May 22, 2023

Vulcan Park & Museum to offer free admission to military personnel and their families this summer

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – Vulcan Park & Museum announced it will 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. The 2023 program will begin on Armed Forces Day, Saturday, May 20, 2023, and end on Labor Day, Monday, September 4, 2023. Find the list of participating museums at arts.gov/bluestarmuseums.

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.

“We are thrilled to participate once again this year in the Blue Star Museums program to honor those who serve our country,” said Amanda Hare, Director of Marketing & Public Relations, Vulcan Park and Museum. “Vulcan Park and Museum gives visitors a glimpse of all the components of Birmingham’s rich history. From the beginning of the city as a mining community, through the Civil Rights movement to the modern-day renaissance, visitors learn what makes our city so unique.  We welcome the members of the military and their families to enjoy our park and museum all summer long.”

“We thank the 2023 Blue Star Museums who invite military personnel and their families to experience the many wonders they have to offer, whether it’s a glimpse into the past, an encounter with awe-inspiring art, or a moment of discovery,” said Maria Rosario Jackson, PhD, chair of the National Endowment for the Arts. “Vulcan Park and Museum is helping to enrich the lives of military families and build meaningful connections between our nation’s military and their local community.”

Blue Star Museums include children’s museums, art, science, and history museums, zoos, gardens, lighthouses, and more, and hail from all 50 states, District of Columbia, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The current list of participating museums will continue to develop over the summer as organizations are welcome to register to be a Blue Star Museum throughout the summer.

The free admission program is available for those currently serving in the United States 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, and up to five family members. Qualified members must show a Geneva Convention common access card (CAC), DD Form 1173 ID card (dependent ID), DD Form 1173-1 ID card or the Next Generation Uniformed Services (Real) ID card for entrance into a participating Blue Star Museum.

Click here for Vulcan Park & Museum’s full hours of operation. Follow #bluestarmuseums on Twitter @NEAarts and @BlueStarFamily.