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Free Admission At New Mexico Museums For Active Duty Military Families This Summer

As part of the national Blue Star Museums Program, New Mexico Department of Cultural Affairs’ 16 state-run museums and historic sites will once again offer free admission to active duty military personnel and their families from Memorial Day through Labor Day 2014.

“I encourage all New Mexico’s active-duty military members to bring their families and enjoy the exceptional exhibits and facilities our state has to offer,” said Governor Susana Martinez.  “We are proud to offer free admission to the state museums and historic sites this summer in appreciation of the service and dedication of the men and women of our military.”

“It is our honor to share our cultural and educational opportunities with our active-duty military members and their families by participating in the Blue Star Museums Program,” said Cultural Affairs Secretary Veronica N. Gonzales.  “We invite you to visit any or all of our many facilities to learn about New Mexico’s vibrant culture, art, and heritage this summer.”

The free admission is available to active-duty military-ID holders and up to five family members. Active duty military includes Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, National Guard and Reserve members.

All state-operated museums will participate, including Museum of International Folk Art and Museum of Indian Arts and Culture located in Santa Fe on Museum Hill; New Mexico Museum of Art and New Mexico History Museum/Palace of the Governors located on the Plaza in downtown Santa Fe; New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science and National Hispanic Cultural Center located in Albuquerque; New Mexico Museum of Space History in Alamogordo; and New Mexico Farm & Ranch Heritage Museum in Las Cruces.

The eight New Mexico Historic Sites participating are Coronado in Bernalillo; Jemez near Jemez Springs; El Camino Real Historic Trail Site, south of Socorro; Lincoln and Fort Stanton in Lincoln County; the Bosque Redondo Memorial at Fort Sumner; Fort Selden in Radium Springs; and Taylor Mesilla in Mesilla, New Mexico.

The Department of Cultural Affairs is New Mexico’s cultural steward and is charged with preserving and showcasing the state’s cultural riches. With its eight museums, eight historic sites, arts, archaeology, historic preservation and library programs, the New Mexico Department of Cultural Affairs is one of the largest and most diverse state cultural agencies in the nation. Together, the facilities, programs and services of the Department support a $3.3 billion cultural industry in New Mexico.

Blue Star Museums is a collaboration of the National Endowment for the Arts, Blue Star Families, the Department of Defense, and museums across America, including the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and American Samoa. Blue Star Families is a nonprofit organization that works to support America’s military families from all branches of service.