MUSEUMS ASSOCIATION Annual Report 2020 Contents

Messages ...... 3

About the AMA ...... 6

Knowledge Building ...... 7

Conference 2019 ...... 7

Certificate in Museum Studies ...... 9

Learning Opportunities ...... 10

Mentorship Program ...... 11

Recognized Museum Program ...... 12

Grants ...... 13

Awards ...... 15

Membership and Advisory Services ...... 17

Behind the Scenes at the AMA ...... 19

Communications ...... 20

Community Engagement ...... 21

Advocacy ...... 22

Looking Forward ...... 23

© Copyright 2020

All rights reserved by the Alberta Museums Association.

The Alberta Museums Association gratefully acknowledges the ongoing financial support of Alberta Culture, Multiculturalism and Status of Women.

2 Annual Report 2020

Message from the LieutenantMessage Governor of Albertafrom the Message from the Minister Lieutenant Governor of Culture, Multiculturalism

of Alberta and Status of Women

It is my sincere pleasure to As the Minister of Culture, serve as Honourary Patron Multiculturalism and Status It is my sincere pleasure to serve as Honourary Patron of theof Alberta the Alberta Museums Museums of Women, I am honoured Association. I love exploring the Alberta stories that you collectivelyAssociation. present I love through exploring to congratulate the Alberta our province’s excellent network of museums, and each visit theleaves Alberta me energized, stories that Museums Association on inspired and determined to learn even more. I’m sure that myyou fellow collectively Albertans present feel another excellent year the same way. through our province’s sharing Alberta’s history excellent network of with people near and far. museums, and each visit While the rapid changes brought on in 2020 by the COVID-19 pandemic have leaves me energized, Our museums are vital presented a hurdle for our museums, I know that you are more than up to the inspired and determined cultural hubs. They bring challenge. You have always found innovative and effective ways to adapt and grow to learn even more. I’m sure that my fellow history, heritage and art together, but more your facilities to meet the demands ofAlbertans the day. feelI trust the that same spirit way. will continue to serve importantly, they bring people together. The you well as we move through this unprecedented time. story of our province is broad, full of knowledge While the rapid changes brought on in 2020 by the and connects us to the world. As Her Majesty the Queen’s representativeCOVID-19 in Alberta, pandemic I’d havelike to presented thank all ofa hurdle the for our dedicated museums professionals, volunteersmuseums, and I know supporters that you across are morethe province than up for to the The Alberta Museums Association has been integral your hard work throughout the year.challenge. I wish you You continued have always success found for manyinnovative more and in making this happen through programs, services, and grants that makes our museums shine. We are years to come! effective ways to adapt and grow your facilities to meet the demands of the day. I trust that spirit will proud of our long-standing partnership with the continue to serve you well as we move through Alberta Museums Association, and look forward this unprecedented time. to many more years to come.

As Her Majesty the Queen’s representative in My thanks to all of the amazing staff and volunteers Alberta, I’d like to thank all of the dedicated of the association for your invaluable work in the museums professionals, volunteers and supporters heritage sector. You are keeping Alberta’s stories across the province for your hard work throughout alive for everyone to appreciate and enjoy, now and in the future. Her Honour, the Honourable Lois E.the Mitchell, year. I wish CM, youAOE, continued LLD success for many Lieutenant Governor of Alberta more years to come!

The Honourable Leela Sharon Aheer Her Honour, the Honourable Lois E. Mitchell, Minister of Culture, Multiculturalism and CM, AOE, LLD Status of Women Lieutenant Governor of Alberta

BACK TO CONTENTS 3 Message from the Board President

2019 – 2020 has been a challenging year for the Alberta museum sector. We have seen the new provincial government put out their first full budget, which included a substantial cut to museum funding. We have also seen a steady decline in the province’s economy, one that has been further exacerbated by the unprecedented global pandemic that forced museums to close their doors in March. So, to say that it has been a difficult year is putting it lightly.

Of course, you do not need me to tell you what a difficult year it has been. You, like me and many on the Alberta Museums Association (AMA) Board of Directors, have seen the impacts of the slowing economy and COVID-19 on our individual museum operations. This year, we, the AMA Board, focussed our advocacy efforts on engaging constructively with the current government to ensure the voices of Alberta’s museums are being heard. We hired Crestview Strategy Group, a government relations firm, to assist us in strengthening our skills and developing an effective, ongoing grassroots campaign.

With the help of many of you, we contacted and organized meetings with several Members of the Legislative Assembly, including Minister Aheer, Minister of Culture, Multiculturalism and Status of Women. While there is more work to be done to improve funding to the sector and address further setbacks due to COVID-19, we are building these relationships, showing the government the value of Alberta’s museums and the need for government support to continue our work of preserving and showcasing Alberta’s rich history.

The AMA Board is continuing to advocate on behalf of the membership, and we also strongly encourage you to be in contact with and share your needs with your local government officials. You know the value of your institution to your community. You know the value your staff and volunteers contribute in preserving local history, engaging with your visitors, and providing a safe space for meaningful connections. You have always been and still are the best advocates for your museum.

Please know that we, as your Board of Directors, understand the difficult situations you may be facing, and we are here to listen and help however we can. We must remain united, hopeful, and resilient in these trying times. Continue to do the amazing work you are doing, and together we will show the world the value of museums.

