Free Entry to NM Museums and Historic Sites for Active-Duty Military through Blue Star
2026-05-16 - 2026-09-07 | New Mexico Museum of Space History, 3198 State Rd. 2001, Alamogordo, NM, 88310, United States
Santa Fe, NM – Active-duty military personnel, including National Guard, Reserve, and their families, will receive free admission to the New Mexico Department of Cultural Affairs’ eight museums and eight historic sites this summer through the Blue Star Museums program.
The New Mexico Arts & Military program is launching the campaign to raise awareness of this opportunity for more than 43,000 active-duty military members, National Guard, and their families in New Mexico. Free admission runs from Armed Forces Day, May 16, 2026, through Labor Day, September 7, 2026.
The program includes free admission for up to five family members with a valid military ID. More information and a map of participating museums are available at arts.gov/initiatives/blue-star-museums.
“Participating in the Blue Star Museums program is an incredible opportunity for DCA museums and historic sites to share New Mexico’s rich artistic, historical, and cultural offerings with active-duty service members and their families,” said Kevin Lenkner, Program Coordinator for New Mexico Arts & the Military.
Participating sites include eight state museums and eight historic sites across New Mexico, including the Museum of International Folk Art, National Hispanic Cultural Center, New Mexico Museum of Space History, Coronado Historic Site, Lincoln Historic Site, and Bosque Redondo Memorial.
NMDCA also partners with the New Mexico Department of Veterans’ Services to offer free one-time admission passes to veterans with a service-connected disability rating of 50% or higher. More information is available at nmdvs.org/state-veteran-benefits.
About New Mexico Department of Cultural Affairs: Created in 1978 by the New Mexico Legislature, the Department of Cultural Affairs (NMDCA) is New Mexico’s cultural steward, charged with preserving and showcasing the state’s cultural riches. With its eight museums, eight historic sites, arts, archaeology, historic preservation, and library programs, NMDCA is one of the largest and most diverse state cultural agencies in the nation.
About New Mexico Arts: New Mexico Arts (NMA) is the state arts agency and a division of the Department of Cultural Affairs. NMA’s mission is to ensure the arts are central to the lives of New Mexicans, including active-duty members of the military and their families, as well as veterans. For more information about New Mexico Arts visit nmarts.org.
About the New Mexico Museum of Space History: The New Mexico Museum of Space History in Alamogordo is a division of the New Mexico Department of Cultural Affairs and a Smithsonian Affiliate, showcasing the significant role New Mexico has played in the development of the U.S. space program and featuring the International Space Hall of Fame and the New Horizons Dome Theater. For more information, email msh.info@dca.nm.gov or visit our website at www.nmspacemuseum.org
View the Blue Star Museum Flyer here: BlueStarMuseum_Flyer_2026_200dpi

Rocketeer Academy Summer Camp at the Museum of Space History
2026-07-06 - 2026-07-10 | NM
Rocketeer Academy Summer Camp at the Museum of Space History
Two one‑week sessions: July 6–10 and July 13–17, 2026.
Programs: Explorers (grades 3–5) and Challengers (grades 6–8), limited to 25 cadets each. Hands‑on activities include rocket building and launches, solar system exploration, night‑sky navigation, coding, drones, and robotics. Cadets also learn about the museum’s 50‑year history and the upcoming International Space Hall of Fame induction.
Field trip: Holloman AFB and the 704th Test Group. Limited parent spots available with ID requirement.
Cost: $275, includes lunches, t‑shirt, and field trip.
Location: Clyde W. Tombaugh Education Building at the New Mexico Museum of Space History in Alamogordo, NM.
Hours: Mon–Thu 9–4, Fri 9–12 with graduation and pizza party.
Register at SpaceHallofFame.org.

New Mexico Museum of Space History’s Astronomy League Monthly Meeting
2026-07-09 19:00 - 20:30 UTC | New Horizons Dome Theater and Planetarium, 3198 State Route 2001, Alamogordo, NM, 88310, United States
(ALAMOGORDO, NM) – The New Mexico Museum of Space History’s Astronomy League invites everyone with an interest in the night sky to its monthly meeting, held the second Thursday of each month from 7:00 to 8:30 PM in the front classroom of the New Horizons Dome Theater and Planetarium.
These sessions bring together amateur and experienced astronomers for engaging discussions, presentations about current celestial events, hands-on observing tips, and opportunities for learning and networking. Anyone interested in astronomy is welcome to attend — no experience necessary.
Attendees are also invited to consider joining the Astronomy League. Membership offers a chance to take part in special observing programs, meet fellow astronomy enthusiasts regionally and nationally, and gain access to resources that deepen the stargazing experience.
All Astronomy League meetings are free and open to the public. For details about upcoming meetings and other astronomy events, visit www.nmspacemuseum.org or follow the Museum on Facebook for updates.
