By KARI BLURTON
Hays Post

As Prince would say, “It’s time to party like it’s 1999.” Well, maybe not party — but, next weekend, families will be able to get into Fort Hays State University Sternberg Museum of Natural History and pay prices as if it’s 1999.

The museum is celebrating its 15th anniversary from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. March 8.

According to Director Reese Barrick, the museum is celebrating by lowering ticket prices to the cost of when the museum first opened its doors in 1999 — adults will pay $4 to gain admission and seniors and children will be admitted for $2. These days, the admission price is $8 for adults, $5 for kids and $6 for seniors.

Looking back on the years, Barrick says the museum has accomplished quite a bit.

Not only will admission prices be lowered to 1999 prices for the day, but so will yearly membership prices.  An individual membership will cost $25 for the year and a family membership will cost $50 compared to today’s cost of $35 and $65.

The membership tickets are a bargain, Barrick said.

“Not only does membership allow you to get into Sternberg Museum any day of the year, in addition, there are over 250 other museums around the country that are all apart of an association that allows you to get in free or at a reduced price,” he said. “So if you want to take your trip to New York or Florida or to California, your Sternberg membership will get you into featured attractions all over the country for free or at a reduced price.”

Barrick said the first 100 children on March 8 also will receive a free “Fossils of Kansas” poster at the event.

As the museum celebrates its 15th year, Barrick said, officials are planning for the next 15 years, as well.

“I see Sternberg completely revamped, and the education department will be expanded,” he said, noting the museum will continue to grow and “make Sternberg a featured destination for the state.”