WILMINGTON—As part of the nationwide program Museums for All, three local museums, Airlie Gardens, Cape Fear Museum and Cameron Art Museum (CAM), will allow Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefit holders free admission any day during operating hours.
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According to a press release, Museums for All — made possible from the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) and administered by the Association of Children’s Museums (ACM) — aims to bring everyone, no matter socio-economic status, an equal opportunity to glean cultural appreciation from touring museums. More than 500 institutions participate nationwide, from art and historical museums to botanical gardens, children’s museums to zoos, among others.
“We are excited to better serve and reach our entire community through this program,” Tara Duckworth said in a press release. The director for the New Hanover County Parks and Gardens also noted that “removing the cost of admission, which can sometimes be a barrier for families to visit, will give everyone the opportunity to explore the natural beauty of our area and learn about its history and preservation.”
Visitors to CAM, Airlie or Cape Fear Museum will show their SNAP debit card — in real life or from the EBT app on their phones — to be admitted. Airlie Gardens will admit a family up to two adults and eight children, while Cape Fear Museum admits a family up to six. CAM will allow four adults, and kids always are admitted free.
“We truly believe that everyone should have access to the myriad benefits art museums provide,” CAM deputy director Heather Wilson said
Currently, Cameron Art Museum features five exhibits, including “She Persists,” “The Face of Lincoln,” “Dorothy Gillespie Centennial Celebration,” The Live-In Body: Celebrating Women Over 65, Paintings by Virginia Wright Frierson,” and “The Eye Learns — Modernist prints from the Louis Belden Collection.”
Airlie Gardens is featuring its annual art exhibit, “SQUIRRELS!” — fiberglass models that have been painted and adorned by local artists. The exhibit runs through Nov. 30.
Cape Fear Museum is hosting “Hometown Teams,” “Fighting for the Right to Fight: African American Experiences in World War II,” “Cape Fear Stories,” “Michael Jordan Discovery Gallery,” and more.
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