Star of the Republic Museum, administered by Blinn College, will show its appreciation for members of the U.S. armed forces this summer by offering free admission to active-duty military personnel and their families between Memorial Day and Labor Day.
Free admission to all sites at Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historic Site will be offered Monday, May 25 – Monday, September 7, as part of the Blue Star Museums program, a collaboration among the National Endowment for the Arts, Blue Star Families, the U.S. Department of Defense, and more than 2,000 museums nationwide.
“Our museum is proud to be part of Blue Star Museums, which gives us a chance to thank our military families for their service and share with them our love of Texas history,” says Houston McGaugh, Star of the Republic Museum director.
The program is open to any bearer of a Geneva Convention common access card, a DD Form 1173 ID card or a DD Form 1173-1 ID card, which includes active U.S. military as well as members of the National Guard and Reserve, U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps and the NOAA Commissioned Corps. Up to five family members will also be admitted free of charge.
“Blue Star Museums has grown into a nationally-recognized program that service members and their families look forward to each year,” says Blue Star Families Chief Executive Officer Kathy Roth‐Douquet. “It helps bring 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.”
This year, more than 2,000 museums in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and American Samoa are taking part in the initiative. A complete listing of museums participating in the Blue Star program is available at www.arts.gov/bluestarmuseums.
Star of the Republic Museum was created by the Texas Legislature and is administered by Blinn College as a cultural and educational institution. Its purpose is to collect and preserve the material culture of the Texas Republic from 1836-1846 and to interpret the history, cultures, diversity, and values of early Texans.
The museum is located at 23200 Park Road 12 in Washington, off Highway 105. From Highway 105, follow either FM 912 or FM 1155 to Park Road 12. Daily museum hours are 10am to 5pm For more information, visit www.starmuseum.org or call (936) 878-2461, ext. 237.
