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Andalusia Farm and Georgia’s Old Governor’s Mansion are participating in the Blue Star Museums program to give free admission to active military personnel and their families.
“This partnership is a way for us to partner with museums across the country and thank our active military for their service,” said Matt Davis, director of Historic Museums. “We hope this allows them a chance to spend time with their families and have a fun day to relax and enjoy the museum experience.”
Blue Star Museums represent a partnership between the National Endowment for the Arts and Blue Star Families in collaboration with the Department of Defense and museums across America. Annually, about 2,000 museums participate in the program to offer free admission to active-duty military personnel and their families, including National Guard and Reserve from Armed Forces Day on May 20 through Labor Day, Sept. 4.
“My predecessor Jim Turner, the former director of Georgia’s Old Governor’s Mansion, began partnering with the program when it was first created. Ever since then, we have continued to partner with them,” said Davis.
This year, Historic Museums’ dedicated National Landmarks will be a part of the listed museums participating in Georgia. Andalusia Farm is the home of American author Flannery O’Connor and Georgia’s Old Governor’s Mansion is one primary example of High Greek Revival architecture and was notably a home to multiple Georgia governors.
“Both sites are designated national landmarks that have a wide range of history and stories to tell. Each provides a different experience that visitors can enjoy,” said Davis. “I highly recommend visiting either or both sites for the riveting experience of each story.”
Andalusia Farm was designated a National Historic Landmark in 2022. It was the home of O’Connor from 19511964. During her and her family’s residency, the site contained 14 buildings with over 520 acres of land that was used for dairy and beef farming. While living there, O’Connor wrote two novels and 32 short stories inspired by her surroundings and the city of Milledgeville.
“Visiting Andalusia gives visitors a chance to look into O’Connor’s life and the inspirations behind her famous short stories and novels. You can learn more about her home life and the struggles she faced as well as learn about her family who worked on the farm,” said Davis.
Georgia’s Old Governor’s Mansion was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1973. It served as a home for eight of Georgia’s chief executives and their families from 1839 to 1868. The mansion exhibits the history of these families, of slavery, of class and gender roles throughout the years, and preserves the architecture of the time period.
“This site gives opportunities to learn more about historical preservation and architecture as well as learning about culture and customs from that time period,” said Davis. “It’s a very unique look into the history of our state and the attention to detail of architecture from that time period.”
Active military personnel and up to five family members can visit the sites for free with a DD Form 1173 ID Card, or DD Form 1173-1 ID Card. The active duty member does not have to be present for family members to use the program. Andalusia Farm and Georgia’s Old Governor’s Mansion are open Tuesday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. or Sunday 2-4 p.m. Tours begin on the hour.
“I think any way we can give thanks to those who serve our nation is great and we are always looking for those opportunities and partnerships,” said Davis. “I hope our active military and their families use this chance to come and experience Andalusia Farm and Georgia’s Old Governor’s Mansion.”