Breanna Suk President, AMA Board of Directors

4 BACK TO CONTENTS Annual Report 2020

Message from the Executive Director

Every spring when I reflect on the last year at the Alberta Museums Association (AMA), I am always amazed at the amount of work we have accomplished, the progress we have made toward our goals, and the constant recurring theme of change. This year was no exception. While we may have seemed quiet, continuing to offer our regular slate of programs and services, internally we focussed on significant updates and upgrades that will help us better serve the membership and streamline our operations.

The first major undertaking was the relaunch of the Recognized Museum Program, the result of a multi-year project that simplified the application process, contextualized applications for Review Panels, and provided the opportunity for institutions to strive for excellence through the new Leader component. The Secretariat and Board of Directors also worked diligently to achieve accreditation for the AMA through Imagine , modelling best practice to the membership.

We worked to create a new member management system that will digitize all our applications, accelerate internal processes, and allow us to better understand our connectivity in the sector. Concurrently, we relocated the AMA’s physical space – in the midst of a pandemic – to ensure the best use of our limited resources. Our staff worked on all these initiatives while continuing to provide the programs and services we know are valued by the membership and the greater museum community.

While all this was happening behind the scenes, the Board and I also focussed our efforts on advocacy and government relations. We set out to build effective and constructive relationships with members of the new government, as well as increase the capacity of the membership to build their own relationships and boost their profiles in the community. All of this was with the aim of improving the sustainability of our organizations and enhancing recognition of our value across governments, private industry, and other sectors.

Undoubtedly, we have made incredible progress in the last year. That said, the events of the last few months, including the pandemic, successive reductions in our allocations from government, and rapidly changing societal needs, will have lasting impacts on our sector and on the Association. As the world evolves and adapts, we are committed to being a leader for our community.

Going forward, what we do may no longer look the same as it has, but it will build on the Association’s decades of hard work and forward thinking, and it will not be done in isolation. Our work over the next few years will focus on the value of museums to their communities. We will be working nationally to help reimagine museums in the public eye, particularly given the perseverance and innovation with which museums have responded to the public health crisis.

We look forward to engaging with the membership, visitors, and stakeholders in and beyond the museum community as we reimagine our sector. It is through this lens that we will chart our new path forward, all the while acknowledging that the only constant we can expect is change.

Meaghan Patterson Executive Director / CEO

BACK TO CONTENTS 5 About the AMA Strategic Framework

museums.ab.ca/about-us VALUES

Values are the core beliefs that are championed by the AMA Board and Secretariat in all that we do. About the AMA Museums as agents of social change The Alberta Museums Association Engaged communities and a GREAT QUALITY OF LIFE (AMA), a member-driven organization Courageous and collaborative leadership serving the needs of its membership, INNOVATIVE and INCLUSIVE SOLUTIONS was founded in 1971 as a non-profit society. Today, AMA initiatives continue Purposeful communication and meaningful connections to encourage the development of A culture of inquiry and inspiration sustainable museums in Alberta, and to DYNAMIC LEARNING and CREATIVITY enforce and support the work of Alberta Joy and collective celebration museums in creating collaborative and inclusive communities. As a champion VISION of museums as agents of social change, the AMA strives to create opportunities The AMA vision is the desired long-term outcome for the Association for museums to foster meaningful in service to its legal and moral owners. All efforts are undertaken connections and increase the impacts to lead the AMA toward the accomplishment of this vision. and scope of their work. The Alberta Museums Association is a leader and catalyst for dynamic connections among museums and communities.

Territorial Acknowledgment MISSION The mission explains why the AMA exists, how it makes a difference We wish to acknowledge that the AMA in the world, and who it serves. The AMA’s operations and activities office is located on Treaty 6 territory, the must reflect and advance this core purpose. traditional meeting ground and home for many Indigenous Peoples, including the The Alberta Museums Association leads, facilitates, and supports Cree, Saulteaux, Niitsitapi (Blackfoot), museums in their vital role with communities. Métis, and Nakota Sioux Peoples. ENDS STATEMENTS AMA’s Member-Approved Ends Statements capture the external impact the AMA is aiming Definition of a Museum to achieve. PURPOSE: Museums are leading contributors to the social, “A museum is a non-profit making, cultural, and educational fabric of Alberta. permanent institution in the service of society and of its development, and open EMPOWERMENT: Shared information and resources contribute to the public which acquires, conserves, to a collaborative and robust community of museums and researches, communicates and exhibits, museum professionals. for purposes of study, education and LEADERSHIP: Leaders thrive at all stages of career development enjoyment, material evidence of people assuring succession for the future of Alberta museums. and their environment.” ENGAGEMENT: Museums are essential participants in creating vibrant communities and broad public engagement. SUSTAINABILITY: Alberta museums are supported at all stages of organizational life.

6 BACK TO CONTENTS Annual Report 2020 Knowledge Building

Conference 2019

museums.ab.ca/what-we-do/annual-conference

As a Whole: Well-being, Health, and Museums September 19 – 21 | , Alberta Chateau Lacombe

Attracting delegates and presenters from across Canada, Conference 2019 explored and championed the roles and actions museums take in fostering the health and well-being of individuals, institutions, and communities.

146 delegates 20 SESSIONS 3 HOST PARTNERS 35% first-time 37 attendees 3 events SESSION 10 TRADE SHOW PRESENTERS EXHIBITORS 2 keynote presentations 1 Pre-Conference Tour

Conference sessions highlighted how museums can broaden their impact with initiatives relating to healthy lifestyles, psychological well-being, and sustainability. In Opening and Closing Keynotes, speakers discussed museums as essential spaces for cultural dialogue, community interaction, education, and innovation.

