More than 50 museums in Connecticut are offering free admission this summer to active duty members of the military and their families, part of the ninth annual Blue Star Museums Program. Running between Memorial Day and Labor Day, the program is an initiative of the National Endowment for the Arts in collaboration with Blue Star Families and the U.S. Department of Defense.

"We owe a debt of gratitude to those who sacrifice so much for the freedoms and safety we all hold dear," Gov. Dannel Malloy said in a statement announcing the news. "Connecticut's museums offer an unparalleled educational and cultural experience, and I'm pleased to announce that military members and their families will be able to enjoy so many of them free of charge."

The program is available for those currently serving in the U.S. military and up to five family members. Branches include the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps and Coast Guard, as well as active duty and Reservists, National Guardsmen (regardless of status), U.S. Public Health Commissioned Corps and NOAA Commissioned Corps.

To obtain entrance into a participating Blue Star Museum, qualified members must show a Geneva Convention common access card or DD Form 1173 ID card (dependent ID), or a DD Form 1173-1 ID card.

For a list of participating museums, visit bit.ly/CTBlueStar18.