UTSA Institute of Texan Cultures participates in Blue Star Museums collaboration

The UTSA Institute of Texan Cultures is one of more than 2,000 museums nationwide participating in the 2015 Blue Star Museums collaboration. Active duty military personnel and their families are offered free admission from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Free admission not included for Texas Folklife Festival June 13-14.

By James Benavides
Senior Communications Specialist, Institute of Texan Cultures

(May 21, 2015) –The UTSA Institute of Texan Cultures is one of more than 2,000 museums across the nation that will participate in the 2015 Blue Star Museums, a collaboration among the National Endowment for the Arts, Blue Star Families and the Department of Defense. Participating museums will offer free admission to the nation’s active duty military personnel including National Guard and Reserve and their families, from Memorial Day through Labor Day.

Leadership support has been provided by MetLife Foundation through Blue Star Families. The program also provides families an opportunity to enjoy the nation's cultural heritage and learn more about their new communities after a military move.

At the UTSA Institute of Texan Cultures, active duty military and dependents will be able to see the newly opened "Los Tejanos" exhibit, exploring 500 years of Spanish and Mexican history in Texas. Additionally, "Sikhs: Legacy of the Punjab," which originated at the Smithsonian, will be on display for the duration of the program and into the fall.

"San Antonio is Military City, U.S.A.," said Angelica Docog, executive director at the Institute of Texan Cultures. "With so many airmen entering the Air Force at Lackland, or personnel training and working at the Joint Base locations, making the cultural treasures available to them and their families is a wonderful opportunity to expose them to the many cultures they may encounter in their journeys. It will give families an opportunity to explore the heritage of their new home."

"Parents of young children tell us that they go together to museums to learn new things and have family time together," said NEA Chairman Jane Chu. "Blue Star Museums helps them do both, by helping military families learn about the cultural resources in their communities and offering a fun, high-quality experience that’s budget friendly as well as family friendly. We’re proud to help connect museums to military communities nationwide."

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. Museums are welcome to join Blue Star Museums throughout the summer. The effort to recruit museums has involved partnerships with the American Alliance of Museums, the Association of Art Museum Directors, the Association of Children’s Museums, the American Association of State and Local History, and the Association of Science-Technology Centers.

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. Among this year’s new participants are the Museum of Contemporary Art in Jacksonville, Florida, the Duluth Children’s Museum in Minnesota, The Space Station Museum in Novato, California, and The Lyon Arboretum at the University of Hawaii at Mānoa.

"Blue Star Museums has grown into a nationally recognized program that service members and their families look forward to each year," said 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."

The Institute of Texan Cultures is located on the UTSA HemisFair Park Campus, 801 E. César E. Chávez Blvd., a short distance from the Alamo and the River Walk. Regular hours are 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday-Saturday; noon-5 p.m. Sunday. Admission is $8 for adults (ages 12-64); $7 for seniors (ages 65+); $6 for children (ages 3-11); free with membership, UTSA or Alamo Colleges identification.

For more information, call 210-458-2300 or visit TexanCultures.com.

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