“Museums offer positive social “[M]useums are doing more than experiences, leading to reduced managing repositories of human social isolation; opportunities for culture. They are providing not just learning and acquiring new skills; opportunities for learning about and and calming experiences, leading engaging in history and the arts, to decreased anxiety.” but also possibly playing important roles in how to approach Professor Helen Chatterjee, University College London contemporary life challenges.” Dr. Carol D. Ryff, University of Wisconsin-Madison

BACK TO CONTENTS 7 Incorporating activities promoting physical and mental health into the formal program, Conference 2019 also included one pre-conference learning opportunity, two off-site events showcasing cultural experiences at Edmonton museums, and a full-day Trade Show and reception with exhibitors.

Presenters “provided insight into the actual workings of a small town museum with [a] challenging working environment… and having frank conversations about how to deal with situations with limited resources, bureaucratic obstacles and few staff was refreshingly relevant.” ATTENDEE

Conference 2019 had “Indigenous perspectives, and Conference sessions “addressed real and pervasive issues or under-represented voices in the museum community. struggles in the museum industry. They offered actual solutions They posed thoughtful questions and suggested realistic or methods of addressing the issues.” ATTENDEE avenues forward.” ATTENDEE

PROGRAM COMMITTEE EVENT EMCEES AND SPEAKERS SPONSORS Dick Averns, Artist / Engagement Thomas Long, Park Bullfrog Power Coordinator, CARFAC Alberta Natalie Zacharewski, City of Edmonton Thomas Bastien, Director of Education Edmonton Heritage Council and Wellness, Montreal Museum of Rylan Kafara, / Hatlie Group Fine Arts Boyle Street Community Services Openhwy Nicola Carpenter, Associate Director, and Bissell Centre People Operations, Fractured Atlas Lyndal Osborne, Professional Artist ELECTED OFFICIALS IN Celina Loyer, Aboriginal Programmer, Robin Wallace, Provincial Archives ATTENDANCE Musée Héritage Museum of Alberta Tyler Sherard, Executive Director, The Honourable Rick Wilson, MLA, Maskwacis-Wetaskiwin, Minister of Friends of University Hospitals TRADE SHOW EXHIBITORS Indigenous Relations Charles Taws, Curator, Historical Athabasca University, Heritage Resources Supervisor, City of Ms. Nicole Goehring, MLA, Resources Management Program Grande Prairie Edmonton-Castle Downs Carr McLean Ltd Ms. Bev Esslinger, Councillor, HOST PARTNERS Friesens History Books Edmonton Gaylord Archival His Worship Mayor Tyler Gandam, McMullen Gallery / Friends of Hunter Expositions / MBA Design Wetaskiwin University Hospitals Knock Down Shipyard Ms. Natalie Joly, Councillor, St. Albert On This Spot Mr. Kevin Lonsdale, Councillor, TELUS World of Science – Edmonton Promethean Heritage and Wetaskiwin Cultural Services Mr. Terry Van de Kraats, Reeve / Shadow Light Productions Ltd Councillor, County of Wetaskiwin WestBow Systems Ltd

8 BACK TO CONTENTS Annual Report 2020 Certificate in Museum Studies

museums.ab.ca/what-we-do/professional-development

49 99 CMS 12 individuals trained participants GRADUATES 117 enrolled in the in 2019 COURSE Program PARTICIPANTS 7 courses offered 14 new participants 11 INSTRUCTORS

The 2019 – 2020 Certificate in Museum Studies (CMS) Program saw a continuation of a year-long partnership with in to offer the full suite of CMS courses alongside the AMA’s regular course schedule around Alberta. The CMS Program provides entry-level and emerging museum professionals with an understanding of current theories and standards in museum practice, and an opportunity to network with peers from across the province.

CMS Courses Offered Public Programs Research (CMS 19-05) Public Programs Museums & Society (CMS 19-07) June 7 – 8, 2019 (CMS 19-07) (CMS 19-01) April 12 – 13, 2019 Sundre Pioneer Museum August 16 – 17, 2019 November 29 – 30, 2019 The Military Museums & World of Wildlife Peace River Museum, The Military Museums Calgary, AB | Instructor: Sundre, AB | Instructors: Archives & Mackenzie Centre Calgary, AB | Instructors: Natalie Zacharewski Michele Hardy and Peace River, AB | Instructor: Lisa Making and Kim Verrier Anna Rebus Natalie Zacharewski Museum Governance (CMS 19-03) Exhibits (CMS 19-08) Preventive Conservation May 10 – 11, 2019 July 26 – 27, 2019 (CMS 19-06) Esplanade Arts & Heritage The Military Museums October 18 – 19, 2019 Centre | Medicine Hat, AB Calgary, AB | Instructors: The Military Museums Instructors: Jennifer Forsyth Barbara Hilden and Calgary, AB | Instructors: and Rosalie Lammle Kevin Zak Carmen Li and Claire Neily

Celebrating CMS Graduates at Conference 2019: Ashley Sims, Susan Siemens, Khalehla Litschel, Jennifer Forsyth, Kenneth Favrholdt, Jacqueline Earl, Karen Begg, Darlene Adams. Not pictured: Daryl Bazin, Ben Fast, Misa Nikolic, and Jeremy Wiebe.

