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Actively serving military members and their families may visit participating museums nationwide for free as part of the Blue Star Museums program, an initiative of the National Endowment for the Arts and Blue Star Families in collaboration with the Department of War. The program begins on Armed Forces Day, Saturday, May 16, 2026, and will continue through Labor Day, Monday, September 7, 2026. Shown here, military families explore Blue Star Museums (l-r): The New Children’s Museum in San Diego, California (photo by Brandon Colbert Photography), Pearl Harbor National Memorial in Hawaii (Photo by Brandyn Liu), and the Tampa Bay History Center in Florida. (PHOTO BY OCTAVIO JONES)
Military families receive free admission this summer at participating Blue Star Museums Press Release
WASHINGTON, DC — Actively serving military members and their families may visit participating museums nationwide for free as part of the Blue Star Museums program, an initiative of the National Endowment for the Arts and Blue Star Families in collaboration with the Department of War. The program begins on Armed Forces Day, Saturday, May 16, 2026, and will continue through Labor Day, Monday, September 7, 2026. 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. Additional information and a complete list of participating organizations are available at arts.gov/BlueStarMuseums. “Museums help military families stay connected—to each other, to their commu-
nities, 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.” Participating museums range from large institutions like the Shedd Aquarium in Chicago, Illinois, and the Heard Museum in Phoenix, Arizona, to smaller museums like the Aurora Fossil Museum in North Carolina and the Friendship Firehouse Museum in Alexandria, Virginia. Other participants this year include the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art in Bentonville, Arkansas; the Denver Art Museum in Colorado; and Discovery World in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Local museums include: Hampton History Museum Chrysler Museum of Art MacArthur Memorial Lightship Portsmouth Museum Portsmouth Naval Shipyard Museum Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art Art Museums of Colonial Williamsburg
A map of all participating museums is available on www.arts.gov/blue-star-museums-map. Museums can join the Blue Star Museums program all summer long 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. 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 Geneva Convention 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 See MUSEUM on Page A7
Girls just want to have fun at Virginia Zoo’s ZooGrooves: Girls Night Out on May 29 Press Release
NORFOLK, Va. — The Virginia Zoo knows that girls just want to have fun, so they’re throwing an all-ages, Belfast Brunch-inspired celebration, ZooGrooves: Girls Night Out, on Friday, May 29 from 5:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.! This event is your chance to paint the town pink with your besties as you dance the night away to iconic girl power anthems, strike an Instagram-worthy pose with celebrity-themed photo ops, meet all-female Animal Ambassadors, toast to magical memories with brunch cocktails, and so much more! Sing along to every generation’s girly pop hits with DJ Mander from Melody & Co. Entertainment; she’s bringing the perfect mix of throwback tracks and catchy, modern hits! Later, visit the ZooLive! Stage at 6:15p.m. to meet an incredible group of all-female Animal Ambassadors. Animal exhibit trails and the Goat Yard will be open for this after-hours event until 7:30 p.m., giving guests a chance to sneak a peek at what animals do after most guests leave for the day. Attendees will also be greeted by Animal Ambassadors upon arrival in the Fountain Plaza. Meet the Zoo’s “mean girls” at an exclu-
your burning meerkat questions to ask a zoo keeper who cares for them every day! There will also be a silent auction featuring exclusive items from local businesses, like a Glass Class for Two Gift Certificate from the Chrysler Museum; dance classes from Dance Sport VA and Live Body Brave; a witchy basket from The Vintage Cauldron; a skate bag with goodies from Karma Skate Shop and VB Roller Girls; and more. As an added bonus, all proceeds from the silent auction will be donated to wildlife conservation! Delicious brunch-themed eats and additional refreshments will be available for purchase from a few local food trucks, including Hangry Girl Eats, Delight Bites, Mini Smile Donuts, Sugar & Pearls, and J&K Style Grill. Attendees 21+ will also have the opportunity to indulge in specialty cocktails, including “Brunch Punch” and “Peach Sangria,” at the Zoo’s Event Pavilion Bar while supplies last. Not interested in alcohol? No problem! Local dirty soda company, The Card and Cup, is offering a full menu of Zoo visitors enjoy a past ZooGrooves event. (PHOTO COURTSESY VIRGINA ZOO) enticing, non-alcoholic mixed drinks! Tickets can be purchased online at: virginisive Meerkat Keeper Chat at 6:00 p.m.! These made their debut at the Virginia Zoo in early azoo.org/event/zoogrooves/. Member tickets meerkats, named after the four main char- 2026 and have been a fabulous addition to acters in the iconic 2004 film Mean Girls, the African Safari Trail. Don’t forget to bring See ZOOGROOVES on Page A7
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