Lincoln, NE – 05/12/2026 – Three Nebraska State Historical Society historical sites offer free admission for active-duty military personnel and their families, including the National Guard and Reserves, as members of the Blue Star Museums program from Armed Forces Day, May 16, through Labor Day, Sept. 7.
NSHS Blue Star Museums sites include the Nebraska History Museum, Chimney Rock Ethel S. and Christopher J. Abbott Visitor Center and Museum, and the Fort Robinson History Center.
Nebraska History Museum is open 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. CT, Tuesday through Saturday. The Chimney Rock Ethel S. and Christopher J. Abbott Visitor Center and Museum is open 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. MT daily, and the Fort Robinson History Center hours are 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. MT daily beginning May 18.
“The Blue Star Museums program is an opportunity to express our never-ending gratitude for the sacrifice and service of our Active, Guard, and Reserve service members and their families,” said Governor Jim Pillen.
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 museums across America. More than 2 million military families have enjoyed Blue Star Museums since the program launched in 2010.
Admission is also free on May 16 at the Nebraska History Museum in observance of Armed Forces Day. “This free day’s learning goal is that visitors will be able to identify the role of the military’s presence throughout Nebraska’s history, as well as explain the impact of Nebraskans who served in the military in Nebraska and beyond,” said NSHS Family and Community Educator Emma Reiner.
Armed Forces Free Admission Day is made possible by the support of the Nebraska State Historical Society Foundation.
