The Steel Museum – The Youngstown Historical Center of Industry & Labor is pleased to participate in Blue Star Museums, a program that provides free admission during the summer to currently serving U.S. military personnel and their families. The 2025 program will begin on Armed Forces Day, Saturday, May 17, and end on Labor Day, Monday, September 1.

In Recognition of our Nation’s Armed Forces, YHCIL is featuring a temporary showcase on World War I and World War II. This revived display was originally created by Youngstown State University students, highlighting the region’s industrial, civic and military support during times of global conflict.

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.

“The National Endowment for the Arts is honored to help connect military service members and their families with their communities through the Blue Star Museums program,” said Mary Anne Carter, senior advisor for the National Endowment for the Arts. “Institutions like [YHCIL] offer opportunities for military members to create special memories and connect with our country’s heritage and culture.”

"For 15 years, Blue Star Museums has opened doors for military families to explore, connect and feel at home in their communities,” said Kathy Roth-Douquet, CEO of Blue Star Families. “Thanks to our continued partnership with the National Endowment for the Arts and participating museums nationwide, we’re proud to continue this tradition of belonging and enrichment. Museums are more than cultural spaces—they’re places where military families feel seen, welcomed and celebrated."

In addition to The Steel Museum, participants include history, art and children’s museums, historical sites, botanical gardens, zoos, aquariums and more, and can be found in all 50 states, District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and Guam.

The free admission program is available for those currently serving in the United States 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—and up to five family members. Qualified members must show a Geneva Convention common access card (CAC), DD Form 1173 ID card (dependent ID), DD Form 1173-1 ID card or the Next Generation Uniformed Services (Real) ID card for entrance into a participating Blue Star Museum.