Morrill Hall, Quilt House participate in Blue Star Museum program

The University of Nebraska State Museum and the International Quilt Study Center and Museum at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln today announced the launch of Blue Star Museums. Blue Star Museums is a collaboration among the National Endowment for the Arts, Blue Star Families, the Department of Defense and more than 2,000 museums across the United States to offer free museum admission to the nation's active duty military personnel, including National Guard and Reserve and their families from Memorial Day through Labor Day.

"The State Museum is delighted to participate again this year in the national Blue Star Museums program to make it possible for service families to enjoy our museum's educational attractions," said Priscilla Grew, director of the NU State Museum. "This year we are celebrating our new Smithsonian Affiliation with the spectacular giant fossil snake exhibit, 'Titanoboa: Monster Snake.'"

"We are pleased to once again be a Blue Star Museum, which gives us a chance to say thanks to those who serve our country," said Alice Kinsler, International Quilt Study Center and Museum interim executive director. "In addition to viewing our latest exhibitions, visitors will have an opportunity to see the latest progress on our building expansion, which begins this summer."

The NU State Museum is south of 14th and Vine streets on the UNL City Campus. The International Quilt Study Center and Museum is at 1523 N. 33rd St. on East Campus.

The free admission program is available at participating museums to any bearer of a Geneva Convention common access card (CAC), a DD Form 1173 ID card (dependent ID), or a DD Form 1173-1 ID card, which includes active duty U.S. military -- Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines Corps and Coast Guard, as well as members of the National Guard Reserve, U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps, NOAA Commissioned Corps -- and up to five family members May 26 through Sept. 1.

"Blue Star Museums has grown into a nationally recognized program that service members and their families look forward to each year," said Kathy Roth-Douquet, Blue Star Families chief executive officer. "It helps bring our local military and civilian communities together, and offers families fun and enriching activities in their home towns. We are thrilled with the continued growth of the program and the unparalleled opportunities it offers."

The complete list of participating museums is available at http://arts.gov/national/blue-star-museums.

Blue Star Families is a national, nonprofit network of military families from all ranks and services, including guard and reserve, dedicated to supporting, connecting and empowering military families. For more information, go to http://www.bluestarfam.org.

Writers: Mandy Haase, Laura Chapman