The Chenango County Historical Society (CCHS) and Museum announced it will once again 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 from Armed Forces Day through Labor Day. 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 museums across America.
“Over the past few years, our focus has shifted from simply curating local heritage to serving as a community partner, an educational resource, and a regional destination,” said Jessica Moquin, CCHS executive director. “Participating in the Blue Star Museums initiative is part of our commitment to seek, include, and welcome all audiences.”
While admission to CCHS is already a free-will donation left up to each visitor’s discretion, the Blue Star Museums initiative supports admission for those currently serving in the U.S. 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, along with up to five family members. Blue Star Museums include children’s museums, art, science, and history museums, zoos, gardens, lighthouses, and more, and hail from all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
“Museums educate and inspire, cause us to wonder and imagine, dream and remember,” said Dr. Maria Rosario Jackson, chair of the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA). “By participating in the Blue Star Museums program, the Chenango County Historical Society is offering military personnel and their families an opportunity to feel connected to the greater Chenango County community and to explore the world through the power of arts, culture and design, contributing to each person being able to live an artful life.”
“Our military community looks forward to the Blue Star Museum program each year and I am excited to celebrate the 2022 season along with them!” said Kathy Roth-Douquet, CEO of Blue Star Families. “Thank you to the Chenango County Historical Society for participating in this impactful program and offering military families the opportunity to enjoy arts and culture with you this summer.”
First established in 1939, CCHS is the primary organization dedicated to actively and comprehensively preserving the history of Chenango County. The area’s premier heritage museum, the organization celebrates local culture – unique traditions, noteworthy residents, and unusual stories of the region. CCHS programs are made possible by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature.
Established by Congress in 1965, the NEA 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. Blue Star Families is the nation’s largest grass-roots military family support organization, with a mission to support military families to improve military readiness.
