The Children’s Resource & Referral of Santa Barbara County (CRR) and the Santa Maria Police Department (SMPD) invite the community to a Grand Reveal Celebration of the new SMPD Humvee Exhibit at the CRR Discovery Museum, 2 p.m. Wednesday, June 17.
Families, children, educators, and community members are invited to join museum leadership and Santa Maria Police Department representatives for an afternoon featuring the unveiling of a real Humvee transformed into an interactive learning exhibit designed to inspire curiosity, imagination, community connection, and hands on discovery.
The exhibit represents a collaborative investment in positive childhood experiences, community trust, experiential learning, and early exposure to careers in public service, engineering, transportation, safety and innovation.
Research consistently demonstrates that interactive learning environments strengthen cognitive development, communication, problem solving, social emotional growth, and long term educational engagement, organizers said.
Through immersive exhibits and imaginative play, children are given opportunities to explore the world around them in ways that help build confidence, resilience, creativity, and critical thinking.
The new SMPD Humvee Exhibit was designed with that vision in mind.
“This exhibit creates an opportunity for children and families to engage with public safety in a way that is approachable, educational, and inspiring,” said Michelle Graham, CEO of CRR.
“When children are given opportunities to explore, ask questions, imagine, and connect with the professionals who serve their community, it helps shape a sense of belonging, safety, and possibility,” said Jacquilyn Banta, COO of CRR.
“The Santa Maria Police Department is excited to partner with CRR Discovery Museum and hope that children and families enjoy this new exhibit,” said Police Chief Christopher Williams. “Your Police Department is always looking for positive ways to engage with our community, and this is a great opportunity to do that.”
The partnership also reflects the ongoing commitment of the Santa Maria Police Department to community engagement, relationship building, and creating positive interactions with local youth and families outside of emergency situations, organizers said.
The event will include:
- Official exhibit reveal
- Community toast and celebration
- Family photo opportunities
- Interactive exploration of the Humvee exhibit
- Opportunities to meet Santa Maria Police Department representatives
- Museum exploration and family fun
“The CRR Discovery Museum continues to evolve as a forward thinking community hub where children and families can learn through play, creativity, discovery, and connection,” organizers said. “The addition of the SMPD Humvee Exhibit represents another exciting step in expanding engaging, hands on experiences that reflect the strength, innovation, and spirit of the Santa Maria community.”