Artesian Alliance members Chehaw Park & Zoo, the Flint RiverQuarium, and Thronateeska Heritage Center are joining museums nationwide to participate in the return of the Blue Star Museums program for summer 2021. The program provides free admission to our nation’s active-duty military personnel and their families from Armed Forces Day (May 15) through Labor Day (September 6).

Blue Star Museums is a collaboration among the National Endowment for the Arts, Blue Star Families, the Department of Defense, and museums across America offering free admission to the nation’s currently-serving military personnel and their families, including National Guard and Reserve.

“After a year filled with uncertainties, our Artesian Alliance attractions are excited about participating once again in the Blue Star Museum Program,” said Tommy Gregors, director of the Artesian Alliance. “We want to show our support for our active service members and their families and do our part to recognize the positive impact the military has on our community. It is wonderful to offer military families the opportunity to explore our attractions with their loved ones and create lasting memories.”

Participation in Blue Star Museums is entirely voluntary. By registering, museums express their appreciation for the nation’s military and their families, while acknowledging the hardships that come with that service. Blue Star Museums include children’s museums, art, science, and history museums, aquariums, zoos, gardens, lighthouses, and more. Military families can plan their summer move or vacation around visits to Blue Star Museums, and explore new places in their community with outings to local Blue Star Museums. There is no limit to how many museums a family can visit during the summer.