12,000 Years. 3,300 Square Miles: A Miniature Journey through the Santa Cruz Valley
TUCSON, AZ (March 7, 2025) — The Mini Time Machine Museum of Miniatures (TMTM) and the Santa Cruz Valley National Heritage Area (SCVNHA) are excited to announce 12,000 Years. 3,300 Square Miles: A Miniature Journey through the Santa Cruz Valley, opening March 12, 2026. This community-driven exhibit captures the region’s deep history, diverse cultures, and breathtaking landscapes through the artistry of miniatures.
More than just an exhibit, 12,000 Years. 3,300 Square Miles will serve as a tribute to the Santa Cruz Valley’s rich legacy, brought to life through artistry, innovation, and community collaboration. Over the next year, TMTM and SCVNHA will share behind-the-scenes footage, artist interviews, sneak peeks, and deeper insights into the history that shaped the valley. We invite visitors to join us on this exciting journey leading up to the exhibit’s debut by following our social media platforms: @theminitimemachine and @santacruzheritage.
Why this Exhibit Matters
On March 12, 2019, Congress designated the Santa Cruz Valley as a National Heritage Area, recognizing its extraordinary cultural, historical, and natural significance. Unlike other federally designated areas, National Heritage Areas prioritize community-based conservation, ensuring local expertise guides preservation efforts.
While one of 62 National Heritage Areas in the U.S., the Santa Cruz Valley is unique. As Lesley Kontowicz, Executive Director of SCVNHA, explains, “This area has the longest documented history of human habitation, with evidence of human presence spanning over 12,000 years. Its nearly 4,000-year history of agricultural cultivation includes some of the earliest examples of water management in North America.”
A Miniature Masterpiece
At the heart of 12,000 Years. 3,300 Square Miles exhibit, a stunning 2×4 ft topographical map of the Santa Cruz Valley National Heritage Area will feature over 15 meticulously crafted miniatures representing the region’s wildlife, cultural landmarks, and historic sites. Highlights include:
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Bighorn sheep and mountain lion – symbols of the valley’s rich wildlife
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The saguaro cactus – a defining feature of the Sonoran Desert
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Mission San Xavier del Bac – a landmark of history and culture.
Five immersive dioramas and additional displays surround the map, bringing the Santa Cruz Valley’s landscapes, cultures, and traditions to life.
Building the Exhibit
This exhibit will come to life thanks to the expertise and dedication of Charles Wacker, the mastermind behind the topographical map and a professor specializing in 3D printing at Pima Community College. As director of the Advanced Manufacturing Club and a Sonoran Desert Model Builders (SDMB) member, Charles is leading students in refining and printing the map and collaborating with SDMB to create the miniatures for the map display. Additionally, he is designing custom lighting effects for the Santa Cruz watershed aspect of the map to reveal how and where water shapes the region.
Lesley Kontowicz, the Executive Director of SCVNHA, describes the Santa Cruz River as the “backbone of this valley and its sustaining force.” Creating an interactive element for visitors to engage with the watershed will help raise awareness of the Santa Cruz River. According to American Rivers, it is listed as the #4 most endangered river due to water scarcity and climate change. Regarding the project, Charles shares, “This display will highlight how humans have not only survived but thrived in an extreme environment for thousands of years.”