BACK TO CONTENTS 9 Learning Opportunities

museums.ab.ca/what-we-do/professional-development

Social Responsibility Workshop: Active Museums Shaping Their Communities

As the 2018 recipient of the Robert R. Janes Award for Social Responsibility, YouthLink Calgary Police Interpretive Centre hosted Active Museums Shaping Their Communities. This workshop emphasized creating exhibits that are locally focussed, relevant, and engaging to visitors, and activities included a panel on stakeholder engagement and discussion of how museums can approach contemporary issues with an eye to engaging adult audiences on serious societal topics.

CCI Workshop: Mount-making

This Canadian Conservation Institute (CCI) workshop, held at the Royal Alberta Museum in June 2019, was an introduction to constructing proper exhibit and storage mounts for museum objects. Participants learned about materials and strategies for creating effective mounts specific to different collections items, and put their classroom learning into practice with hands-on mount-making activities.

Museum Visitor Experience Program

museums.ab.ca/what-we-do/museum- visitor-experience-program

The Museum Visitor Experience Program provides resources for museums to analyze their visitor experience, identify gaps or areas for improvement, and work towards developing and implementing innovative solutions. Held at the in Edmonton, the 2019 workshop offered a hands-on opportunity for 27 museum professionals to better understand visitor behaviour, how to make their experience memorable, and how to best engage with them throughout their visit.

10 BACK TO CONTENTS Annual Report 2020 Mentorship Program

museums.ab.ca/what-we-do/mentorship-program

participants 14 6 MENTORS 1 Networking Lunch 8 MENTEES

Launched in 2019, the AMA’s new Mentorship Program is building collaborative connections and promoting dynamic learning and creativity within the Alberta museum community. The Program provides a flexible structure for Mentors and Mentees to share experiences, develop skills, and gain insights on the challenges, opportunities, and innovative practices in the museum community. The AMA looks forward to welcoming the next cohort in 2020!

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT AT THE AMA

This year, staff professional development continued to focus on increasing knowledge in areas of museum practice, governance training, facilitation training, and digital tools and techniques. As we move forward and focus our programs and services on the current and future needs of the membership, staff professional development will evolve to reflect any skill gaps, to be able to provide the best possible service to the membership. The AMA strongly believes in the continued development of the Secretariat as well as their involvement in the greater museum, heritage, and non-profit sector. The inaugural Mentorship Program cohort came together at Conference 2019, and the mentorship pairs have since been meeting in-person and virtually for study, discussions, and project collaborations.

BACK TO CONTENTS 11 Recognized Museum Program

museums.ab.ca/what-we-do/recognized-museum-program

116 3 Applications 8 PANELLISTS reviewed Applications, RECOGNIZED Reapplications, and Leader Applications MUSEUMS 22 Reapplications 18 PANELLISTS reviewed Upgrade Evidence 2 Leader Applications 41 MUSEUMS 6 new review panellists trained and engaged RECOGNIZED 30 HOURS OF VOLUNTEER ADJUDICATION in fiscal year 2019 – 2020 10 RMP Candidates submitted 650 HOURS OF COMBINED APPLICATION REVIEW 127 museums Upgrade Evidence enrolled in the Program 23 participants utilized Draft Review

The Recognized Museum Program (RMP) is an accreditation program for Alberta museums that recognizes and supports institutions meeting international best practice standards. Following a multi-year review, RMP relaunched in 2019 with many exciting changes intended to increase the Program’s accessibility and relevance for diverse institutions. With a new Institutional Profile and streamlined application process, participants have three options – Applications, Reapplications, and Leader Applications – to demonstrate how they meet, maintain, and model their commitment to best practice standards in eight core areas of museum practice.

Museums Recognized for • Mountain View Museum 2019 – 2024: • Musée Héritage Museum • National Music Centre • Alberta Sports Hall of Fame and Museum • Okotoks Museum & Archives • Brooks & District Museum • Peace River Museum, Archives & Mackenzie Centre • Canmore Museum & Geoscience Centre • Red Deer Museum + Art Gallery • Claresholm & District Museum • Rocky Mountain House Museum • The Danish Canadian Museum • Strathcona County Museum & Archives • Didsbury & District Museum • Trochu and District Museum • Esplanade Arts & Heritage Centre • Vegreville Regional Museum • Fairview Pioneer Museum / RCMP Centennial Celebrations Museum • Wetaskiwin and District Heritage Museum • Fort Edmonton Park • The Fort Museum of the Museums Recognized for North-West Mounted Police 2020 – 2025: • Galloway Station Museum & Travel Centre • Alberta Beach & District Museum • Galt Museum and Archives & Archives • • Bonnyville and District Museum • Heritage Park Historical Village • Carstairs Heritage Centre • Heritage Village and Heritage • Crowsnest Museum Shipyard • Jasper-Yellowhead Museum & • High Prairie & District Museum Archives • Multicultural Heritage Centre • La Crete Mennonite Village • Kneehill Historical Museum & • PasKaPoo Historical Park & Smithson • Loyal Edmonton Regiment Visitor Information Centre International Truck Museum Military Museum • Michener House Museum & • Ukrainian Cultural Heritage Village • Millet and District Museum Archives and Blacksmith Shop • YouthLink Calgary Police and Archives Museum Interpretive Centre

12 BACK TO CONTENTS Annual Report 2020 Grants

museums.ab.ca/what-we-do/grants

DISTRIBUTED 61% of institutions $808,911 funded have an operating 3 budget of $250K or less 84 PROJECTS AND GRANT CATEGORIES 83 APPLICANTS OPPORTUNITIES SUPPORTED utilized Draft Review

