Members of the U.S. military and their families can soon explore the Museum of Mississippi History and the Mississippi Civil Rights Museum in Jackson at no cost.
The Two Mississippi Museums are participating in the 2026 Blue Star Museums program, which provides free admission to currently serving military personnel and their families during the summer. The free admission window will begin on Armed Forces Day (May 16) and end on Labor Day (Sept. 7).
Blue Star Museums is a partnership between the National Endowment for the Arts and Blue Star Families, in collaboration with the Department of Defense and participating museums across America.
“Blue Star Museums has opened doors for military families to explore, connect, and feel at home,” Blue Star Families CEO Kathy Roth-Douquet said. “As we approach America’s 250th anniversary, we’re proud to continue this partnership with the National Endowment for the Arts and museums nationwide — welcoming military families into the heart of our nation’s story and celebrating them every step of the way.”
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The Two Mississippi Museums have previously participated in the program. This year, the museums have a temporary exhibit on display titled “Mississippi Made,” featuring artifacts that reflect the Magnolia State’s contributions to the American story, in celebration of the nation’s 250th anniversary.
“We are once again pleased to welcome military families to experience our museums at no cost,” Two Mississippi Museums Director Michael Morris said. “Military service is engraved in Mississippi’s history, and we are proud to play a part in telling these stories through our exhibits.”
The free admission program is available for those currently serving in the U.S. military – Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, Space Force, Coast Guard, and members of the Reserves, National Guard, U.S. Public Health Commissioned Corps, NOAA Commissioned Corps – and up to five family members.
For free admission, qualified members must show a Geneva Convention common access card, DD Form 1173 ID card, DD Form 1173-1 ID card, or the Next Generation Uniformed Services ID card.
The Mississippi Civil Rights Museum opened in tandem with the Museum of Mississippi History in 2017, in celebration of the state’s bicentennial and is administered by the Department of Archives and History. The Mississippi Civil Rights Museum explores the period from 1945 to 1976 when Mississippi was ground zero for the Civil Rights Movement nationally. The Museum of Mississippi History explores the entire sweep of Mississippi’s territorial and state history and the inhabitants of its land.