Offers free admission to military personnel and families

The Weis Earth Science Museum in Menasha is one of more than 2,000 Blue Star Museums across America to offer free admission to military personnel and their families this summer in collaboration with the National Endowment for the Arts, Blue Star Families and the Department of Defense. The program runs from Memorial Day, May 29, 2017, through Labor Day, Sept. 4, 2017.

The program provides active military personnel and their families an opportunity to enjoy the nation’s cultural heritage and learn more about their community, especially after a military move. 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. A list of participating museums is available at arts.gov/bluestarmuseums.

Located on the UW-Fox Valley campus, 1478 Midway Road, Menasha, the Weis Museum is the state’s official mineralogical museum, highlighting the geology of Wisconsin and its mining history. With lots of interactive, hands-on educational fun for all ages, visitors can create an earthquake, explore a lead mine, touch a dinosaur, and so much more. The museum is open daily, Monday-Friday 12-3 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m.-5 p.m., and Sunday 1-5 p.m.

“This is the third year in a row that the Weis Museum has been a Blue Star Museum,” said Weis director Joanne Kluessendorf. “We are excited to be a part of this program and it is a wonderful way to thank the courageous men and women who serve in our military, as well as the families who support them.”

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 U.S. military – Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, as well as members of the National Guard and Reserve, U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps, NOAA Commissioned Corps – and up to five family members. Some special or limited-time museum exhibits may not be included in this free admission program. For questions on particular exhibits or museums, please contact the museum directly.

“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.”

Blue Star Families Chief Executive Officer Kathy Roth-Douquet said, “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. We are thrilled with the continued growth of the program and the unparalleled opportunities it offers.”

Contact

Joanne Kluessendorf
920-832-0125
joanne.kluessendorf@uwc.edu