In a summer already filled with events and exhibits, the UO’s Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art and the Museum of Natural and Cultural History will offer free admission to all active duty military personnel and their families this summer as part of the Blue Star Museum program.
Additionally, the two museums will also take part in the Smithsonian’s “Museum Day Live!” event on Sept. 26.
The Schnitzer museum has been a Blue Star Museum since the program’s inception in 2010. Other participating museums in Eugene include the Science Factory Children’s Museum and Shelton McMurphey Johnson House. Free admission will last until Labor Day, Sep. 7.
A complete list of participating museums is available at arts.gov/national/blue-star-museums.
The Blue Star Museum program offers free admission to personnel of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines and Coast Guard, as well as members of the National Guard and Reserve, U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps, NOAA Commissioned Corps. The offer includes up to five family members.
“Blue Star Museums has grown into a nationally recognized program that service members and their families look forward to each year,” said Blue Star Families Chief Executive Officer Kathy Roth‐Douquet. “It helps bring our local military and civilian communities together and offers families fun and enriching activities in their home towns.”
“Museum Day Live!” is a Smithsonian-sponsored program that allows free admission into participating museums on Sept. 26. Tickets for the event will be available for download Aug. 1.
The UO art museum and natural history museum are just two of more than 1,300 museums taking part in the program, which is in its 11th year. More information can be found at www.smithsonianmag.com/museumday/.
“Museum Day Live! unites a spectacular array of museums across the country around Smithsonian’s commitment to make knowledge accessible to everyone,” said Stephen Giannetti, chief revenue officer of Smithsonian Enterprises. “This year we hope to welcome more guests to experience a cultural institution in their area.”
—By Nathan Stevens, Public Affairs Communications intern