#MiddleburyCT #MattatuckMuseum #Military #BlueStar
WATERBURY, CT – Mattatuck Museum announced it joined museums nationwide in the Blue Star Museums initiative, a program that provides free admission to currently-serving U.S. military personnel and their families this summer. The 2024 program began on Armed Forces Day, May 18, and ends on Labor Day, Monday, September 2, 2024. Blue Star Museums is a partnership between the National Endowment for the Arts and Blue Star Families, in collaboration with the Department of Defense and participating museums across America.
“We thank the 2024 Blue Star Museums who invite military personnel and their families to experience the many wonders they have to offer, whether it’s a glimpse into the past, an encounter with awe-inspiring art, or a moment of discovery,” said Maria Rosario Jackson, PhD, chair of the National Endowment for the Arts. “Mattatuck Museum is helping to enrich the lives of military families and build meaningful connections between our nation’s military and their local community.”
Mattatuck Museum Marketing and Media Coordinator Tanya Labeck’s spouse went on his third deployment last year. She said, “Military families face unique challenges, but having this opportunity to unwind and experience different types of culture at no cost is an amazing type of support that truly makes a difference on a personal level. The Blue Star program gives military families the opportunity to de-stress and enjoy their downtime.” She said she felt humbled by the amount of support Mattatuck staff showed by wearing purple during Purple Up Month to celebrate Military Kids in April, and her family looks forward to visiting Blue Star Museums throughout the summer.
Blue Star Museums include children’s museums, art, science, and history museums, zoos, gardens, lighthouses, and more, and hail from all 50 states, District of Columbia, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Find the list of other participating museums at arts.gov/bluestarmuseums. The current list of participating museums will continue to develop over the summer as organizations are welcome to register to be a Blue Star Museum throughout the summer.
The free admission program is available for those currently serving in the United States Military – Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marine Corps, Navy, and Space Force, members of the Reserves, National Guard, U.S. Public Health Commissioned Corps, NOAA Commissioned Corps, and up to five family members. Qualified members must show a Geneva Convention common access card (CAC), DD Form 1173 ID card (dependent ID), DD Form 1173-1 ID card or the Next Generation Uniformed Services (Real) ID card for entrance into a participating Blue Star Museum.
