Press Release Media Contacts: T.J. Hicks, Director of Integrated Brand Marketing thicks@dupagechildrensmuseum.org; (630) 637-8000 ext. 6050 or Brianne Bromberek, Marketing Manager bbromberek@dupagechildrensmuseum.org; (630) 637-8000 ext. 2600 For Immediate Release: April 29, 2014 DuPage Children’s Museum Honors Military Personnel Through Blue Star Museums Program (Naperville, IL) – DuPage Children’s Museum announces the launch of Blue Star Museums, a collaboration among the National Endowment for the Arts, Blue Star Families, the Department of Defense, and more than 2,000 museums across the nation to offer free admission to the nation’s active duty military personnel, including the National Guard and Reserves and their families from Memorial Day through Labor Day 2014. The program provides families an opportunity to enjoy the nation’s cultural heritage and learn more about their new communities after a military move. A complete list of participating museums is available at www.arts.gov/bluestarmuseums. “We proudly support military personnel and their families,” said Sarah Orleans, President and CEO of DuPage Children’s Museum. “Our Museum offers a playful learning environment and the opportunity to make memories and relieve the stresses these families face in their everyday lives.” Throughout the summer, visitors can participate in daily art-, math-, and science-focused discovery activities in DCM’s Creativity Studio. Each month highlights a unique theme, with hands-on activities that allow children to explore art processes while developing new skills. The Creativity Studio is also visited once a month by the experts from Anderson Pest Solutions, who introduce children to nature’s most interesting bugs. Don’t miss the chance to get nose-to-nose with a praying mantis or to pet a giant pumpkin millipede! Visitors can engage in storytelling and musical performances in the Family Resource Center. Stop by for storytime with DCM’s Ben Webber each Friday at 10:00 a.m., or join us as we host the Naperville Public Library the first Wednesday of each month at 10:30 a.m. Make way for music on the third Thursday of the month at 10:30 a.m., when DCM volunteer Nancy Culp brings her guitar to introduce children to music and musical concepts. Visit the Family Resource Center on your next visit and take advantage of the many programs available to members and visitors. Blue Star Museums also coincides with DCM’s summer hours, which run Tuesday, May 27 through Sunday, August 31. (The Museum will be closed Monday, September 1 for Labor Day.) The Museum will be open Monday – Friday, 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.; Saturday, 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.; and Sunday, Noon – 5:00 p.m. On the Third Thursday of each month the Museum stays open until 8:00 p.m. to allow families of children with special needs to enjoy the Museum during a quieter time. Special activities are arranged from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. and the public is welcome. For event details and general information about DuPage Children’s Museum, call 630-637-8000 or visit www.dupagechildrensmuseum.org. About DuPage Children's Museum DuPage Children’s Museum is more than a Museum…we’re a force for early learning! Via interactive exhibits and programs that make learning fun for children and adults playing together, DuPage Children's Museum helps develop curiosity, creativity, thinking, and problem solving in young children. The Museum is located at 301 N. Washington Street in Naperville, Illinois, a quick walk from the Naperville Metra train station. Parking is free and the building is wheelchair accessible. For information about hours, Museum admission, and membership packages, visit www.dupagechildrensmuseum.org or call (630) 637-8000. About Blue Star Museums Blue Star Museums is a collaboration among the National Endowment for the Arts, Blue Star Families, the Department of Defense and more than 1,800 museums across America. The program runs from Memorial Day, May 26, 2014 through Labor Day, September 1, 2014. The free admission program is available to active duty military and their family members (military ID holder and up to five family members). Active duty military include Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, and active duty National Guard and active duty Reserve members. Some special or limited-time museum exhibits may not be included in this free admission program. For questions on particular exhibits or museums, please contact the museum directly. To find out which museums are participating, visit www.arts.gov/bluestarmuseums. ### Photo caption: Throughout the summer, active duty military personnel and their families will receive free admission to DuPage Children’s Museum as part of the Blue Star Museums program.