Institutional Operational Professional $190,113 Staffing Development $563,562 $55,236 19 PROJECTS WILL HELP TO PROTECT, PRESERVE, 25 INSTITUTIONS WILL 40 FORMAL AND INFORMAL AND PROMOTE BUILD THEIR CAPACITY AND LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES ALBERTA’S HERITAGE HAVE GREATER IMPACT RECEIVED FUNDING e.g., Child & Family Programming e.g., Curator, Exhibitions and e.g., L’Air Arts Cultural Professionals Strategy; Portable Objects Storage Collections; Managing Director; Residency; Historical Thinking Summer Upgrade Project; Oral Histories Collections Technician / Researcher; Institute Course; Toronto Historic Sites Project; Early Calgary Writers Exhibit Interpretive Lead Study Tour; North American Textile Conservation Conference

Grant Funding to Institutions Grant Funding by Type Grants by Region by Operating Budget

23.5% 23% 20% 33% 1% 28% 6.8% 9%

10% 69.7% 15% 32% 30%

Institutional Grant Alberta North $0 to $100,000 Professional Alberta South $100,001 to $250,000 Development Grant Calgary and Area $250,001 to $500,000 Operational Staffing Grant Canadian Rockies $500,001 and over Central Alberta Edmonton and Area

BACK TO CONTENTS 13 GRANTS COMMITTED

Institutional Esplanade Arts & Heritage Centre, Collections Helstrom, Kasheen, CMS – Preventative Technician / Researcher, $25,000 Conservation and Museums & Society, $841 Alberta Aviation Museum, Child & Family The Fort Museum of the North-West Mounted Helstrom, Kasheen, CMS – Research & Programming Strategy, $9,600 Police, Collection Manager, $25,000 Exhibits, $856 Army Museum of Alberta, Our War: Stories High Prairie & District Museum, Executive Heritage Park Historical Village, ALHFAM of Canada in WW2 Exhibit, $9,600 Director, $25,000 2020 Conference, $1,056 Army Museum of Alberta, Permanent Historic Markerville Creamery Museum, Heritage Village and Heritage Shipyard, 2019 Collection Recap Project XIII, $11,520 Operations Manager, $25,000 AMA Conference As a Whole: Well-being, , James Rosati Lac La Biche Museum, Collections Health, and Museums, $850 Conservation Project, $9,600 Manager / Exhibit Designer, $24,822 Hilden, Barbara, The Making of Exhibitions: National Historic Site, Portable Leighton Art Centre & Museum, Director of Professional Development course at the V Objects Storage Upgrade Project, $11,520 Marketing & Communication, $25,000 & A Museum, $2,050 Brooks & District Museum, Heritage Short , Programs Manager, $25,000 LeCorre, Lynn, Historical Thinking Summer Films, $9,600 Michener House Museum & Archives and Institute Course, $2,008 Brooks & District Museum, Intergenerational Blacksmith Shop Museum, Executive Long, Thomas, National Association of Connection Project, $11,520 Director, $25,000 Interpretation Certified Interpretive Guide Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame, Interactive Millet and District Museum and Archives, Train-The-Trainer Workshop, $1,377 Museum Exhibits, $11,520 Coordinator, $25,000 Lougheed House, AMA Conference, $2,516 Crowsnest Museum, Fixing the 90s, $11,520 Multicultural Heritage Centre, Interpretive Lougheed House, Toronto Historic Sites Historic Markerville Creamery Museum, Lead, $25,000 Study Tour, $3,034 Oral Histories Project, $2,109 Musée Héritage Museum, Heritage Sites Luppino, Tony, Site-specific / Lougheed House, Early Calgary Writers Curator, $25,000 Installation Art, $2,100 Exhibit, $9,600 Nose Creek Valley Museum, Curator, $9,999 May, Lisa, Canadian Association for Lougheed House, Oral Histories and Exhibit TELUS World of Science – Edmonton, Conservation of Cultural Property on Restoration of House, $11,520 Fund Development Associate, 45th Annual Conference, $710 Luxton Home, Strategic Plan Development, Donor Stewardship, $25,000 McShane, Timothy, American Alliance $9,444 Tipple Park Museum, Museum Manager, of Museums 2020 Annual Meeting and Medicine Hat Clay Industries National $9,665 MuseumExpo, $2,050 Historic District, Customer / Stakeholder Wetaskiwin and District Heritage Museum, Medicine Hat Clay Industries National Management System, $11,520 Executive Director & Chief Curator, $25,000 Historic District, University of Victoria, Michener House Museum & Archives and Collection Management Course, $417 Blacksmith Shop Museum, Collections TOTAL $563,562 Moreland, Christine, 2019 AMA Annual Management Reorganisation Project: Conference – As a Whole: Well-being, Phase One, $11,520 Professional Development Health, and Museums, $813 Millet and District Museum and Archives, Moreland, Christine, Museum Next Policy Review and Development Project, Atlas Coal Mine National Historic Site, 2019 Edinburgh and Study Tour, $2,050 $9,600 Alberta Museums Association Conference Attendance, $1,354 Murray, Mike, ICCROM International Course Musée Héritage Museum, River Lot 24 – Wooden Architecture Conservation and Program Implementation, $9,600 Beliveau, Emily, MCN 2019, $1,153 Restoration, $2,050 Carleton, Trisha, CMA Conference 2019, $1,848 Red Deer Museum + Art Gallery, Powwow! Niinimaa, S. Gail, AIC Conference in Salt Lake Ohciwin: The Origins, $9,600 Cole, Catherine, Museums as Cultural Hubs: City and In Hoc Signor Vinces Symposium Wetaskiwin and District Heritage Museum, The Future of Tradition, ICOM Triennial ArmeMuseum Stockholm, $2,005 General Assembly, Kyoto, Japan and Accessioning and Inventory, $9,600 Niinimaa, S. Gail, North American Textile CAMOC study tour to Tokyo, $2,100 Conservation Conference, $1,663 TOTAL $190,113 Dingwall, Tanya, Research, Programming, Pennock, Hilary, 2019 Alberta Museums $1,171 Association Annual Conference, Operational Staffing Donalda & District Museum, CARMN OH&S As a Whole: Well-being, Health, and and AMA Museum Visitor Experience Museums, $533 Army Museum of Alberta, Curatorial Workshop, $297 Assistant, $25,000 Ramsden, Ann, National Trust 2019 The Fort Museum of the North-West Mounted Conference, $796 Art Gallery of Grande Prairie, Curator, Police, The Alberta Museums Association’s Ramsden, Ann, Roundtable for Museum Exhibitions and Collections, $20,000 2019 Annual Conference, $642 Chief Executives, $2,050 Atlas Coal Mine National Historic Site, Gasser, Ellen, ALHFAM 2019 Conference Red Brick Arts Centre and Museum, Director of Visitor Services, $25,000 and Self Study Tour, $1,968 Public Programs, $412 Blacksmith Shop Museum, Three Gasser, Ellen, ALHFAM 2020 Conference Red Deer Museum + Art Gallery, Seasonal Staff, $14,085 and Study Tour, $1,681 Symposium: Family Learning, Inclusion Canadian Tractor Museum, Part-time Goodwin, Kayla, Issues in Heritage Resource and the Value of Play in Museums, $2,908 Administrator, $25,000 Planning Course, $911 Carstairs Heritage Centre, Curator / Scarlett, Constance, SingularityU Canada Goodwin, Kayla, Athabasca University’s Summit, $1,258 Manager, $25,000 Issues in Heritage Resource Management Crowsnest Museum, Executive Director, Course, $889 Verrier, Kim, Alberta Museums Association 2019 Conference, $749 $25,000 , Alberta DeBolt & District Pioneer Museum, Museums Association Conference, $1,091 Zacharewski, Natalie, Association for Living Managing Director, $9,991 History, Farming and Agriculture Museums Hatcher, Alexandra, L’Air Arts Cultural Annual Conference at Sainte-Marie-Among- Dickson Store Museum, Manager, $25,000 Professionals Residency, $2,050 the-Hurons in Midland, Ontario, $674 East Coulee School Museum, Executive Hauser, Madison, CMS Governance Director, $25,000 Course, $255 TOTAL $55,236

