Numerous museums across the region will participate in a program this summer that offers free admission to active duty military personnel and their families.
This is the third year that museums across the country can participate in the Blue Star Museums Program. From Memorial Day through Labor Day more than 1,600 museums across the country will be free to all active duty military personnel, National Guard and Reserve members and their families. Blue Star Families Director of Communications Stephanie Himel-Nelson (EE-mel) says the goal of the program is to help military families bond.
There are numerous Blue Star Museums across this region. This is the first year that the World Awareness Children's Museum in Glens Falls is participating. Executive Director Jacquiline Touba says they feature interactive displays and multi-cultural collections which fit in well with military families.
Hudson River Maritime Museum in Kingston has participated for several years according to Director of Public Relations Lana Chassman.
The Adirondack Museum in Blue Mountain Lakeis less than 2 hours from the Fort Drum military installation. Marketing Manager Kate Moore says this will be the third year they have participated in Blue Star Museums, which allows them to expand one of their own initiatives.
Albany Institute of History & Art Executive Director David Carroll says the Blue Star Museums Program helps increase awareness about their exhibits.
The Blue Star Museums program is a collaboration between the National Endowment for the Arts, Blue Star Families, the Department of Defense, and museums across the country
