The Visitor Studies Association (VSA) is today’s premier professional organization supporting a global network of professionals dedicated to understanding and enhancing learning experiences in informal settings, wherever they may occur--in museums, zoos, parks, nature centers, visitor centers, historic sites, and others. Learn more.
VSA provides several supports to its members, including:
- Professional development relevant to those who design, implement, study, and evaluate informal learning experiences–and across career stages–through year-round, online learning experiences.
- An annual conference that brings together almost 200 professionals in order to share knowledge and practices, as well as build their networks.
- A scholarship program that enables new voices and emerging professionals to attend VSA’s in-person annual conference, with $2,000 in travel support.
- The Visitor Studies journal, which advances the theory and methods of our field.
Help us meet our 2026 fundraising goals!
VSA is powered by an all-volunteer community, including its Board of Directors. Your donation helps our small, but mighty 501(c)(3) not-for-profit association fulfil its mission and provide high-quality member services that strengthen and uplift our field. All donations are tax-deductable.
This year, we are proud to launch a refreshed and expanded conference scholarship program! Three awardees will have the full cost of their trip covered, including travel, lodging, meals, in order to remove the financial barrier of an estimated $2,000 to attend the conference. They will also be provided with mentorship, camaraderie, and celebration during the conference, as well as a one-year VSA membership–all with the intention of sustainably integrating new voices and emerging professionals into the VSA community.
Donate today, to help us meet our FY 2026 goal of $10,000.
Your membership also supports VSA
In addition to a donation, becoming a VSA member or renewing your membership is another great way to help VSA meet its annual goals. Once a member, you can build VSA’s organizational capacity by volunteering your time to serve on a committee or even the Board of Directors!