The Albany Civil Rights Institute announced its participation in the ninth annual Blue Star Museums, a collaboration among the National Endowment for the Arts, Blue Star Families, the Department of Defense and more than 2,000 museums across America to offer free admission to the nations active duty military and their families from Memorial Day through Labor Day. A list of participating museums can be found at arts.gov/bluestarmuseums.

Frank Wilson, Executive Director of ACRI said, “This is a great way to give back to those who gives so much to our country”.

“Visiting a museum is a great way to get to know a community-whether is in your hometown or a stop on the road” said NEA chairman Jane Chu. “We appreciate the enthusiasm of museums across the country who open their doors for military and their families to spend time together and have new experiences.”

This year’s participating Blue Star Museums represent not just fine arts museums, but also science museums, history museums, zoos, nature centers, and children’s museums. Museums are welcome to sign up for Blue Star Museums throughout the summer by emailing [email protected].

“As many military families spend the summer months moving from one duty station to another, or reconnecting with a parent who has returned from deployment, Blue Star Museums helps service members and their families create memories,” said Blue Star Families Chief Executive Officer Kathy Roth-Douquet. “Blue Star Families has great appreciation for the generosity of the museums across the country who roll out the red carpet for the families who serve alongside their service members. We are thrilled with the continued growth of the program and the unparalleled opportunities it offers.”