14 BACK TO CONTENTS Annual Report 2020 Awards

museums.ab.ca/what-we-do/awards

Robert R. Janes Award for Leadership Awards Social Responsibility EDUCATION Musée Héritage Museum Lauryn Record The Musée Héritage Museum has worked to advance reconciliation by putting Indigenous With her passion for science literacy and inspiring people, narratives, and history at the core of their conservation action, Lauryn instinctively finds exhibits, programming, and partnerships. Their unique and playful ways to connect visitors to the commitment to being a welcoming space for all complex ideas of wildlife conservation, biology, demonstrates their inclusive and collaborative and ecology. Her ability to spark curiosity drives approach to partnering with local organizations, her innovative approaches to scientific education, engaging their community, and celebrating the inclusive programs, and interactive, engaging historic diversity of St. Albert. visitor experiences that are accessible to all.

BACK TO CONTENTS 15 ENGAGEMENT SUSTAINABILITY Army Museum of Alberta Wetaskiwin and District Heritage Museum By centering veterans’ personal narratives in their exhibit design and programming, the Army Museum The Wetaskiwin and District Heritage Museum has has empowered these underrecognized groups emphasized preserving and promoting local heritage, to add their voices to the larger story of Canada’s history, and culture to create collective meaning for military history. Through their efforts, the Army the diverse public they serve. An integral service Museum has also connected with the diverse local provider, supportive resource, and community communities these veterans belong to, reaching leader, the museum’s distinctive events, engaging those often underserved by the museum sector. programming, and collaborative partnerships make it a pillar for community sustainability in Wetaskiwin City, County, and Maskwacis.

16 BACK TO CONTENTS Annual Report 2020 Membership and Advisory Services

museums.ab.ca/become-a-member

Member Summary Online Participation All users that utilize the AMA’s online presence | 596 MEMBERS 94 New through social media and MAIN-L. These users may or may not be members. 251 INDIVIDUAL | 81 New 1455 1576 | Twitter 210 INSTITUTIONAL 13 New Followers 1825 1912

395 ENGAGEMENT BY MEMBERSHIP LinkedIn 426 Followers 492 603

182 Facebook 297 Followers 404    613 MORE LESS ENGAGED 26% 35% 39% ENGAGED 830 Fully Program Membership MAIN-L 865 2016-2017 2017-2018 Engaged Users Holders Subscribers 884 2018-2019 970 2019-2020 Fully Engaged Members 0 500 1000 1500 2000 AMA Members who utilize programs and services and give back to the AMA in different ways, such as donating, participating on panels and juries, moderating at Networks Supported conferences, and joining the Board of Directors. Program Users Central Alberta Regional Museum Network (CARMN) AMA Members who utilize one or more of the AMA’s programs and services on a regular basis. They are likely Central and Rural East Alberta Museum also engaged online. Network (CREAM) Membership Holders North-Central Heritage Trail (NCHT) Users who held an AMA Membership in the last fiscal Spirit of the Peace Museum Network (SOTP) year. They are likely also engaged online.

