09:00 - 16:00 | Discovery Centre, 1215 Lower Water Street
Admission for Father figures is FREE for Father’s Day on Sunday, June 16th from 9:00am – 4:00pm only.
Come celebrate with Discovery Centre, and thank you for all that you do!

Summer Blast-Off
2024-06-29 09:00 - 2024-06-30 16:00 | Discovery Centre, 1215 Lower Water Street
Summer Vacation is almost here! Make it unforgettable with a stay-cation at Discovery Centre’s Summer Blast-Off, June 29 and 30. Dive into a world of exciting activities both inside and out, ALL INCLUDED IN REGULAR ADMISSION.
🔬 Take in wild and wonderful science shows
✨ Blow gigantic bubbles and play with chalk
🦸‍♂️ Meet Hal-con cosplayers, Saturday from 1-4pm
🏒 Gear up for an immersive experience in our newest exhibit, HOCKEY: Faster Than Ever!
Join us for a weekend of scientific fun and adventure, perfect for families and friends.
Event Details:

1215 Lower Water Street, Halifax
June 29th and 30th, 9:00AM – 4:00PM
Tickets can be purchased online or at the door. Buy now: https://discovery-centre.myshopify.com/collections/admission-tickets

Shark Day 🦈
2024-07-14 09:00 - 16:00 | Discovery Centre, 1215 Lower Water Street
Dive into Shark Day at Discovery Centre on July 14th from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm! Join us for a fin-tastic day; get hands-on with shark-themed crafts, discover shark conservation, and uncover the mysteries of shark science through games and special guests on Level 1. Don’t miss out on this jaw-some activity day! PLUS explore the wonders of the deep blue in our Ocean Gallery and meet starfish in our touch tank shows. Activities included in regular admission.

Special Guests:
The Ocean Tracking Network (OTN) will host a booth focused on OTN’s shark research in Canada and internationally! OTN staff will talk about the science behind tagging and tracking sharks and explain how this information is being used to monitor shark populations. The booth will include examples of shark tagging and tracking equipment, videos of blue sharks, and an activity!
Neil Hammerschlag, Ph.D. will be hosting a table with shark jaws, satellite tags, and videos.
Ocean School – Will have VR headsets with shark content and a pin-making station.

Perseid Meteor Shower
2024-08-10 09:00 - 2024-08-11 16:00 | Discovery Centre, 1215 Lower Water Street
Mark your calendars, stargazers! The Perseid meteor shower will peak through the early mornings of August 11th to 13th. Get ready for this spectacular celestial show with Discovery Centre all weekend, August 10th to 11th from 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM.
We’ve got your meteor hunting tips! Visit Discovery Centre to learn how you can prepare for the best views of the Perseids. Enjoy hands-on activities exploring the forces and objects in our solar system, learn how astronomers can predict meteor showers, and hold real space rocks in the palm of your hand!
Activities are included in regular admission.

Microscape - International Microorganism Day Celebration & Worlds of the Night Opening
2024-09-21 09:00 - 12:00 | Discovery Centre, 1215 Lower Water Street
Explore worlds unknown and things unseen at the ‘Worlds of the Night’ exhibition and celebrate Microscape International Microorganism Day!

Join us for a journey into the unknown as we unveil “Worlds of the Night” with special guests from Dalhousie University’s Institute for Comparative Genomics!
🦇 Night Creatures: Discover the secrets of how nocturnal animals see, hunt, and thrive in darkness.
🧬 Unlock the Mysteries of eDNA: Become a “gene-ius” detective! Dive into the world of environmental DNA and help solve nature’s most intriguing puzzles!
🔬 Microscope Marvels: Take a microscopic adventure! Uncover the hidden beauty and tiny wonders that surround us, from delicate patterns to secretive habitats.
Get your tickets (all included in regular admission): https://discovery-centre.myshopify.com/collections/admission-tickets/products/admission-september-21?variant=41791069421635

Worlds of the Nights is produced by the Sherbrooke Museum of Nature and Science with support from Heritage Canada’s Museum Assistance Program. Are you ready to explore the mysteries of the night? Mark your calendar and don’t miss out!

Worlds of the Night Featured Exhibition
2024-09-21 09:00 - 2025-01-06 16:00 | Discovery Centre, 1215 Lower Water Street
Experience the secrets of the night like never before at Discovery Centre’s latest exhibition, Worlds of the Night! Open Wednesday – Sunday, 9:00AM – 4:00PM.
Have you ever wondered what happens when the sun sets, and the world falls asleep? Uncover the mysteries of nocturnal creatures, learn how humans and animals adapt to darkness, and discover the incredible science that thrives under the cover of night.
Step into a nighttime world full of immersive displays and hands-on activities. Solve the puzzle of how owls hunt in the dark, find out what makes fireflies glow, or navigate your way through a starry night sky. Plus, challenge your senses with critter sounds and night vision!

