For the third year in a row, Tacoma Art Museum, Museum of Glass, and Washington State History Museum are joining forces with the National Endowment for the Arts, Blue Star Families, and more than 1,500 museums across America to offer free admission to members of the U.S. Armed Forces. From Memorial Day, May 28, through Labor Day, September 3, 2012, active-duty military personnel and up to five of their immediate family members are eligible for this offer, which is valid for all military branches—Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, and active-duty National Guard and active-duty Reserve members.

“Through Blue Star Museums, the arts community is extending a special invitation to military families this summer,” said NEA Chairman Rocco Landesman. “This is both an opportunity to thank military families for their service and sacrifice, as well as a chance to create connections between museums and these families that will continue throughout the year. Especially for families with limited time together, those on a limited budget, and ones that have to relocate frequently, Blue Star Museums offers an opportunity to enjoy one another and become more fully integrated into a community.”

This year museums in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and American Samoa are taking part in the initiative, including more than 300 new museums this year. Blue Star Museums represent not just fine arts museums, but also science museums, history museums, nature centers, and children’s museums.

Local Blue Star Museums include Tacoma Art Museum, Museum of Glass, Children’s Museum of Tacoma, Seattle Art Museum, The Museum of Flight, Wing Luke Museum, and The Henry Art Museum. For a full listing of Blue Star Museums both in Washington and around the country, visit http://www.arts.gov/national/bluestarmuseums.