DATABASE PROJECT

In 2019, the AMA began a review of its internal Information Management System and contracted DevFacto Technologies to develop an improved database. This project, completed in 2020, will help the AMA better manage membership information, streamline the processing of program information and applications, and improve data analysis tools. While members may notice some minor updates to the public website, they can know that, behind the scenes, the AMA is better equipped to serve them moving forward.

BACK TO CONTENTS 17 AMA On-Site museums.ab.ca/what-we-do/advisory

12 SITE VISITS 7 CMS Courses AT 4 LOCATIONS 6 EVENTS 1 Network Meeting 3 WORKSHOPS 3 Conference off-site event venues

• Alberta Aviation EMERGENCY Museum • Brooks & District Museum RESPONSE • Esplanade Arts & Heritage Centre The AMA’s Emergency Response • Team leads the AMA in supporting • Holden Historical Society members in disaster and Museum emergency situations. In 2019, • Lac La Biche Museum the AMA Secretariat received • Lougheed House training in Psychological First Aid • Leighton Art Centre & Museum from Alberta Health Services. • McMullen Gallery / University of This training provided resources, Alberta Hospitals tools, and techniques to help • Medicine Hat Clay Industries National Historic District identify and address mental health • The Military Museums needs and assist with recovery • Multicultural Heritage Centre when connecting with individuals • Sundre Pioneer Museum & • Musée Héritage Museum World of Wildlife and institutions during and after • Peace River Museum, Archives • TELUS World of Science – traumatic events. & Mackenzie Centre Edmonton • Prairie Memories Museum • Ukrainian Museum of • Redcliff Museum Canada, Alberta Branch • Redwater & District Museum • YouthLink Calgary Police • Royal Alberta Museum Interpretive Centre

18 BACK TO CONTENTS Annual Report 2020 Behind the Scenes at the AMA

8 SECRETARIAT Program Revenue Program Expenditures MEMBERS $1,781,306 $1,802,994

BOARD MEMBERS Grants 9 4.3% Grants Strategic Services Conference 36.1% 6.7% 2.3% Knowledge 23 contractors Program Fees Development and Publications 9.6% 2.8% Governance engaged Membership Fees Community 45.6% Engagement 88.6% 0.2% Donations 19 DONORS 1.8% Organizational 1.9% Miscellaneous Capacity 2 PARTNERS 0.2%

2019 – 2020 PARTNERS

Canadian Conservation Institute The Military Museums

CONTRACTORS

Admire Studios The Mobile Yoga Backstreet Creative Studio CMS Course Instructors NexGen Grafix Crestview Strategy Group Numbers on the Go SECRETARIAT Details Convention & Event Management, Inc. Purple Aspen Meaghan Patterson, Executive Director / CEO | Jennifer Forsyth, Advancement PSAV Lead | Adrienne Orr, Communications Lead | Taylor Berry, Program Lead DevFacto Technologies (from November) | Adrienne Briggs, Program Lead | Ben Fast, Program Lead iomer Solut | Lauren Wheeler, Program Lead (until December) | Meredith Leary, Member Engagement Coordinator (until September) | Claire Shane, Operations Coordinator (until December) | Robyn Bosnyak, Operations Coordinator (from February)

Donors, Robert R. Janes Award

Cassandra Cummings Constance Scarlett Victoria Dickenson Lauren Wheeler Alexandra Hatcher Crystal and Robert Janes Blair Willie Meaghan Patterson

Donors, General Fund

Diane Barnes Tim McShane Suzanne Bourbonnais Robert Bruce Kathy Coutts Shepard Ellen Gasser David Showalter BOARD MEMBERS Shirley Harpham Bernard West Breanna Suk, President | Karen Aberle, Vice President | Chris Matthews, Lisa May Crystal and Past President | Robert Hubick, Secretary / Treasurer | Cassandra Cummings, Blair Willie Director | Laura Love, Director | Lisa Making, Director | Monica Roberts, Director | Joanne Schmidt, Director

BACK TO CONTENTS 19 Communications

museums.ab.ca/book-store

Print Publications Digital Communications 18 INFOrm E-MAGAZINE CONTRIBUTORS Annual Report 2019 Dick Averns, CARFAC Alberta Awards 2019 Program Booklet 970 subscribers Brenda Barry Byrne, Strathcona Conference 2019 to the AMA’s MAIN-L listserv County Art Gallery @501 Notes & Ideas Booklet email subscription list Kenneth Favrholdt, Heritage Consultant Louise Giroux, Montreal Museum of BI-WEEKLY E-BULLETINS PUBLICATIONS SOLD Fine Arts TO MEMBERS Sales to individuals and 25 Christina Harbak, Royal Alberta Museum institutions earned Michele Hardy, Nickle Galleries 4 INFOrm Lucie Heins, Royal Alberta Museum e-magazine issues Marilyn Lajeunesse, Montreal Museum $16,020 TO MEMBERS of Fine Arts Carmen Li, Canadian Association of 5 contributors Professional Conservators 182 to the Engage: Museums and Chris Matthews, Alberta Museums Standard Practices Handbook Communities blog Association for Museums, 3rd Edition Elaine Meehan, Alix Wagon Wheel 4 SOCIAL MEDIA PLATFORMS Museum Marina Montgomery, Canada’s 33 Sports Hall of Fame Sandra Morton Weizman, Museum HELP! An Emergency Consultant Preparedness Manual for Meaghan Patterson, Alberta Museums Museums, 2nd Edition 151 articles DISTRIBUTED THROUGH MEDIA WATCH Association Dr. Carol Ryff, University of 1 Conference Event & Wisconsin-Madison 1 Registration website Madison Sharman, Northern Rockies Ideas for Succession Posters Museum of Culture and Heritage 1 VISIT ALBERTA MUSEUMS Breanna Suk, Alberta Museums WEBSITE RELAUNCH Association 3 Brooke Torgerson, Devil’s Coulee Alberta Museums Review Dinosaur & Heritage Museum