Dive into the mysteries of the night at Worlds of the Night! Visit Discovery Centre and see what comes alive after dark! Tickets can be purchased online or at the door: Buy Admission Online
Click for: Admission | Group Rates | School Trips
Admission can be purchased online or in-store! Also, explore our Dome Theatre showtimes.

Book Launch: Be a Close-Up Nature Detective!
2024-10-05 13:00 - 16:00 | Discovery Centre, 1215 Lower Water Street
🔍 Join us at Discovery Centre on Saturday, October 5th, 1pm – 4pm, for an exciting book launch of Be a Close-Up Nature Detective!
Meet the author – Peggy Kochanoff, and then bring the book to life by exploring the tiny wonders of nature with USB microscopes, get up close with magnifying glasses at our touch tank, and dive into our worm bins to learn about soil health! Plus, enter a contest for a chance to win a free copy of the book with Nimbus Publishing Ltd.! 📚 It’s the perfect day for budding scientists and curious minds of all ages. See you there!

Spooktacular Science: A Family Halloween Event
2024-10-26 09:00 - 16:00 | Discovery Centre, 1215 Lower Water Street
Date: October 26th
Time: Stop in anytime 9 AM – 4 PM
Location: Discovery Centre, 1215 Lower Water St, Halifax
Welcome to the Spookiest Science Day Ever!
Get ready for a Halloween like no other at Spooktacular Science! Bring your family for a day filled with spine-tingling experiments, gooey fun, and exciting activities! Whether you’re a brave ghost hunter or a curious little scientist, there’s something for every child (and adult!) to enjoy.
Activities for the Whole Family:
👻 Spooky Slime Station – Mix, squish, and stretch your very own creepy, colorful slime! It’s hands-on, messy fun!
🕷️ Touch Boxes – Can you guess what’s inside? Only the bravest will dare to reach in and feel what’s hidden in our mystery boxes!
🎃 Pumpkin Explosion – Watch in awe as we make a pumpkin explode in a spectacular science experiment! It’s sure to be a blast!
🧛 Costume Contest – Wear your spookiest, funniest, or most creative costume and enter our contest for a chance to win cool prizes.
📸 Photo Booth Fun – Snap a spooky selfie with your family and friends! Our Halloween-themed photo booth is perfect for making memories.
🎶 Dance Party – Boogie to some hauntingly good tunes. There’s no better way to shake off the Halloween jitters!
🌌 The Creepy Cosmos – Explore the mysteries of space in our Dome Theatre with a spooky twist! This special Halloween-themed show will have you starry-eyed (sold separately).
🐛 Creepy Crawlies – Get up close and personal with some real-life creepy crawlies! Learn about these fascinating creatures, if you dare!
🕸️ Craft Corner – Get crafty and make your own Halloween decorations to take home. Create something spooktacular!

Buy Tickets

Science, Spirits, and Boos: 19+ Halloween Party
2024-10-26 21:00 | Discovery Centre, 1215 Lower Water Street
📅 October 26th, 9 PM – Midnight
📍 Discovery Centre, 1215 Lower Water St., Halifax
🎟️ www.thediscoverycentre.ca/science-spirits-boos/
Join Discovery Centre for a frightfully fun, adults-only Halloween event! Unleash your inner mad scientist and dive into a night filled with mind-blowing science experiments, spine-tingling demos, and creepy challenges.
What else is brewing?

Spirits to sip while you gather your courage

Fear Factor challenge (if you dare 🕷️)

A live DJ spinning spooky beats all night

Spooky science demos and special guests

Meet real creepy crawlies

Costume contests with killer prizes

Plus, eye-popping surprises at every turn 👀

Don’t miss out on the wicked fun—grab your tickets now: https://thediscoverycentre.ca/science-spirits-boos/

Interactive Ocean Action Booth
2024-10-27 09:00 - 13:00 | Discovery Centre, 1215 Lower Water Street
Drop into the Ocean Action Zone anytime between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. to chat with Halifax Solid Waste Educators about litter, marine debris, and reducing our waste.

Then do a fun craft transforming marine rope into a wearable item to take home. This is a drop in style event hosted by Halifax Solid Waste Resources, attendees must purchase tickets to the Discovery Centre.

