[CT-NFB] Fwd: Governor Lamont Announces Return of Program Allowing Children To Receive Free Admission at Connecticut Museums During the Summer Months

[Mary Silverberg]

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From: Governor Lamont's Office <lamont.news at ct.gov>
Date: Wed, Jun 29, 2022 at 7:12 AM
Subject: Governor Lamont Announces Return of Program Allowing Children To
Receive Free Admission at Connecticut Museums During the Summer Months
To: Mary Silverberg <marysilverfox at gmail.com>


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Governor Lamont Announces Return of Program Allowing Children To Receive
Free Admission at Connecticut Museums During the Summer Months
<https://officeofthegovernor.cmail19.com/t/j-l-vsjihy-tuhktkddhi-k/>

Posted on June 29, 2022

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(HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Ned Lamont today announced that the popular state
program Connecticut Summer at the Museum
<https://officeofthegovernor.cmail19.com/t/j-l-vsjihy-tuhktkddhi-a/> is
returning for the 2022 summer season, enabling Connecticut children to
receive free admission at more than 130 museums across the state during the
summer months.

The governor established the program
<https://officeofthegovernor.cmail19.com/t/j-l-vsjihy-tuhktkddhi-f/> in
2021 in response to the COVID-19 pandemic as a way of providing children
with engaging summer enrichment and learning experiences. It is funded
through a $15 million investment in federal COVID-19 recovery funding
Connecticut received from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA).

Under the program, from July 1, 2022, to September 5, 2022, Connecticut
children aged 18 and under – plus one accompanying Connecticut adult – can
receive free admission to any of the participating museums, including
historic house museums, historic sites, historical societies, art museums,
children’s museums, science centers, special-interest museums, natural
history museums, university museums, arboretums/botanical gardens and zoos.

*The full list of participating museums is available at *
*www.CTSummerMuseums.com*
<https://officeofthegovernor.cmail19.com/t/j-l-vsjihy-tuhktkddhi-z/>*.*

Some of the notable attractions include:

   - Connecticut Science Center, Hartford
   - Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo, Bridgeport
   - Hill-Stead Museum, Farmington
   - Institute for American Indian Studies Museum & Research Center,
   Washington
   - Kidcity Children’s Museum, Middletown
   - Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk, Norwalk
   - Mystic Aquarium, Mystic
   - Mystic Seaport Museum, Mystic
   - Prudence Crandall Museum, Canterbury

“We are thrilled to bring back this popular summer enrichment program for
Connecticut kids and families at a time when affordability is top of mind
for so many households,” *Governor Lamont said*. “The world-class museums
and cultural institutions across Connecticut offer unmatched educational
and recreational experiences that will keep kids engaged all season long
and spark curiosity for years to come.”

“Governor Lamont and I are very proud to be able to offer this program to
Connecticut children and families,” *Lt. Governor Susan Bysiewicz said*.
“Free museum admission is a great way to spark children’s curiosity and
keep them engaged before next school year, continuing their learning at no
cost to mom and dad.”

“We fought for federal ARPA funding to help increase educational and
cultural opportunities for Connecticut children,” *the members of
Connecticut’s Congressional delegation said in a joint statement*. “Free
access to Connecticut’s world class museums and cultural institutions will
provide our youth with countless educational, creative, and recreational
experiences.”

The Connecticut Summer at the Museum program is being administered by the
Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development’s Office of
the Arts and Connecticut Humanities in partnership with the Office of the
Governor, Connecticut State Department of Education, Office of Early
Childhood, and Office of Tourism.

While any museum in Connecticut can choose to participate in the program by
offering free admission, eligible properties had an opportunity to apply
for grant funding. More than 120 grants were awarded, calculated based on
the applicant’s average revenue from children’s admissions over the same
period for multiple years, plus a base award tied to operating budget. The
minimum grant award is $1,000.

“Museums and other arts and cultural institutions play an important role in
our local communities and economies, plus they are rich canvases for
socio-emotional development in young people,” *Liz Shapiro, director of
arts, preservation, and museums at the Connecticut Department of Economic
and Community Development, said*. “This is the only program of its kind in
the United States. We applaud all participating museums and encourage
everyone to take advantage.”

“Between zoos, aquariums, museums, and more, Connecticut’s children and
families have access to enriching educational opportunities to ensure
learning continues to happen every day, everywhere during the summer
months,” *Connecticut Education Commissioner Charlene M. Russell-Tucker
said*. “This is critical to our collective efforts to accelerate learning
this summer and into the next school year.”

“Connecticut has an incredibly diverse array of museums reflecting our
state’s different histories, cultures and communities – all of which
contribute to our vibrant tourism scene,” *Noelle P. Stevenson, director of
the Connecticut Office of Tourism, said*. “We are thrilled to help spread
the word about this unique program for state residents and the magnificent
institutions it supports. ‘Find Your Vibe’ this summer at Connecticut
museums!”

Participating museums have discretion to administer the Connecticut Summer
at the Museum program to the best of their ability and according to their
needs. Certain restrictions may apply, and capacity may be limited (e.g.,
limit to one adult per household, block-out dates, exclusions for special
events, etc.). Connecticut residents should check each museum’s website to
learn of any restrictions before visiting.

Additionally, Governor Lamont is reminding residents that all public
transit buses in Connecticut are operating fare-free through November 30,
2022, and are a convenient way of receiving transportation to many of these
great destinations.

Anyone taking advantage of this program is encouraged to share their
experiences on social media using the program hashtag, *#CTSummerMuseums*.



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