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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. This 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. Working to connect the military with their communities in making them feel welcome, participating museums provided free admission to the nation’s active-duty military personnel and their families, including 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. “Year-round, state of Florida health care professionals, first responders and educators with a valid work ID receive free admission to the museum.”

Since January 1 of this year, more than 600 individuals have taken advantage of this program, which is a heartfelt thank you for their leadership, lifesaving work and dedication to keeping communities safe.

The Appleton Museum, Artspace and Store are open Tuesday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sunday, noon-5 p.m. A campus of the College of Central Florida, the Appleton Museum of Art is located at 4333 E. Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala, east of downtown on SR 40 (exit 352 east off I-75 or exit 268 west off I-95). Parking is free. For more information, call 352-291-4455 or visit AppletonMuseum.org.