CIMM is Proud to be a 2026 Blue Star Museum

The Channel Islands Maritime Museum is proud to once again participate in the nationwide Blue Star Museums program, offering free admission to currently serving U.S. military personnel and their families from Armed Forces Day, Saturday, May 16, 2026, through Labor Day, Monday, September 7, 2026.

“Museums help military families stay connected, to each other, to their communities and to the nation they serve,” said Mary Anne Carter, chairman of the National Endowment for the Arts. “As our country approaches 250 years of independence, Blue Star Museums provides service members and their loved ones with meaningful opportunities to explore history and spark curiosity. For military families, who often face frequent moves and time apart, these shared museum experiences offer a sense of stability, belonging, and connection.”

Blue Star Museums is a partnership between the National Endowment for the Arts and Blue Star Families in collaboration with museums across the country. The program provides military families with opportunities to explore art, history, culture and community together throughout the summer months at no cost.

The Channel Islands Maritime Museum, located in the beautiful Channel Islands Harbor, invites military families and visitors of all ages to discover one of Southern California’s hidden gems. The museum features an internationally recognized collection of maritime art, intricate ship models, maritime history exhibitions and engaging educational programs that celebrate humanity’s enduring connection to the sea.

“We are honored to welcome military families to the museum through the Blue Star Museums program,” said Executive Director, Doug Riffenburgh. “The Channel Islands Maritime Museum is a place of exploration, learning and inspiration, and we are proud to be part of this opportunity.”

Visitors can explore galleries filled with dramatic seascapes, fascinating maritime artifacts, and handcrafted ship models representing over 3,000 years of maritime history. Families can also enjoy the museum’s scenic harbor location, nearby walking paths, and rotating contemporary exhibitions that help create a unique experience with each visit.

The Blue Star Museums free admission program is available to those currently serving in the United States military, including the Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, Space Force, Coast Guard, Reserves, National Guard, U.S. Public Health Commissioned Corps and NOAA Commissioned Corps, along with up to five family members. Qualified members may present accepted military identification for admission.

The Channel Islands Maritime Museum is open Thursday through Monday from 12-4pm and is located at 3900 Bluefin Circle in Oxnard’s scenic Channel Islands Harbor. Guests can learn more about exhibitions, events and educational programs by visiting the museum’s website.

About the National Endowment for the Arts

Established by Congress, the National Endowment for the Arts is an independent federal agency that is the largest funder of the arts and arts education in communities nationwide and a catalyst of public and private support for the arts. By advancing opportunities for arts participation and practice, the NEA fosters and sustains an environment in which the arts benefit everyone in the United States. To learn more, visit arts.gov

About Blue Star Families

Blue Star Families (BSF) is the nation’s largest military and veteran family support organization. Its research-driven approach builds strong communities with a focus on human-centered design and innovative solutions. A “blue star family” is the family of a currently serving military member, including active duty, National Guard, reserve forces, and those transitioning out of service. Since its founding in 2009, BSF has delivered more than $336 million in benefits and impacts more than 1.5 million people annually through an expansive network of chapters and outposts.

Military families and visitors planning their summer adventures can also find the full list of participating Blue Star Museums nationwide at Blue Star Museums Program Information.