Military can visit Relic Room free this summer

Are you currently serving in the U.S. military? Are you looking for something inspirational and educational for you and your family to do this summer? Would you like to do something that celebrates our nation’s 250th birthday?

We have just the thing for you. Once again, the South Carolina Confederate Relic Room and Military Museum is proud to participate in the Blue Star Museums initiative, which provides free admission to currently-serving military personnel and their families during the summer months.

This is a museum that takes every opportunity to honor those who have served in uniform in our nation’s history. This is something extra for those who are serving now, helping them come more in touch with those South Carolinians who have also served, from the Revolution to the present.

The Blue Star program for 2026 starts on Armed Forces Day – Saturday, May 16 – and ends on Labor Day, Monday, Sept. 7.

The free admission program is available for those currently serving in the United States Military – Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marine Corps, Navy, and Space Force, including members of the Reserves, National Guard, U.S. Public Health Commissioned Corps, NOAA Commissioned Corps – and up to five family members.

Qualified members must show a Geneva Convention common access card (CAC), DD Form 1173 ID card (dependent ID), DD Form 1173-1 ID card or the Next Generation Uniformed Services (Real) ID card for entrance into a participating Blue Star Museum.

The Relic Room provides free admission to veterans and active-duty personnel a number of times each year, and the Blue Star program is a big part of that in the summer.

“We always appreciate the help of Blue Star Museums in doing something that speaks to the heart of our purpose,” said Allen Roberson, the director of the Relic Room. “We exist to serve all South Carolinians and visitors who come here, but we especially like to show our appreciation to those who have stepped forward to serve our nation in times of war.”

Blue Star Museums is a national appreciation program to thank our military families for their service and share with them America’s cultural treasures. Many museums across the country are participating. To find other participating museums – either in your community or other place you may visit during your summer travels – visit arts.gov/BlueStarMuseums.

Follow Blue Star Museums: @NEAarts and @BlueStarFamily, #bluestarmuseums.