The i.d.e.a. Museum for the eighth year in a row will provide free admission this summer to active-duty military families via the Blue Star Museums program. Blue Star Museums is a collaboration among the National Endowment for the Arts, Blue Star Families, the Department of Defense, and more than 2,000 museums nationwide.
“We’re honored again to participate in this wonderful program in support of military families,” said i.d.e.a. Museum Executive Director Sunnee O’Rork. “This is just one way to show our appreciation for their service to our county. We especially enjoy seeing so many families create quality bonding experiences that support early learning and nurture creative thinking.”
Blue Star Museum program FYIs
What: Blue Star Museum program for military members (Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard), including those in the National Guard and Reserve
When: May 18 – Sept. 1. Museum hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday and Saturday; 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday; and noon to 4 p.m. Sunday.
How to participate: Active – duty military personnel and up to five family members may receive free admission with the following IDs: Geneva Convent ion common access card (CAC), DD Form 1 173 ID card (dependent ID) or DD Form 1173 -1 ID card.
Things to do in the Museum
Museum activities: Families will enjoy the upcoming exhibition Roadside USA, opening June 14. Also, ArtVille, a socks-only space for ages 0 to 4, features early learning activities and imaginative play; while the HUB Gallery features hands-on experiences that incorporate art, design and engineering principles.
The Blue Star Museums program provides families the ability to enjoy cultural experiences, learn more about their communities and connect with each other.
Supporting Military Families
“Organizations such as the i.d.e.a. Museum are providing wonderful opportunities for military families to share a memorable experience together this summer,” Mary Anne Carter, acting chairman of the National Endowment for the Arts.
“We’ve seen the tremendous impact the Blue Star Museums program brings to our military families,” said Kathy Roth-Douquet, CEO of Blue Star Families. “Not only are museums fun to explore but are also great for making memories and strengthening military families as a whole.”
The complete list of participating museums is available at arts.gov/bluestarmuseums.
More about the i.d.e.a. Museum
The i.d.e.a. Museum is a part of the City of Mesa and is supported by the i.d.e.a. Museum Board of Directors, Inc. The board is a nonprofit 501(c)3 organization whose mission is to provide sustainable resources to fulfill i.d.e.a. Museum’s mission through fundraising, advocacy, and partnerships. Its vision is to create infinite possibilities for i.d.e.a. Museum.
-30-