Bringing Museum to Life

As part of the celebration of International Museum Day on May 18, the Toronto Police Service Museum & Discovery Centre hosted an interactive youth excursion to meet the officers and canines at Police Dog Services.

“These excursions create opportunities for young people to connect with our officers in an environment focused on learning, curiosity, and community,” said TPS Museum Curator Kamila Kalita. “When students can ask questions, experience demonstrations firsthand, and interact directly with officers and animals, it helps foster understanding and break down barriers.”

Students from Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic School visited the Police Dog Services Unit for a behind-the-scenes look at the work of the Service’s K9 teams.

During the visit, students met police dogs and handlers, learned how the highly trained teams support frontline policing, and watched demonstrations showcasing the dogs’ specialized skills and training.

This year’s International Museum Day theme, “Museums Uniting a Divided World,” highlights the important role museums play in fostering dialogue, strengthening community connections, and encouraging understanding across diverse groups.

Through these educational experiences, youth are given the opportunity to engage directly with members of the Toronto Police Service in meaningful and positive ways. Students visiting Police Dog Services to learn about their history, responsibilities, and community focused work of these specialized police-dog teams while building trust through hands-on learning and open conversation.

“Seeing the students’ excitement and engagement during the demonstrations was incredibly rewarding,” said Kalita. “Experiences like this help youth better understand the dedication, discipline, and teamwork involved in policing.”

On May 18, the Museum & Discovery Centre joined museums around the world in recognizing the role museums play as trusted public spaces where stories are shared, perspectives meet, and communities grow.

“At the Toronto Police Museum & Discovery Centre, we believe museums can be powerful spaces for connection and conversation,” Kalita pointed out. “Preserving history is important, but equally important is creating opportunities for dialogue and helping communities feel welcomed and included.”

The excursions reflect the Museum & Discovery Centre’s ongoing commitment to creating accessible and inclusive programming that inspires curiosity, encourages learning, and helps bridge divides through shared experiences and community engagement.

Learn more about the Toronto Police Museum & Discovery Centre.