Archbold, OH – Sauder Village is pleased to be participating in the Blue Star Museums Program again this year – offering free admission to military personnel and their families from Memorial Day through Labor Day 2014.
This is the fifth year for Blue Star Museums, a collaboration among the National Endowment for the Arts, Blue Star Families, the Department of Defense, and more than 2,000 museums across America to offer free admission to the nation’s active duty military personnel including National Guard and Reserve and their families.
“It is an honor for Sauder Village to be involved with the Blue Star Museums Program again this summer,” shared Kim Krieger, PR/Media Relations Specialist at Sauder Village. “We look forward to having many active duty military personnel and their families join us this season to create special memories while having fun in the past at Sauder Village!”
Leadership support for Blue Star Museums has been provided by MetLife Foundation through Blue Star Families. The program provides families an opportunity to enjoy the nation’s cultural heritage and learn more about their new communities after a military move. The complete list of participating museums is available at www.arts.gov/national/blue star museums.
“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.”
This year, more than 2,000 (and counting) 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 High Museum in Atlanta, Georgia, The Thinkery children’s museum in Austin, Texas, the Mass Audubon Broadmoor Wildlife Sanctuary in Natick, Massachusetts, and Henricus Historical Park in Chester, Virginia.
The Sauder Village mission is to provide guests with experiences rich in history, hospitality, creativity, and fun. Since opening in 1976, Sauder Village has grown to a 235-acre complex with more than 450 employees and 400 adult and 200 youth volunteers. As Ohio’s largest living history destination, Sauder Village includes the award winning Historic Village, the 98-room Sauder Heritage Inn, a 48-site campground, the 350-seat Barn Restaurant, the Doughbox Bakery, and banquet seating for 750 in Founders Hall. The Historic Village preserves more than 75 historic structures and nearly 50,000 artifacts where history is brought to life through stories, demonstrations, and programs. Proceeds from the retail and hospitality areas, along with admissions, memberships, and donations, contribute to the financial support for this 501(c)(3) organization.
Historic Sauder Village summer hours are Tuesday through Saturday from 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. and Sunday from noon-4:00 p.m. The Village is closed on Mondays, except holidays. Regular admission is $16.00/adults, $14.00/seniors, $10.00/students (6-16) and free for members and children 5 and under. Again this year, children 16 and under are free every Sunday this season!
For more information about Sauder Village’s involvement with Blue Star Museums, other special events or planning a memorable Sauder Village get-away call 800.590.9755, visit www.saudervillage.org, like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter @SauderVillage.