This year, the theme for Waste Reduction Week is Preserving Our Shared Future. By sharing knowledge and resources we can help protect our environment, preserving our future for generations to come. Sharing clothing, tools, household goods, or knowledge passed down through generations, supports waste reduction and encourages meaningful community connections.

Future of Efficiency: Open Access Day at Discovery Centre
2024-11-02 09:00 - 16:00 | Discovery Centre, 1215 Lower Water Street
Join us for an exciting, interactive day of sustainability, technology, and innovation! On Saturday, November 2nd, the Discovery Centre, in partnership with Efficiency Nova Scotia, is hosting a special free access day for all ages. Explore the future of efficiency through hands-on activities, interactive booths, and meet industry experts who are leading the charge toward a sustainable future.

Event Details:
📅 Date: Saturday, November 2nd
🕒 Time: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
📍 Location: Discovery Centre, 1215 Lower Water St., Halifax

Admission is free on a first-come, first-served basis—no reservation required! Bring your family, friends, or group to dive into the world of sustainability and energy efficiency.

What to Expect:

Interactive booths and science demonstrations

Hands-on activities

Opportunities to engage with experts in green technologies and careers

https://thediscoverycentre.ca/future-of-efficiency-open-access-day/

2024 Discovery Awards
2024-11-14 17:30 - 21:00
Join us for the 22nd Annual Discovery Awards at the Halifax Convention Centre, November 14th at 5:30pm. Tickets on sale now: www.discoveryawards.ca

Mission: Critical
2024-11-16 09:00 - 16:00, 2024-11-17 09:00 - 16:00 | Discovery Centre, 1215 Lower Water Street
Join Discovery Centre’s Mission Critical scavenger hunt to explore how climate change impacts our health. Get hands-on with an IR camera to learn about greenhouse effect, use a microscope to connect with nature, and become a pro in debunking misinformation.

Build-A-Thon
2024-11-23 09:00 - 2024-11-24 16:00
Presented by Discovery Centre, the Build-A-Thon is the ultimate family-friendly event that celebrates creativity, innovation, and the joy of building. On November 23rd and 24th, from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM, prepare for a dynamic experience that combines challenges, towering structures, geodesic domes, LEGO®, giant building blocks, and engaging games!
🧱 Challenge Your Skills:

Embark on thrilling building challenges that test your architectural prowess.

Work together to build a giant geodesic dome.

Dive into the world of LEGO® blocks with hands-on creation.

Immerse yourself in a world of building blocks.

Explore the fascinating realms of engineering and architecture.

👪 Fun for the Whole Family:

The Build-A-Thon is family-friendly, ensuring a memorable experience for all.

All activities are INCLUDED in the purchase of regular admission! Dome Theatre tickets sold separately.

Drop-in for a weekend extravaganza of building, learning, and fun. Whether you’re a seasoned engineer or a budding architect, the Build-A-Thon has something for everyone.
📍 Date: November 23 and 24
🕘 Time: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Science with Santa & the Grinch
2024-12-22 09:00 - 16:00 | Discovery Centre, 1215 Lower Water Street
Join Santa and the Grinch at Discovery Centre on Sunday, December 22, from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM, for a flurry of festive hands-on science activities. ALL INCLUDED IN REGULAR ADMISSION.
Highlights:
🎅 Photos with Santa and the Grinch (9:30 AM to 3:30 PM)
❄️ Bounce Foggy Bubbles
🌨️ Make Instant Snow
☃️ Launch Snowman Stomp Rockets
💡 Watch Chemistry light up decor
🌬️ fly Snowflakes in the Wind Tunnel
🎨 Get creative at a festive arts and crafts station
🌌 Dome Theatre Winter Solstice Show (sold separately)
Discovery Centre members get free admission and can show up on day. Proof of membership is required.
Join us: https://discovery-centre.myshopify.com/collections/admission-tickets

Dinosaur Explorer Opening Weekend
2025-01-18 09:00 - 2025-01-19 16:00 | Discovery Centre, 1215 Lower Water Street
Hatching January 18 & 19: Dinosaur Explorer at Discovery Centre! 🦕
Step back in time and experience the ultimate dino adventure right here in #Halifax – but hurry, it’s for a limited time only!
Opening Weekend: January 18 & 19 | 9 AM – 4 PM
📍 1215 Lower Water St.
What to Expect:
🦖 Roaring, life-like animatronic dinosaurs
🦖 Real fossil displays
🦖 Hands-on, interactive games
🦖 Dino-mite Discovery Shop giveaway contest
🦖 Kick things off with a Dinosaur March on January 19th from 9:30 AM – 10:30 AM
🎟️ Details: https://thediscoverycentre.ca/featured-exhibit/
Don’t miss this jaw-some opportunity to uncover the secrets of the past and explore the connections between dinosaurs and our world today.

