DOVER — The Blue Star Museums program is providing active military members and their families a chance to visit some museums free of charge.

The program, an initiative of the National Endowment for the Arts and Blue Star Families in collaboration with the Department of War, will continue the program through Sept. 7.

Participating museums can be found in all 50 states, District of Columbia, Guam, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

The museums include history, art, and children’s museums; historical sites; botanical gardens; zoos; aquariums; and more.

“Museums help military families stay connected — to each other, to their communities, and to the nation they serve,” said Mary Anne Carter, chairman of the National Endowment for the Arts, in a press release.

“As our country approaches 250 years of independence, Blue Star Museums provides service members and their loved ones with meaningful opportunities to explore history and spark curiosity.”

Delaware’s participating museums include:
• Biggs Museum of American Art (Dover)
• First State Heritage Park (Dover)
• New Castle Historical Society (Historic New Castle)
• Mt. Cuba Center (Hockessin)
• Delaware Art Museum (Wilmington)
• Delaware Museum of Nature and Science (Wilmington)
• Hagley Museum and Library (Wilmington)
• Nemours Estate (Wilmington)
• Old Swedes Historic Site (Wilmington)
• Winterthur Museum, Garden & Library (Winterthur)

“Blue Star Museums has opened doors for military families to explore, connect, and feel at home,” Kathy Roth-Douquet, CEO of Blue Star Families, said in a statement.

“As we approach America’s 250th anniversary, we’re proud to continue this partnership with the National Endowment for the Arts and museums nationwide – welcoming military families into the heart of our nation’s story and celebrating them every step of the way.”

A map of all participating museums is available on arts.gov.

The free admission program is available for those currently serving in the United States military — Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, Space Force, Coast Guard, and 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 military/dependent identification card for entrance into a participating Blue Star Museum.

“The Blue Star Museums program is a powerful reminder of how the arts bring people together,” Jessica Ball, director of the Delaware Division of the Arts, pointed out. “We are proud to support this initiative in Delaware, helping military families make meaningful memories in some of our state’s most treasured cultural spaces – from art and history museums to gardens and science centers.”

Museums can join the Blue Star Museums program all summer and the map will be updated regularly.

Military families are encouraged to check for participating museums in their community or along the road during their summer travels.

Additional information and a complete list of participating organizations are available at arts.gov/BlueStarMuseums.