Visit a Blue Star Museum this Memorial Day Weekend
Did you know there are four Blue Star Museums currently open to the public in the Four Rivers Heritage Area? Blue Star Museums offer free admission to the nation’s active-duty military personnel and their families, including National Guard and Reserve. The 2021 Blue Star Museums program runs this year from Armed Forces Day on Saturday, May 15 until Labor Day on Monday, September 6, making Memorial Day weekend a perfect opportunity to plan a visit.
Be sure to check each museum’s website or social media for updated Memorial Day hours as the three-day weekend may cause them to adjust their standard opening times.
Annapolis Maritime Museum & Park
723 Second Street, Annapolis
Recently reopened to the public, the Annapolis Maritime Museum educates youth and adults about the Annapolis area’s rich maritime heritage and the ecology of the Chesapeake Bay. Purchase tickets in advance for their newest exhibit “Our Changing Waterfront.” Admission includes self-guided exploration of the museum and guided tours provided by trained docents on demand.
Memorial Day Weekend Hours: Closed on Monday, open Saturday and Sunday, 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
Hammond-Harwood House
19 Maryland Ave, Annapolis
Hammond-Harwood House is the premier museum of architecture and early American fine and decorative arts in Annapolis. The house is open to the public for tours. Subjects include the social history of the families and enslaved people who lived in the house, architecture, and the collection of fine and decorative art.
Memorial Day Weekend Hours: Open all weekend (including Monday), noon to 5:00 pm (last tour at 4:00 pm)
Historic London Town House and Gardens
Historic London Town encompasses a twenty-three acre park featuring history, archaeology, and horticulture. The William Brown House is still closed to the public, but the expansive gardens and historic area are currently open for visits or tours. 30-minute outdoor walking tours of the historic area are available at 11am and 2:30pm, weather permitting.
Memorial Day Weekend Hours: Closed on Monday, open Saturday and Sunday, 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Historic Annapolis William Paca Garden
186 Prince George Street, Annapolis
The William Paca House is still closed to the public, but you can take a guided or self-guided tour of the William Paca Garden, a carefully restored two-acre 18th century English garden. Guided tours are offered at 10:30 am, 11:30 am, 12:30 pm, and 1:30 pm.
Memorial Day Weekend Hours: Open all weekend (including Monday), 10:00 am – 2:30 pm
If you can’t make it to one of these museums this weekend, remember the Blue Star Museums program continues until Labor Day. Thank you for your service!