Santa Fe, NM - As part of the national Blue Star Museums Program, New Mexico Department of Cultural Affairs’ 15 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 2013.
“In appreciation of the service and dedication of the men and women of our military, it is an honor to offer free admission to our fine state museums and historic sites this summer” said Governor Susana Martinez. “I encourage all New Mexico’s active-duty military members to bring their families and enjoy some of the exceptional exhibits and facilities our state has to offer.”
“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 in to learn about New Mexico’s vibrant culture and heritage.”
The free admission is available to active-duty military-ID holders and up to five family members. Active duty military include Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, National Guard and Reserve members.
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.
“Blue Star Museums is something that service members and their families look forward to every year and we are thrilled with the continued growth of the program,” said Blue Star Families CEO Kathy Roth-Douquet.
All state-operated museums will participate, including Museum of International Folk and Museum of Indian Arts and Culture located in Santa Fe on Museum Hill; New Mexico Museum of Art and New Mexico 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 & Rancho Heritage Museum in Las Cruces.
The seven 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 Ft. Sumner; and Fort Selden in Radium Springs.
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 monuments, 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.