Confederate Memorial Park is offering free admission to active duty military personnel and their families from Memorial Day through Labor Day 2011.

As a Blue Star Museum, Confederate Memorial Park is one of more than 1,300 museums across America to offer free admission to military personnel and their families this summer. Blue Star Museums is a partnership between the National Endowment for the Arts, Blue Star Families, and participating museums.

“The Alabama Historical Commission encourages all active military personnel and their families to visit our historic sites and museums at no cost,” said Mark Driscoll, AHC historic sites division director.

Confederate Memorial Park is the site of Alabama’s only Old Soldiers Home for Confederate Veterans. In operation from 1902-1939, the home cared for elderly veterans, and wives and widows of veterans. The park features a museum containing artifacts from the Soldiers Home, and uniforms, weapons, and equipment used during the Civil War. It is located at 437 County Road 63 in Marbury.

The Blue Star Museums initiative runs from Memorial Day, May 30 through Labor Day, September 5, 2011. The free admission program is available to active duty military and their immediate family members (military ID holder and five immediate family members).

Active duty military include Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, and active duty National Guard and active duty Reserve members.

Leadership support has been provided by MetLife Foundation through Blue Star Families. The complete list of participating museums is available at www.arts.gov/bluestarmuseums.