Dinosaur Explorer Exhibit Open
2025-01-20 09:00 - 2025-05-04 16:00 | Discovery Centre, 1215 Lower Water Street
Open January 18 – April 27: Dinosaur Explorer at Discovery Centre! 🦕
Step back in time and experience the ultimate dino adventure right here in #Halifax – but hurry, it’s for a limited time only!
Open Wednesday – Sunday | 9 AM – 4 PM
📍 1215 Lower Water St.
What to Expect:
🦖 Roaring, life-like animatronic dinosaurs
🦖 Real fossil displays
🦖 Hands-on, interactive games
🎟️ Buy admission in advance: https://thediscoverycentre.ca/featured-exhibit/
Don’t miss this jaw-some opportunity to uncover the secrets of the past and explore the connections between dinosaurs and our world today.

Ocean Action Day, Divert NS
2025-01-25 09:00 - 16:00 | Discovery Centre, 1215 Lower Water Street
You’re invited to Ocean Action Day, presented by Divert NS on January 25!
Join us for a day packed with exciting, hands-on activities and special guests in our newly refreshed Divert NS Ocean Action Zone.

Ever wondered what microplastics are and how they impact our oceans? Or how everyday fabrics and waste affect the environment? Come discover the powerful impact we all have on our blue planet – and the amazing ways we can take action to protect it!

Saturday, January 25th | 9:00am – 4:00pm
1215 Lower Water St., Halifax
Admission: https://discovery-centre.myshopify.com/collections/admission-tickets

Highlights:

Jelly Fish vs. Plastic Bag – After learning how sea turtles often mistake plastic bags for jellyfish, join DivertNS to brainstorm ways to keep our oceans clean.
The 3 Rs – Meet the experts from Halifax Solid Waste and dive into the importance of the 3 Rs.
Every Little Bit! – Join Ally and Molly from the Ripple Project for a fun, interactive look at up-cycling and turning waste into treasures.
Fabric Footprint – With a hands-on activity, discover microplastics and the impact of textile waste with Discovery Centre.
Meet Local Ocean Critters – Explore local species through live touch tank demonstrations with the STEAM Team.
Explore the newly refreshed Divert NS Ocean Action Zone!

Don’t miss out – come make a splash!

Little Learners: Dinosaur Detectives
2025-02-01 10:00 - 2025-02-02 11:00 | Discovery Centre, 1215 Lower Water Street
Join us February 1st or 2nd, 10:00am – 11:00am for Little Learners: Dinosaur Detectives.
Discover the wonderful world of dinosaurs! Together we will learn, explore, and make discoveries about dinosaurs through interactive activities. We’ll dig for dinosaur fossils, create amazing dinosaur crafts, and watch prehistoric animals take flight in the wind tunnel! PLUS see our newest exhibit, Dinosaur Explorer. Programming is intended for ages 2 – 5. All activities included with the purchase of regular admission.
Same activities both days.
Purchase admission in advance for one of the days, admission can be used for the full day, with the activities starting at 10am. Members are free with a valid membership card on entry.

Dino Disco Family Event
2025-02-01 18:00 - 20:00 | Discovery Centre, 1215 Lower Water Street
Dance with Dinosaurs at Discovery Centre’s SILENT DISCO!
Get ready to stomp, roar, and groove at our dino-mite family event!
🦖 When: Saturday, February 1st, 6 PM – 8 PM
🎧 Where: Discovery Centre, 1215 Lower Water St. Halifax
Step into an unforgettable evening with DJ Mucky Ebanz as you dance alongside animatronic dinosaurs in our newest featured exhibit, DINOSAUR EXPLORER!
Enjoy the magic of Discovery Centre after dark while you uncover gigantic prehistoric creatures and show off your best dino dance moves.
🌟 Dig out your costumes (optional) and join us for a roaring good time! Silent Disco headsets will be provided, allowing you to control the beats as you explore the centre. Headsets are returned at the end of the night.
Tickets $15.00 ea + Service Fees: https://thediscoverycentre.ca/dino-disco-family/

