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New Braunfels Utilities (NBU) and McKenna Children’s Museum have opened a newly reimagined interactive exhibit designed to help children discover the people, careers and essential utility services that help keep their community running.

The updated NBU-sponsored exhibit centers on the theme of “Community Helpers,” creating a hands-on experience that introduces children and families to the work behind the water and electric services they use every day. The exhibit builds on NBU and McKenna’s longstanding partnership and replaces the previous exhibit, which focused primarily on water and electricity use and conservation.

“For kids, turning on a light or getting a glass of water can feel simple, but there are people working every day to make those services possible,” NBU’s chief executive officer Ryan Kelso said. “This exhibit gives children a fun, hands-on way to learn about the community helpers behind the essential services they use every day.”

NBU contributed $100,000 toward the design, production, fabrication and installation of the updated exhibit. NBU’s Water and Electric Operations teams also provided input during the development process, helping connect the exhibit’s interactive elements to the real-world work utility employees perform throughout the community.

Through play and exploration, the exhibit helps children make connections between the services they experience at home and the people, equipment and infrastructure that support them. It also provides an early introduction to careers in the utility industry and the variety of roles required to safely and reliably serve a growing community.

“Children learn through play, and this exhibit gives them a hands-on way to explore the essential services that are part of their everyday lives,” said Alice Jewell, McKenna Foundation CEO. “We hope it sparks curiosity, strengthens their connection to the community and inspires them to see themselves as community helpers someday.”

The project reflects a shared commitment by NBU and McKenna to provide educational experiences that are local, relevant and accessible to children. By connecting play with the essential services families depend on, the exhibit gives young visitors an opportunity to better understand their community and the people working behind the scenes to serve it.

The new NBU exhibit is located at McKenna Children’s Museum, 801 W. San Antonio St. in New Braunfels, Texas.