Springfield Museums Once Again Participating in Blue Star Museums Program

SPRINGFIELD — The Springfield Museums is once again participating 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, and end on Labor Day, Monday, Sept. 7.

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.”

Kathy Roth-Douquet, CEO of Blue Star Families, noted that “Blue Star Museums has opened doors for military families to explore, connect, and feel at home. 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.”

This summer, the Springfield Museums offers a broad slate of special exhibitions. Highly interactive, each explores art, history, or science in new ways.

“We are proud to welcome military families to the Springfield Museums through the Blue Star Museums program,” Springfield Museums President and CEO Kay Simpson said. “Service members and their families make extraordinary sacrifices, and we are honored to offer a place where they can relax, learn, and create lasting memories together through art, history, science, and Dr. Seuss. We look forward to sharing a summer filled with discovery, creativity, and fun with those who serve our nation.”