PUBLIC TESTIMONY
Testimony by Margaret Gambaro, Manager of Access Initiatives at Intrepid Museum
1:46:41
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3 min
Margaret Gambaro, Manager of Access Initiatives at Intrepid Museum, testified about the museum's programs and initiatives supporting veterans and their families, particularly those dealing with PTSD. She highlighted various free and specialized programs that provide inclusive and therapeutic experiences for veterans and their families.
- The museum offers exclusive programs and unique experiences for veterans and military families, including free admission and special access to events.
- Therapeutic workshops, film screenings, and exhibitions are designed to help veterans and their families connect and discuss military experiences.
- The Intrepid Museum has been offering these programs free of charge since 2015, aiming to remove financial barriers and increase access to cultural opportunities for veteran families.
Margaret Gambaro
1:46:41
Hello.
1:46:42
My name is Margaret Gambaro.
1:46:44
I am the manager of Access Initiatives at Intrepid News am.
1:46:48
I wanna start by saying thank you to chair Holden and the committee of veterans and chair Lee and the committee of mental health disabilities and addiction for holding today's hearing.
1:47:01
On supporting families of veterans with PTSD.
1:47:07
I also just want to say thank you to chair Holden and the committee members and the staff for your efforts to veterans and with one another and with cultural resources like Intrepid Museum without your support, we would not have our programs.
1:47:25
So through the museums, veteran access and we offer exclusive specialized programs for veterans and veterans communities as well as unique museum experiences for military families in recognition of the sacrifice these families have made.
1:47:46
These experience include free admission for the whole family during kids' week, as well as special access to prior at events and special benefits during public programs.
1:48:00
For example, at the larger events such as astronomy night, we provide forums such as a small astronaut meet and greet.
1:48:10
Our members of the vet for our museum members and veterans and their families before the public event.
1:48:19
Since it's smaller, it gives any veteran who finds crowds overwhelming the chance to have a memorable and low stress experience with their family.
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The museum's ex exhibitions and tours gives families an entry point to talk about their veteran service.
1:48:38
For example, after seeing the bunks in the enlisted birthing during a tour, a veteran started talking to his family for the first time about his sleeping quarters during his service.
1:48:50
We have an ongoing partnership with Exit 12 Dance Company to host therapeutic workshops for veteran and family members, culminating in a public performance on the flight deck.
1:49:04
Every June, we host a luncheon for our veteran and military families before the before the museum's inclusive family day.
1:49:13
We host screenings of films about military and veteran experiences, including PTSD, far veterans, and their loved ones.
1:49:22
Most recently, we partnered with the MetAPRA for our program about women and mothers in the military based on their Apria grounded.
1:49:32
Since 2015, Intrepid Museum has been offering programs like the ones I just mentioned and many others to veterans families free of charge.
1:49:43
Additionally, the museum is a blue star museum, which offers free admission to current service members and their families during the summer.
1:49:52
By taking away a financial barrier, we give more families the opportunity to connect with both one another and cultural opportunities.
1:50:01
Thank you again for your support and for the opportunity to speak here today.
