Family Heritage Experience Named a Blue Star Museum

Active-duty military personnel and their families receive free admission to American Ancestors’ family history exploration destination this summer

BOSTON, MA, Issued June 9, 2026

American Ancestors’ Family Heritage Experience (FHE), Boston’s immersive museum of family history, heritage, and culture, has been named a participating institution in the 2026 Blue Star Museums program. In recognition of the designation, active-duty military personnel and their families will receive free admission through September 5, 2026.

A nationwide initiative led by the National Endowment for the Arts in collaboration with Blue Star Families, Blue Star Museums provides free access to museums, historic sites, and cultural institutions across the country each summer. The program serves active-duty military members, including those in the National Guard and Reserve, and up to five family members.

The Family Heritage Experience features engaging exhibits that encourage visitors to discover their roots, understand the historical forces that shaped their families, and explore the diverse cultural traditions that contribute to the American experience. As the public-facing permanent exhibit of American Ancestors, the FHE draws on the organization's nearly 180 years of expertise in family history and genealogical research.

To receive free admission through the Blue Star Museums program, active-duty military personnel should present a valid military ID upon arrival. Eligible participants include members of the U.S. Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, Space Force, National Guard, Reserve components, commissioned officers of the Public Health Service, and commissioned officers of the NOAA Corps, along with their families.

For more information about the Blue Star Museums program, click here. For more information about American Ancestors’ Family Heritage Experience, click here.