Summer's almost over...have you gone to the museum yet?!

Summer is well under way. Time for family vacations, weekend getaways and days with no school where mom is endlessly searching for ways to fill the time. I can assure that is me, sitting at my computer, finding ways to frugally shake things up on the very hottest of days. thankfully the Blue Star Museum’s program is around this summer! In May I attended the event launch for this wonderful program for military families, which is available to all Military families – Active Duty, National Guard and Reserve – available from Memorial Day through Labor Day. I especially appreciate that the folks at the National Endowment for the Arts have gone out of their way to include ALL military families!!! This warms my heart. Blue Star Musuems is a made possible through a partnership with the National Endowment for the Arts, Blue Star Families, Joining Forces, MetLife Foundation and all the wonderful museums that are participating in this great program. The program has tripled in size, which means so many more experiences for families all over!

me and fellow Millie, Jen, who is our Social Media Manager (Blue Star Families)

Listening to Commander Leslie Hull-Ryde inspire our young guests!

Blue Star Musueums provides the opportunity for many military families to experience things they might not be able to. Experiencing the arts can be expensive, and I know for me personally that has been the reason why we have put off visiting these types of places at all, or as frequently as I might like. While many of the museums in my area are free, they have still made it a point to be a part of this initiative to spread the arts to military families, by providing special programs and assistance to them. The Smithsonian in particular has created an educational program that video conferences to children stationed at military installations all over the world. They have also created a reintegration program for Wounded Warriors. Tours and outings to art programs and events are provided to get them out in public settings that are safe and relaxing.

Read more about the launch (and see another picture of me!! LOL) on the Blue Star Museum’s Blog.

I challenge you to check out this program and make it a part of your summer vacation. It is invaluable experience for the whole family. While this program is geared towards families, the hubby and I have been known to visit museums on date night once or twice. This program is for everyone.

Visit the National Endowment of the Arts’ website and click on your state for a list of museums in your area, and enjoy your summer with the arts!