AMA Website Alberta 3.7% Ontario museums.ab.ca 7.1% 46.6% British Columbia 2.9% Quebec WEBSITE VISITS from Rest of Canada 25,210 9.1% 3.6% International 26.9% 13,577 users in 110 countries US

20 BACK TO CONTENTS Annual Report 2020 Community Engagement

Visit Alberta Museums museums.ab.ca/visiting-alberta-museums

In June 2019, the AMA relaunched the Visit Alberta Museums section on the AMA website. Replacing the public.museums.ab.ca website, this section is a one-stop collection of all Alberta’s Recognized Museums for visitors to browse by name or tourism region. This year, 23 Featured Museums were profiled, promoting upcoming events and exhibits and putting the spotlight on the exceptional work of Recognized Museums around the province.

#MeetYourMuseum The 2019 #MeetYourMuseum campaign supported museums with tools and resources to attract visitors and key stakeholders to their sites and develop a unified voice for the sector. With 32 museums participating, the AMA distributed 5,325 I met my Museum buttons, sent 88 invitations to elected officials to meet their local museums, and provided members with a campaign toolkit to encourage engagement over social media. The campaign aims to increase awareness of Alberta museums, boost attendance, and promote joy and collective celebration of Alberta’s culture and heritage.

BACK TO CONTENTS 21 Advocacy

museums.ab.ca/what-we-do/advocacy

Through our advocacy initiatives, the AMA is championing the value and impact of museums to society and the vital role that museums play within their communities.

Government Relations: #GivingTuesday | #MuseumsDoMore Grassroots Advocacy On December 3, the AMA participated in #GivingTuesday to raise Campaign awareness and support for the Robert R. Janes Award for Social Over the course of summer and Responsibility. Highlighting the work of past recipients of the fall 2019, the Board of Directors Award, the campaign promoted the value and impact of museums decided to focus increased time to society and the ways #MuseumsDoMore to contribute to quality and effort toward building up of life in our communities. The Award recognizes, supports, and the AMA’s government relations furthers the work of museums that are continuously striving to activities. To that end, the Board solve community issues and promoting health and well-being as engaged Crestview Strategy part of their mandate. Made possible through an initial donation Group with the goal to not only from Dr. Janes, who increase the capacity of the generously continues to Secretariat and Board to build provide funding, the Award positive and fruitful relationships also relies on additional with various government entities, community funding. but also to develop tools and resources for the membership to increase the ability of the sector to speak with government about the value of museums. This ongoing work has involved numerous meetings with MLAs and Ministers, a grassroots advocacy campaign by members across the province, and the amplification of work with the Department of Culture, Multiculturalism and Status of Women to provide data and context around the operating reality of the sector – both prior to, and following, the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.

22 BACK TO CONTENTS Annual Report 2020 Looking Forward

We are entering a new era of work at the Get Involved Association, and the needs of our members are changing more rapidly than in the past. The end of the 2020 fiscal year saw the AMA looking inward Become a Member. Join the AMA as an for opportunities to revitalize and streamline our Individual or Institutional Member and open the operations, with a refreshed visual identity and door to countless opportunities to be involved and new surroundings as a great first step. At the end engaged with the Alberta museum community. of March, we moved into a smaller space in the building next door and launched our new brand. Volunteer. The AMA frequently puts out calls for participation on committees, review panels, juries, Our space continues to be open and welcoming, and focus groups. This is a great way to investigate bright and cheerful, and provides many the innovative work being done by Alberta’s opportunities for us to stretch, grow, collaborate, and evolve. Once we are able, we look forward to museums and contribute to the empowerment welcoming you to our new space and celebrating of the museum sector. the next chapter in the AMA’s history. Get your staff involved. Encourage your staff to be involved in the work of the AMA by becoming Individual Members and participating in career development and publishing opportunities available with the Association.

Host an AMA Event. One of the best ways to showcase the work of your organization to your peers is to host a Certificate in Museum Studies Course or AMA Workshop.

Contact your MLA. You can contribute to the awareness work conducted by the Association by holding ongoing conversations with your elected officials and community partners regarding your institution’s impact in the community.

Become a Sponsor or Exhibitor at the AMA’s Annual Conference. By participating in this crucial learning opportunity, you can contribute to the reputation of excellence and professionalism for which the Alberta museum community is recognized.

Donate to the AMA. Membership fees account for only 2% of the AMA’s Annual Operating Budget. Please support the programs, projects, services, and events that are important to you with a donation.

BACK TO CONTENTS 23 For more information, please contact:

Alberta Museums Association Suite 120, 12420.104 Ave NW Edmonton, AB T5N 3Z9

780.424.2626 [email protected] museums.ab.ca