#

[cid:image001.png@01DCE2BF.27B7A550] [cid:image003.jpg@01DCE2BF.27B7A550]NEWS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 13, 2026 MEDIA CONTACT: Derek Nguyen, Marketing and Communications Director, Washington State History Museum, 253-317-1273 derek.nguyen@wshs.wa.gov WASHINGTON STATE HISTORY MUSEUM IS A 2026 BLUE STAR MUSEUM Free admission for military personnel and their families from May 16 until September 7 Tacoma, WA - 5/13/26 - Washington State History Museum (WSHS) is pleased to participate in Blue Star Museums, a program that provides free admission to currently serving U.S. military personnel and their families during the summer. The 2026 program will begin on Armed Forces Day, Saturday, May 16, 2026, and end on Labor Day, Monday, September 7, 2026. Learn more and 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. "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. "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. For military families-who often face frequent moves and time apart-these shared museum experiences offer a sense of stability, belonging, and connection. By opening doors nationwide, this program ensures they can engage with the arts and history that reflect their sacrifices and strengthen the bonds that hold them together." "Blue Star Museums has opened doors for military families to explore, connect, and feel at home," said Kathy Roth-Douquet, CEO of Blue Star Families. "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." In addition to WSHS, participating museums can be found in all 50 states, District of Columbia, Guam, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, and include history, art, and children's museums; historical sites; botanical gardens; zoos; aquariums; and more. A map<https://www.arts.gov/blue-star-museum-map> of all participating museums is available on arts.gov. Museums <https://apps.nea.gov/bluestarsignup/mainpage.aspx> can join the Blue Star Museums program<https://www.arts.gov/initiatives/blue-star-museums/2026-registration> all summer long and the map will be updated regularly. This 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 <http://www.cac.mil/common-access-card/> Geneva Convention common access card<http://www.cac.mil/common-access-card/> (CAC), <https://www.cac.mil/Next-Generation-Uniformed-Services-ID-Card/> DD Form 1173 ID card (dependent ID), DD Form 1173-1 ID<https://www.cac.mil/Next-Generation-Uniformed-Services-ID-Card/> card or the <https://www.cac.mil/Next-Generation-Uniformed-Services-ID-Card/> Next Generation Uniformed Services (Real) ID<https://www.cac.mil/Next-Generation-Uniformed-Services-ID-Card/> 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 and History Museum The Washington State Historical Society<https://www.washingtonhistory.org/> works with our communities to explore how history connects us all. Its most prominent activity is the Washington State History Museum, located in Tacoma's Museum District on Pacific Avenue. The museum features interactive core exhibitions about Washington in the Great Hall, rotating special exhibitions, and various public events and programs that cover a wide range of historical topics. The WSHS provides curriculum resources, downloadable exhibitions, and educational support across the state, as well as consultation and resources for museums and heritage organizations. About the National Endowment for the Arts Established by Congress, the National Endowment for the Arts is an independent federal agency that is the largest funder of the arts and arts education in communities nationwide and a catalyst of public and private support for the arts. By advancing opportunities for arts participation and practice, the NEA fosters and sustains an environment in which the arts benefit everyone in the United States. To learn more, visit arts.gov<https://www.arts.gov/> or follow us on Facebook<https://www.facebook.com/NationalEndowmentfortheArts>, Instagram<https://www.instagram.com/neaarts/>, X<https://twitter.com/NEAarts>, and YouTube<https://www.youtube.com/user/NEAarts>. About Blue Star Families Blue Star Families<https://bluestarfam.org/> (BSF) is the nation's largest military and veteran family support organization. Its research-driven approach builds strong communities with a focus on human-centered design and innovative solutions. A "blue star family" is the family of a currently serving military member, including active duty, National Guard, reserve forces, and those transitioning out of service. Since its founding in 2009, BSF has delivered more than $336 million in benefits and impacts more than 1.5 million people annually through an expansive network of chapters and outposts. For more information, click here<https://bluestarfam.org/>. # # # Connor Hamm Editor & Publications Manager Washington State Historical Society 1911 Pacific Avenue, Tacoma, WA 98402 253-798-5901 Become a member! WashingtonHistory.org