May 4, 2023

(Union City, Tennessee, May 4, 2023) — Discovery Park of America is now a Blue Star Museum. This collaboration among the National Endowment for the Arts, Blue Star Families, the Department of Defense and museums like Discovery Park, provides free admission to the nation’s active-duty military personnel and their families each summer.

“We thank the 2023 Blue Star Museums like Discovery Park 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 innovation or a moment of hands-on learning,” said Maria Rosario Jackson, Ph.D., chair of the National Endowment for the Arts.

The free admission program is available from Armed Forces Day, May 20, through Labor Day, Sept. 4, for those currently serving in the United States Military–Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard–including Reservists, National Guardsmen (regardless of status), U.S. Public Health Commissioned Corps, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Commissioned Corps, and up to five family members. Qualified members must show a Geneva Convention common access card, DD Form 1173 ID card (dependent ID) or a DD Form 1173-1 ID card for free admission.

“Discovery Park is excited to support the men and women who are serving our country,” said Scott Williams, president and CEO of Discovery Park. “Our military exhibits and related events make us a natural fit for the Blue Star Museum program. In fact, we just wrapped up our annual Military History and Armed Forces Symposium, which was the best attended in our organization’s history.”

Discovery Park’s Military Gallery can be found on two levels of the museum. The lower level contains a collection of military vehicles and weapons along with displays about the Korean War, the Vietnam War, the Cold War and current military conflicts. Displays about the Civil War, World War I and World War II can be found on the entry-level with an oral history theater showcasing veterans’ stories.

To plan a visit to Discovery Park or for more information, visit DiscoveryParkofAmerica.com/visit.

Photo Caption: Staff Sgt. Dillon Ezernack, Air Force enlisted accessions recruiter and Staff Sgt. Anthony Daniels on a recent visit to Discovery Park. The museum and heritage park will be offering free admission to active-duty military personnel and families this summer.

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About Discovery Park of America

The mission of Discovery Park of America, a premier world-class museum and heritage park located in Union City, Tennessee, is to inspire children and adults to see beyond. Included is a 100,000-square-foot museum featuring 9 interactive exhibit galleries with additional space for temporary exhibits from around the world and a 50-acre heritage park. Discovery Park of America is a 501(c)(3) public charity funded by generous individuals, corporations and foundations including its principal funder, the Robert E. and Jenny D. Kirkland Foundation. For more information, visit DiscoveryParkofAmerica.com, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and TikTok.