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The Washington State History Museum Is a 2023 Blue Star Museum Washington State History Museum to offer free admission to military personnel and their families this summer [cid:image006.jpg@01D98A6C.44338B30] Tacoma, WA – The Washington State History Museum<https://www.washingtonhistory.org/> announced it will join 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 2023 program will begin on Armed Forces Day, Saturday, May 20, 2023, and end on Labor Day, Monday, September 4, 2023. Find the list of participating museums at arts.gov/bluestarmuseums<https://www.arts.gov/initiatives/blue-star-museums>. 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 recognize the contributions and sacrifices of our military and their families.” said Director of Marketing and Communications, Derek Nguyen. “They are an integral part of our community, and it's an honor to give back to them through the Blue Star program. By offering free admission to the museum, we hope to provide them with an opportunity to create lasting memories and experiences.” “We thank the 2023 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. “ The Washington State History Museum is helping to enrich the lives of military families and build meaningful connections between our nation’s military and their local community.” 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. The current list of participating museums<https://www.arts.gov/initiatives/blue-star-museums> will continue to develop over the summer as organizations are welcome to register to be a Blue Star Museum<https://apps.nea.gov/bluestarsignup/mainpage.aspx> 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<http://www.cac.mil/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<https://www.cac.mil/Next-Generation-Uniformed-Services-ID-Card/> for entrance into a participating Blue Star Museum. About The Washington State Historical Society The Washington State Historical Society partners with our communities to explore how history connects us all. The Society’s most visible activity, the Washington State History Museum is located in downtown Tacoma on Pacific Avenue among a thriving cultural scene. The museum features interactive permanent exhibitions about Washington’s past in the Great Hall, unique rotating exhibitions highlighting the Society’s collections, and dynamic feature exhibitions, and hosts events and programs on a wide range of historical topics. The WSHS also offers curricula for teachers, and statewide educational support as well as consultation, support, and resources for museums and heritage organizations across the state. Address: 1911 Pacific Avenue, Tacoma, WA 98402 Hours: 10:00 AM–5:00 PM Tues.-Sun. Free monthly every third Thur. from 3:00 PM to 8:00 PM Admission: FREE for members; Adults $14; seniors (age 65+), students (age 6-17) and military (with ID) $11; free for children 5 and under; family rate $40 (up to two adults and four children under age 18). Patrons with a Washington Quest card and licensed Washington Foster Parents can attend for $1 per person or $2 per family. FREE for active-duty military and up to 5 family members with ID as part of Blue Star Museums. About the National Endowment for the Arts Established by Congress in 1965, the National Endowment for the Arts is the independent federal agency whose funding and support gives Americans the opportunity to participate in the arts, exercise their imaginations, and develop their creative capacities. Through partnerships with state arts agencies, local leaders, other federal agencies, and the philanthropic sector, the Arts Endowment supports arts learning, affirms and celebrates America’s rich and diverse cultural heritage, and extends its work to promote equal access to the arts in every community across America. To learn more, visit arts.gov<https://www.arts.gov/> or follow us on Twitter<https://twitter.com/NEAarts>, Facebook<https://www.facebook.com/NationalEndowmentfortheArts>, Instagram<https://www.instagram.com/neaarts/>, and YouTube<https://www.youtube.com/user/NEAarts>. About Blue Star Families BlueStar Families (BSF)<https://bluestarfam.org/> is the nation’s largest chapter-based military and veteran family support organization. Its research-driven approach fosters strong communities with a focus on human centered design and innovative solutions. Since its founding in 2009, BSF has delivered millions of dollars in benefits and impacted more than 1.5 million people each year. For more information, <https://bluestarfam.org/> click here<https://bluestarfam.org/> and follow along with Blue Star Families on <https://www.facebook.com/BlueStarFamilies> Facebook<https://www.facebook.com/BlueStarFamilies>, <https://www.instagram.com/bluestarfamilies/?__coig_restricted=1> Instagram<https://www.instagram.com/bluestarfamilies/?__coig_restricted=1>, and <https://twitter.com/BlueStarFamily> Twitter<https://twitter.com/BlueStarFamily>. # # # [cid:image005.jpg@01D98A6C.44338B30] Derek Bradfield Nguyen Director of Marketing & Communications He/Him Washington State Historical Society 1911 Pacific Avenue, Tacoma, WA 98402 253-317-1273 Become a member! 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