The San Bernardino County Museum (SBCM) was overjoyed to celebrate the official unveiling of its Exploration Station: A STEAM Lab for Kids space with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Aug. 3.
Funds for the new STEAM Lab were generously provided by San Manuel Band of Mission Indians through a $100,000 grant awarded to the SBCM Foundation to assist with the development of an innovative new STEAM space at the museum in late 2023.
The ceremony included remarks from Board of Supervisors Chairman and Third District Supervisor Dawn Rowe, Deputy Chief of Staff for the Government Pillar of the Tribal Council Laurie Marsden, SBCM Foundation Director Brandon Mulder, and Museum Chief Deputy Tamara Serrao-Leiva. Tribal community member Nicole Fields cut the ceremonial red ribbon. The ribbon-cutting ceremony also included Strategic Philanthropy Program Associate Gina Alvarado and San Bernardino County Deputy Executive Officer Michael Jimenez.
A sizable crowd was on hand to witness the event and show support. Many visitors not only enjoyed the new space but were entertained by our STEAM-based partners, Garner Holt, FIRST Lego League and San Bernardino County Library. Food and entertainment were provided by Wild and Twisted Foods, Lappert’s Super Premium Ice Cream, Ro’s Drippy Cakes and OMG Face Painting. The STEAM Lab will be open Tuesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. with regular museum admission.
“This incredible new exhibit will complement our static displays by allowing visitors to learn a principle in our traditional exhibit space then test that principle in a fun, lab-like environment,” said Museum Director David Myers. “Our museum is growing and evolving with our community, and we believe exhibits like this are crucial to improving science literacy and opening the door to a better understanding of our world.”
The San Bernardino County Museum is located at 2024 Orange Tree Lane, at the California Street exit from Interstate 10 in Redlands. The museum is open Tuesdays through Sundays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. General admission is $10 (adult), $8 (military or senior), $7 (student), and $5 (child ages 6 to 12). Children five and under and museum members are admitted free. Parking is free and the museum is accessible to persons with disabilities. For more information, visit museum.sbcounty.gov or follow us on Facebook or Instagram.
The San Bernardino County Museum’s exhibits of regional, cultural and natural history and the museum’s other exciting events and programs reflect the effort by the Board of Supervisors to achieve the Countywide Vision by celebrating arts, culture and education in the county, creating quality of life for residents and visitors.