Oswego Museum Joins Blue Star Museum Program

Submitted by the Little White School Museum:

The Little White School Museum, 72 Polk Street, Oswego announced this week it is participating in the Blue Star Museums program, a collaboration among the National Endowment for the Arts, Blue Star Families, the Department of Defense, and more than 2,000 museums across America. For museums charging admission, the program offers free entry to the nation’s active duty military personnel including National Guard and Reserve and their families from Memorial Day through Labor Day 2014.

Leadership support has been provided by the 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 atarts.gov/national/blue‐star‐museums.

“As we kick off our fifth year of Blue Star Museums, more museums than ever are part of this military appreciation program,” said NEA Acting Chairman Joan Shigekawa. “Together with Blue Star Families and more than 2,000 museums, we are proud to help connect military families with the cultural resources in their communities.”

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.

Last May, the Hilltop Garden Club dedicated a Blue Star Memorial By-Way marker in the Heritage Garden at Heritage Park, the grounds of the Little White School Museum. The Blue Star By-Way program was begun by the National Garden Clubs in 1945 to honor those who served during World War II. The modern program honors all U.S. military service persons. The marker at the museum was unveiled as a commemoration of Armed Services Day, 2013.

The garden club meets monthly at the museum, and also maintains the Heritage Garden.

The Little White School Museum is a joint project of the not-for-profit Oswegoland Heritage Association and the Oswegoland Park District. Hours are Monday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sundays,noon to 4 p.m. Admission is free.

For more information, call the museum at 630-554-2999, send an email toinfo@littlewhiteschoolmuseum.org, or visit www.littlewhiteschoolmuseum.org.