WABASH, IN – The Wabash County Museum is pleased to participate in Blue Star Museums, a program that provides free admission to currently serving U.S. military personnel and their families during the summer. The 2026 program runs now and will end on Labor Day, Monday, September 7, 2026. Learn more and 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.
“Museums help military families stay connected—to each other, to their
communities, and to the nation they serve,” said Mary Anne Carter, chairman of the
National Endowment for the Arts. “As our country approaches 250 years of
independence, Blue Star Museums provides service members and their loved ones
with meaningful opportunities to explore history and spark curiosity. For military
families—who often face frequent moves and time apart—these shared museum
experiences offer a sense of stability, belonging, and connection. By opening doors
nationwide, this program ensures they can engage with the arts and history that
reflect their sacrifices and strengthen the bonds that hold them together.”
“Blue Star Museums has opened doors for military families to explore, connect, and
feel at home,” said Kathy Roth-Douquet, CEO of Blue Star Families. “As we approach
America’s 250th anniversary, we’re proud to continue this partnership with the
National Endowment for the Arts and museums nationwide—welcoming military
families into the heart of our nation’s story and celebrating them every step of the
way.”
The Wabash County Museum houses an extensive collection of military artifacts,
many of which are featured in the exhibit hall, Wabash Goes to War by Thomas
Stineman American Legion Post #15. The exhibit highlights the experiences, service,
and sacrifices of Wabash County veterans across generations while also creating an
opportunity for the children and families of those who served to see the lasting
historical impact their loved ones have made and continue to make on the
community and the country.
In addition to the Wabash County Museum, participating museums can be found in
all 50 states, District of Columbia, Guam, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands,
and include history, art, and children’s museums; historical sites; botanical gardens;
zoos; aquariums; and more. A map of all participating museums is available on
arts.gov. Museums can join the Blue Star Museums program all summer long and
the map will be updated regularly.
This free admission program is available for those currently serving in the United
States military—Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, Space Force, Coast Guard, and
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.
The Wabash County Museum is proud to propagate local history through
preservation, education, and innovation and to inspire wonder in our past and
foster cultural understanding today and in the future. We use state-of-the-art
exhibits and engaging programming to introduce guests to the rich history of this
one-of-a-kind county. The Museum offers an extensive educational area for children
including The Den by Beacon, the Dr. Brush STEM Experience by Firefly Children &
Family Alliance, and The Meadow by Bowen Health, and more. Annually, the
Museum welcomes thousands of members, guests, tourists, and school children
through our doors. The Wabash County Museum is a not-for-profit, operating
entirely through memberships, admissions, and private donations.
Established by Congress, the National Endowment for the Arts is an independent
federal agency that is the largest funder of the arts and arts education in
communities nationwide and a catalyst of public and private support for the arts.
By advancing opportunities for arts participation and practice, the NEA fosters and
sustains an environment in which the arts benefit everyone in the United States. To
learn more, visit arts.gov or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, X, and YouTube.
About Blue Star Families
Blue Star Families (BSF) is the nation’s largest military and veteran family support
organization. Its research-driven approach builds strong communities with a focus
on human-centered design and innovative solutions. A “blue star family” is the
family of a currently serving military member, including active duty, National Guard,
reserve forces, and those transitioning out of service. Since its founding in 2009,
BSF has delivered more than $336 million in benefits and impacts more than 1.5
million people annually through an expansive network of chapters and outposts.
The Wabash County Museum is located at 36 E Market Street in Downtown
Wabash. To learn more about hours, upcoming events for all ages, or to check out
our virtual tour, visit www.wabashmuseum.org. Follow the Museum on Facebook,
Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok. for updates and event information.
