The Colton Circle

Named to honor key MNA founders Harold and Mary-Russell Ferrell Colton, the Colton Circle is an exclusive giving society whose supporters make the Museum of Northern Arizona a priority in their philanthropy through generous giving of $1,000 or more annually.

For more information or if you have any questions about joining the Colton Circle, please contact the Development office at 928-774-5213 ext. 227 or click here to email us.

Colton Circle Levels and Associated Benefits

Colton Circle Fellow ($1,000 – $2,499) 

  • Benefits at the Black Mesa membership level, including complimentary general admission to the museum. 
  • VIP invitation to Colton Circle events – e.g. opening receptions, gallery talks, tours 
  • Subscription to the Colton Circle Quarterly newsletter 
  • First access to purchase Ventures trips and special event tickets (as offered, limited availability) 
  • Annual recognition on donor wall of honor and in MNA’s Museum Notes newsletter 
  • Free admission to MNA festivals and Thirsty Thursday concerts 

Colton Circle Patron
($2,500 – $4,999)
 

All of the Colton Circle Fellow benefits plus… 

  • Free general admission to the museum for any number of accompanied guests 
  • Invitation for one private, docent-led tour of the MNA Exhibits building for up to eight people 

Colton Circle Director
($5,000 – $9,999)
 

All of the Colton Circle Patron benefits plus… 

  • Invitation for one private, curator-led tour of a special exhibition for up to eight people 

Colton Circle Advocate
($10,000 – $24,999)

All of the Colton Circle Director benefits plus… 

  • Invitation for one private tour per year of the Easton Collection Center for up to eight people 

Colton Circle Benefactor ($25,000+) 

All of the Colton Circle Advocate benefits plus… 

  • Highest level of recognition of the Colton Circle 
  • Invitation to annual social event with the MNA Executive Director and Board Chair 

2025 Colton Circle events will include the following:

February 1, 2-4 pm – Members & VIP Preview of Life Extended: Biology as Metaphor exhibition 

March (exact date TBD) – Opening reception for Collecting in a Changing World exhibition 

March 22 – MNA Research Associates Showcase 

May 10 – Namingha Institute reception & pop-up exhibition  

May 24 – Opening reception for Shifting Life Zones exhibition 

June 7 – Party on the Plateau, MNA’s biggest fundraising event of the year 

June 27 – Heritage Festival Members’ Welcome  

July – Behind the Scenes at the Easton Collection Center, date TBD 

August – Tour of the MNA gardens, date TBD  

Friday, September 5 – Colton Circle Birthday Party Celebration at the Colton House 

Saturday, September 6 – MNA’s 97th Birthday Party 

October – Colton Circle Benefactor event at Colton House, date TBD 

November 15 – Opening reception for Route 66: Wagon Road to Mother Road