EverWonder Children's Museum has joined Blue Star Museums, a collaboration among the National Endowment for the Arts, Blue Star Families, the Department of Defense, and more than 2,000 museums across America to offer free admission to the nation's active duty military personnel and their families through Labor Day. The program provides families an opportunity to enjoy the nation's cultural heritage and learn more about their community, especially after a military move.

Located at 31 Pecks Lane, EverWonder Children's Museum is participating in the program for the first time this year. It is joined in its inaugural offering by The Edgar Allen Poe Museum in Richmond, Va.; The Blues Foundation's Blues Hall of Fame Museum in Memphis, Tenn.; Hagerman Fossil Beds National Monument in Hagerman, Idaho; and The Buffalo Bill Center of the West in Cody, Wyo., among others. Museums are welcome to join Blue Star Museums throughout the summer.

Nearly 55 museums across Connecticut are participating in the program this summer. A list of participating museums is available at arts.gov/bluestarmuseums.

The free admission program is available 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 US military - Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, as well as members of the National Guard and Reserve, US Public Health Service Commissioned Corps, NOAA Commissioned Corps - and up to five family members.

"The Blue Star Museums program is a great opportunity for the NEA to team up with local museums in every state in the nation to support our service members and their families," said NEA Chairman Jane Chu. "It means a lot to offer these families access to high-quality, budget-friendly opportunities to spend time together."

This year's Blue Star Museums represent not just fine arts museums, but also science museums, history museums, nature centers, and dozens of children's museums.

"Whether they want to blast off at a science museum, take a walk through nature, or encounter animals at the aquarium, Blue Star Museums will help service members and their families create memories this summer," said Blue Star Families Chief Executive Officer Kathy Roth-Douquet.

"This fantastic collaboration with the NEA brings our local military and civilian communities together, and offers families fun and enriching activities in their home towns," she added. "We are thrilled with the continued growth of the program and the unparalleled opportunities it offers."

EverWonder Children's Museum is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Museums hours are Monday through Saturday, 10 am to 5 pm; and Sunday, 11 to 5 pm.

Regular admission is $7 for visitors over 1 year of age. Memberships and gift certificates are available for purchase.

For more information visit everwondermuseum.org, send e-mail to info@everwondermuseum.org, or call 203-364-4009.

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