Governor Dannel P. Malloy announced that over 50 museums in Connecticut are offering free admission this summer to active duty members of the military and their families as part of the ninth annual Blue Star Museums Program. Available between Memorial Day and Labor Day, the program is an initiative of the National Endowment for the Arts in collaboration with Blue Star Families and the U.S. Department of Defense.
**For the list of participating museums in Connecticut, click here**
“We owe a debt of gratitude to those who sacrifice so much for the freedoms and safety we all hold dear,” Governor Malloy said. “Connecticut’s museums offer an unparalleled educational and cultural experience, and I’m pleased to announce that military members and their families will be able to enjoy so many of them free of charge. Thank you to the National Endowment for the Arts for making this possible, and to our military members for defending our democracy day in and day out.”
“Connecticut’s military men and women – and the families that serve with them – give so much to each and every one of us each and every day,” Lt. Governor Nancy Wyman said. “Thank you to the National Endowment for the Arts for helping to provide open access to our museums, which are treasured venues for recreation and reflection.”
The free admission program is available for those currently serving in the United States Military and up to five family members. Branches include the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard, as well as Active Duty and Reservists, National Guardsman (regardless of status), U.S. Public Health Commissioned Corps, and NOAA Commissioned Corps.
To obtain entrance into a participating Blue Star Museum, qualified members must show a Geneva Convention common access card (CAC) or DD Form 1173 ID card (dependent ID), or a DD Form 1173-1 ID card.