Silent Disco ft. DJ Mucky Ebanz
2025-02-01 21:00 | Discovery Centre, 1215 Lower Water Street
Halifax, Silent Disco is here, and it’s going extinct! 19+ Event.
🦖 When: Saturday, February 1st, 9 PM – 12 AM
🎧 Where: Discovery Centre, 1215 Lower Water St., Halifax
Step into a roaring night of music, dinosaurs, and science as Discovery Centre presents Dino Disco, a 19+ Silent Disco experience. Move to the beats of DJ Mucky Ebanz while exploring our latest exhibit, DINOSAUR EXPLORER, ft. animatronic dinosaurs. Show off your best dino dance moves, wander the centre after dark, and experience the ultimate mash-up of music, and prehistoric vibes.
Alcoholic and non-alcoholic options available for purchase.
Tickets available $20.00 + HST and Service Fees: https://thediscoverycentre.ca/dino-disco-adult/
How it works: Silent Disco headsets will be provided, allowing you to control the beats throughout the event. Headphones must be returned before leaving.

Jurassic Heart
2025-02-15 09:00 - 16:00 | Discovery Centre, 1215 Lower Water Street
You’re invited to Jurassic Heart – dinosaur sized fun with a little something called love.
February 15th, 9:00am – 4:00pm
Fall head over tail in love with our dinosaurs at Dinosaur Explorer, our newest featured attraction. Plus explore the wonders of the heart and its functions through crafts, hands-on activities, and the LOVE of science!
Activities included in regular admission. Buy now or at the door: https://discovery-centre.myshopify.com/collections/admission-tickets
Members are free with a valid membership card at entry.

Oral Health Day
2025-04-05 10:00 - 15:00 | Discovery Centre, 1215 Lower Water Street
Exciting News, Halifax! Join Dalhousie School of Dental Hygiene at Discovery Centre for a fun and interactive Science of Smiles event! 🦷✨
📅 Date: April 5th
⏰ Time: 10 AM – 3 PM
Explore hands-on booths covering everything from dental hygiene to food literacy, designed to make learning fun and engaging for all ages!
Purchase Admission Tickets

Science of Beer 2025
2025-04-05 19:00 - 22:00 | Discovery Centre, 1215 Lower Water Street
When: Saturday, April 5, 7:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Where: Discovery Centre, 1215 Lower Water Street, Halifax
Must be 19+ to attend
Science of Beer, presented by Discovery Centre, helps visitors discover the science behind a good brew, meet masters in the Nova Scotia craft brewing community, and sample brews from across Nova Scotia.
The Craft Brewers Association of Nova Scotia represents 48 unique and passionate members from all corners of the province and now is your chance to meet and sample some of the best. Discover how they “raise the bar” with tried-and-true techniques and new technologies through science and innovation.
Also, learn about style characteristics, ingredients, and the process from Master Brewers in a facilitated experience, and try science experiments from the Discovery Centre team.
Tickets: https://thediscoverycentre.ca/science-of-beer/

Little Learners: Dinosaur Detectives
2025-04-13 10:00 - 11:00 | Discovery Centre, 1215 Lower Water Street
Sunday, April 13, 10:00am – 11:00am
Discover the wonderful world of dinosaurs! Join us as we learn, explore, and make discoveries about dinosaurs through interactive activities. We’ll dig for dinosaur fossils, create amazing dinosaur crafts, and watch prehistoric animals take flight in the wind tunnel! PLUS see our newest exhibit, Dinosaur Explorer.
🎟️ Admission: https://discovery-centre.myshopify.com/collections/admission-tickets
Programming intended for ages 2–5. Included with regular admission. Members free with valid membership!

Earth Explorers
2025-04-19 09:00 - 16:00 | Discovery Centre, 1215 Lower Water Street
In celebration of Earth Day, join Discovery Centre’s GenAction team for an exciting mix of hands-on activities, interactive science, and sustainability fun! Discover the power of climate action, explore ecosystems up close, and learn how small changes can make a big impact. Don’t miss this chance to celebrate our planet with engaging activities in our Atrium.
Activities included in regular admission.
Buy Admission Tickets

Sensory Friendly Discovery
2025-04-27 09:00 - 10:30 | Discovery Centre, 1215 Lower Water Street
Join Discovery Centre for Low Sensory Discovery on Sunday, April 27, from 9:00 AM to 10:30 AM.
This time offers a quieter, more relaxed environment for visitors who benefit from reduced noise, dimmed lighting, and a calmer atmosphere. Enjoy our hands-on exhibits and Dinosaur Explorer at your own pace.
Included with regular admission. Members free with valid membership!
