The Museum & Arts Center in Sequim has been chosen as one of 2,000 museums across the nation and U.S. territories to be named a Blue Star Museum.

The Blue Star program is a collaboration of The National Endowment for the Arts, Department of Defense and Blue Star Families as an appreciation for active duty military and family members.

“This is huge for us here in Sequim because we are very small and are staffed totally by volunteers,” said volunteer spokesman Judy Reandeau Stipe, who applied for the program.

This summer the MAC will be listed worldwide to military families to let them what is offered here.

“Our mastodon exhibit is the biggest draw for visitors and many come long distances to see the display, so although we do not charge admission, this is a wonderful opportunity to let the world know about Sequim’s museum,” Stipe said. “We are proud to be listed with places like The Burke Museum of Natural History and the Museum of Flight, both in the Seattle area.”

Blue Star museums offer free access to more than a million children who have at least one parent deployed or any active duty military family. It gives them the opportunity, on limited family incomes, to experience a personal contact with history, science, nature and art. The program, now in its fifth year, also serves as vacation destinations for reunited families traveling to new assignments.