NONPROFIT NEWS: CF Appleton Museum of Art participates in Blue Star Summer

CF Appleton Museum of Art file photo by Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette.

The Appleton Museum of Art, College of Central Florida, was founded and funded by World War II Navy veteran Arthur Ivar Appleton. Before establishing and opening Ocala’s world-class art museum in 1987, Appleton had achieved the naval rank of lieutenant and returned to serve as president of Appleton Electric Company in 1947.

“The Appleton Museum proudly upholds our founder’s vision of supporting military service by offering a unique year-round program of free admission for U.S. veterans. This summer, the Appleton participated in the Blue Star Museums program once again. From Armed Forces Day (May 18) through Labor Day (Sept. 2), the Appleton welcomed 675 visitors under the Blue Star Museums program,” noted the news release.

The annual initiative 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. Participating museums provided free admission to the nation’s active-duty military personnel and their families, including the National Guard and Reserve.

“Reinforcing the museum’s unwavering commitment to service personnel, in 2020 the Appleton established its venerable Community Heroes program,” said Jason Steuber, Appleton director, in the release. “Year-round, state of Florida health care professionals, first responders and educators with a valid work ID receive free admission to the museum.”

To learn more, go to appletonmuseum.org