FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE August 26, 2014 CONTACT: Giuli Schacht 386-279-0367 or 407-744-4035 Galleries open free to the public on Museum Day Numerous museums and galleries will be open for free admission on Saturday, September 27, in celebration of SmithsonianÕs annual Museum Day. Mainstreet Art & Culture DeLand (MAC DeLand), the cultural arm of the DeLand Area Chamber of Commerce will be hosting the Museum Day celebration at participating art and history venues throughout West Volusia County. MAC DeLand will also be operating a free shuttle between the participating downtown DeLand venues so that visitors can park at one gallery and tour the others without having to drive and park at each one. Other benefits for visitors include free, printed maps of participating locations showing the shuttle circuit and a Ògoodie bagÓ of free gifts and promotional items which can be picked up at the main location of the Museum of Art Ð DeLand. Participating venues include (alphabetically): African American Museum of the Arts Athens Theater (tours) Davinci Design House DeBary Hall Historic Site DeLand Memorial Hospital Museum DeLand Naval Air Station Museum Gateway Center for the Arts, DeBary Henry A. DeLand House Museum and Robert M. Conrad Educational & Research Center Museum of Art Ð DeLand Museum of Art Ð DeLand South Stetson University Gillespie Museum Stetson University Hand Art Center Stetson University Natural History Museum The celebration of Museum Day with free admission to galleries across the nation is intended to support the SmithsonianÕs mission of making cultural education accessible to everyone. Though most museums across the country cannot possibly continue to operate without charging at least a nominal fee for admission, Museum Day is one day every year when anyone can enjoy the enrichment and enlightenment that various venues have to offer at absolutely no cost. Unlike most of the museums honoring SmithsonianÕs Museum Day across the country, West Volusia venues will not be requiring a special ticket which is ordinarily downloaded at the SmithsonianÕs web site and limited to only two persons per household. Participating area museums and galleries are open for free admission to any and all who wish to visit with no special ticket or coupon required. ÒAs the cultural committee of the Deland Area Chamber of Commerce, we are grateful for the support and commitment our leaders have shown in the continued cultural development of our community,Ó says Giuli Schacht, encouraging everyone to participate. ÒIt is a great opportunity for families.Ó A downloadable map and more information is available on the MAC DeLand web site at www.macdeland.com. ###