Press Release

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.
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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.