Now in its 11th year as a participating partner, Delta Blues Museum is again a member of the Blue Star Museum program, benefitting active duty military and their families. From Armed Forces Day on May 17th through Labor Day, the Museum will offer free admission to those currently serving and up to five members of their family.
Museum Director Shelley Ritter looks forward to welcoming Blue Star military families once again this summer. “Our Blue Star partnership with the National Endowment for the Arts continues to be an important part of our summer programming, as a way for us to honor those who serve our country,” Ritter states, adding, “Museum reservations can be made online, and walk-ups are always welcome.“
Free admission is available to those currently serving in the U.S. military—including the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, as well as members of the Reserves, National Guard, U.S. Public Health Commissioned Corps, and NOAA Commissioned Corps—plus up to five family members. Eligible visitors will need to show a valid military ID, such as a Geneva Convention CAC card or a DD Form 1173 or 1173-1 dependent ID.
Delta Blues Museum will unveil a new exhibit this week, just in time for summer visitors: “Margaret’s Blue Diamond Lounge” focuses on the New World District juke joint in downtown Clarksdale and its legendary house band led by Arthneice “Gas Man” Jones. As featured in the 1991 documentary, Juke Joint Saturday Night, Margaret’s house band–The Stone Gas Band–earned critical praise and a large following in the 1990s. The Museum’s exhibit highlights Margaret, her clientele and the music and magic made within the walls of the club.
The opening reception is free and open to the public and will be held on Thursday, May 22nd, from 5 – 7 PM at the Museum. Immediately following the reception, Ground Zero Blues Club will host The Stone Gas Band for a night of blues favorites from Margaret’s–cover charge is $10 per person.
Founded in 1979 by the Carnegie Public Library Board of Trustees and re-established as an independent museum in 1999, the Delta Blues Museum is Mississippi’s first museum dedicated to music. Located in the heart of Clarksdale, the Museum celebrates the rich legacy of the Blues—America’s original musical art form—and offers visitors a chance to explore its deep roots and cultural impact.
The Museum has been recognized nationally, receiving the IMLS National Medal for Museum and Library Service in 2013 and the National Arts & Humanities Youth Program Award in 2014. It also serves as a designated Great River Road Interpretive Center.To learn more about current exhibits and events, head here.
