Dedicated to celebrating regional heritage, the Chenango County Historical Society (CCHS) hosts a variety of activities throughout the year, including School Field Trip experiences. CCHS recently announced that it has again joined the Blue Star Museums initiative to provide free admission for currently-serving U.S. military personnel and their families. (Submitted photo)

NORWICH — The Chenango County Historical Society (CCHS) and Museum announced it will once again join museums nationwide in the Blue Star Museums initiative, a program that provides free admission to currently-serving U.S. military personnel and their families this summer from Armed Forces Day through Labor Day.

Blue Star Museums is a partnership between the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) and Blue Star Families (BSF), in collaboration with the Department of Defense and museums across America.

“Over the past few years, our focus has shifted from simply curating local heritage to serving as a community partner, an educational resource, and a regional destination,” said Jessica Moquin, CCHS executive director. “Participating in the Blue Star Museums initiative is part of our commitment to seek, include, and welcome all audiences.”

While admission to CCHS is already a free-will donation left up to each visitor’s discretion, the Blue Star Museums initiative supports admission for those currently serving in the U.S. military: Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marine Corps, Navy, and Space Force, members of the Reserves, National Guard, U.S. Public Health Commissioned Corps, NOAA Commissioned Corps, along with up to five family members.

Blue Star Museums include children’s museums, art, science, and history museums, zoos, gardens, lighthouses, and more, and hail from all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

“We thank the 2023 Blue Star Museums who invite military personnel and their families to experience the many wonders they have to offer, whether it’s a glimpse into the past, an encounter with awe- inspiring art, or a moment of discovery,” said Maria Rosario Jackson, PhD, chair of the National Endowment for the Arts. “The Chenango County Historical Society is helping to enrich the lives of military families and build meaningful connections between our nation’s military and their local community.”

First established in 1939, CCHS is the primary organization dedicated to actively and comprehensively preserving the history of Chenango County. The area’s premier heritage museum, the organization celebrates local culture – unique traditions, noteworthy residents, and unusual stories of the region.

The mission of the Chenango County Historical Society and Museum is to lead and support the advancement of research, education, and enjoyment of Chenango County history.

CCHS programs are made possible by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature.

Established by Congress in 1965, the NEA is the independent federal agency whose funding and support gives Americans the opportunity to participate in the arts, exercise their imaginations, and develop their creative capacities. BSF is the nation’s largest grass-roots military family support organization, with a mission to support military families to improve military readiness.

-Information provided by CCHS