The John P. McGovern Museum of Health and Medical Science will offer free admission to active-duty military personnel and their families this summer. This is the second year that The Health Museum has joined museums nationwide in the Blue Star Museums initiative, which provides free admission to currently serving U.S. military personnel and their families from Armed Forces Day, May 21, 2022, through Labor Day, September 5, 2022. The Health Museum is located at 1515 Hermann Dr., Houston, Texas 77004.

“We’re pleased to once again partner with Blue Star Museums and support those whose dedication ensures our freedom," said John Arcidiacono, President and CEO of The Health Museum. "It’s vital for our community to have access to accurate and educational health information and the tools and resources to make informed decisions. We’re pleased to provide options to make our Museum accessible to all audiences and empower healthier living.”

Veteran Vision Project

The Health Museum guests are invited to catch the final days of the “Veteran Vision Project,” a photography exhibit that captures the diversity of veterans and their experiences. On view until May 30, 2022, the exhibit depicts veterans and their families, struggles, commitment, and service. The photos juxtapose veterans in uniform and in poses that reflect their life after military service – a combination that contrasts and connects the two parts of their lives.

“Veteran Vision Project” was created by Arizona State University (ASU) student and photographer Devin Mitchell. The exhibit’s powerful photos have received significant national acclaim. For more information, visit https://www.thehealthmuseum.org/veteranvisionproject.

Guests also are invited to pick up a limited edition copy of the “Veteran Vision Project” photo book at The Amazing Body Store. Proceeds from the $100 book benefit The Veteran Vision Project exhibit as well as The Health Museum. Devin Mitchell is the author and photographer, offering a lens for military service members using a mirror to touch on the transition from military to civilian life, capturing both in one image.

Blue Star Museums

Blue Star Museums is an initiative of the National Endowment for the Arts in collaboration with Blue Star Families, the Department of Defense, and participating museums nationwide. Find the list of participating museums at arts.gov/bluestarmuseums.

Blue Star Museums include children's museums, art, science, history museums, zoos, gardens, lighthouses, and more, and hail from all 50 states and the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The current list of participating museums will continue to develop over the summer as organizations are welcome to register to be a Blue Star Museum throughout the summer.

The free admission program is available for those currently serving in the United States Military—Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, as well as 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), D.D. Form 1173 ID card (dependent I.D.), or a D.D. Form 1173-1 I.D. card for entrance into a participating Blue Star Museum.

Access to The Health Museum

The Health Museum’s participation in Blue Star Museums is one of several reciprocal membership and ticket programs. Others include:

● Smithsonian Affiliate – Members from a Smithsonian Affiliate organization who present a current Smithsonian Affiliate membership card receive free general admission for two at The Health Museum.

● ASTC – As a member of the Association of Science and Technology Centers Passport Program, Museum members and ASTC reciprocal members receive free general admission to The Health Museum (for household family members or grandparents and grandchildren up to six people).

● Museums for All – Through the Museums for All program, guests can visit The Health Museum for a minimal fee of $3 per general admission ticket, for up to four people, with a SNAP Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card. For a family of four (two adults and two children over three years old), purchasing tickets through the Museums for All program would reduce the total cost of general admission from $36 to $12.

● Homeschoolers – Bring your Homeschoolers to The Health Museum for amazing fun! Join us for $2-Off Tuesdays every second Tuesday of the month. Families with children can enjoy all the Museum has to offer for $2 off general admission. Ideal for homeschool students and cohort groups. This discount is available every second Tuesday of the month from 10:00 am until 2:00 pm.

● Free Family Thursdays – The Health Museum offers free admission every Thursday from 2 pm to 7 pm for the whole family!

For more information, please visit https://www.thehealthmuseum.org/event/free-admission-military-families.