Military members to get free admission to Maritime Museum

SANDUSKY — The Maritime Museum of Sandusky announced it will offer free admission this summer to active duty members of the military and their families. The free admission program starts on May 18 — Armed Forces Day — and will end on Labor Day, Sept. 2. The museum is participating in the Blue Star Museum program, a partnership of the National Endowment for the Arts, Blue Star Families, the Department of Defense and participating museums. "I am pleased to voice our endorsement of the Blue Star Museums initiative. Serving as a hub for maritime history and culture, our museum is committed to honoring and supporting military families," museum executive director Molly Sampson said. "Participating in this program allows us to extend our appreciation by providing a welcoming environment." According to the Blue Star Museums website, there are four museums in Erie County that participate in the Blue Star Museums program: The Maritime Museum, The Edison Birthplace Association in Milan, the Milan Historical Museum and the Vermilion History Museum. Museums in Cleveland that take part are the Cleveland History Museum, the Cleveland Museum of Art and the Museum of Contemporary Art Cleveland. Museums across the U.S. participate, and the list of participating museums is expected to grow as summer approaches. The free admission offer applies to members of the Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marine Corps, Navy and Space Force, members of the Reserves, National Guard, U.S. Public Health Commissioned Corps and the NOAA Commissioned Corps. Please produce 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.