Frequently Asked Questions

Membership FAQs

Is the number of children or grandchildren limited?

No. Please list the actual names of all children or grandchildren under the age of 18 on your membership form. Families will receive one IMAX Theater voucher for each listed member up to a maximum of six vouchers. For example: 2 adults, 6 children listed on membership – 8 people on membership will receive free HSC admission & other member discounts & family will receive the maximum of 6 IMAX vouchers.

If I have already purchased tickets today, can I apply my purchases toward the cost of a membership?

Credit for tickets purchased is good for the purchase of a membership on the same day as the ticket purchase. A sale number, ticket stub or receipt is required for same day credit.
Credit limited to 1 Science Center General Admission and/or 1 regular IMAX Theater ticket (no double features; IMAX Hollywood movies will be credited at the member discount rate of $1/ticket) per listed member (up to 6 IMAX vouchers). No credit for guests in the party. IMAX Theater tickets used for credit will be counted as the free IMAX Theater ticket benefit (Hollywood movies will be credited at the member discount rate of $1/ticket. Amount credited may not exceed $69.00. No refunds. Select limited-engagement exhibit admission tickets not valid for conversion.)

Are there any guest privileges included in the membership?

Members at the Friend level receive guest passes for Science Center and Gems-level members receive guest passes for Science Center and IMAX Theater admission.

How does Whitaker Center define a family membership?

Whitaker Center recognizes that families come in all shapes and sizes. Membership is for two listed adults, and children 18 and under in the household. You may choose which two adults are covered. You also have the option to purchase an individual membership for a third adult or purchase separate tickets.

What about dependent adults (children over 18 in college, etc.)?

Membership is for two listed adults and children in the household. You may choose at the time of sign-up which two adults are covered (such as mother and “adult child”), purchase an individual membership for the adult child, purchase separate tickets when dependent adult accompanies family, or take advantage of the Science Center guest passes offered with the Friend and Gems level memberships.

Does the membership include any privileges for concerts at Whitaker Center?

Members at the Individual, Family, and Grandparent levels receive updates about upcoming activities through our newsletter and website. In addition to these updates, members at the Friend and Gem levels receive a 10% discount on tickets for select Whitaker Center sponsored events.

Can a caregiver come in lieu of the primary members?

Membership is for two listed adults and children in the household. You may choose at the time of sign-up which two adults are covered, such as a mother and a grandmother or a mother and an au pair. You also have the option to purchase an individual membership for the caregiver, purchase separate tickets, or take advantage of the guest passes for Science Center offered at the Friend and Gems levels.

Can other guests come in lieu of the primary members?

Membership privileges are for those listed on the membership and are not transferable. Member should purchase tickets for guests. It is always a good practice to ask “How many members are visiting today?” Members at the Friend and Gems levels have a designated number of guest passes.

What if a member has more guests with them than the total listed on the card/record?

Membership privileges are for those listed on the membership and are not transferable. Additional adults can purchase tickets at regular price. If there are additional children in the family/household since the date the membership began they can be added to the membership and new membership cards will be issued.

Volunteer FAQs

Is there a time commitment involved in becoming a volunteer at Whitaker Center?

We ask that volunteers commit to at least 8 hours a month, two four hours shifts of time.

What if I start to volunteer and I don’t like what I’m doing?

We ask that volunteers commit to at least 36 hours, or 4 months time before asking to change positions within the center.

How are volunteers trained?

All volunteers must attend a basic orientation, either with a group or individually with the Volunteer Coordinator. We also ask that you attend training designed to acquaint you with your specific assignment and the general practices and procedures of Whitaker Center. This training is offered before the volunteer begins their assignment (some on the job training may be required).

Are volunteers provided with a uniform?

Volunteers are provided with a short sleeved or long sleeved Whitaker Center polo shirt. We do not provide pants to volunteers, but they are asked to wear tan colored khaki pants. Volunteers in our administrative offices are asked to wear business casual attire.

Is parking provided?

Whitaker Center provides parking to all volunteers at Walnut St. parking garage.

Volunteer Benefits

As a thank you to our volunteers, we offer excellent benefits!

Orientation and training
The opportunity to hone existing skills or learn new ones
Membership privileges, such as complimentary admission to Harsco Science Center and film screenings in Select Medical IMAX Theater (based on hours contributed)
Flexible hours
Recognition awards
Free parking downtown
And much more!

Can’t wait to join the fun?
It’s easy to get involved at Whitaker Center for Science and the Arts. Applying is easy as 1-2-3.

1) Click here to download a pdf of the Volunteer Application Form

2) Fill out the Volunteer Application completely and mail to:
Volunteer Services
Whitaker Center for Science and the Arts
225 Market Street
Harrisburg, PA 17101

3.) Someone from the Volunteer Program will contact you to schedule an interview.