Where history takes flight! 2018 Annual Report

The Aviation Museum exists to tell the story of ’s rich historical aviation legacy through exciting and informative displays of artifacts and educational activities. We will continue to be a leading, respected, professional aviation museum and community partner From the Executive Director Welcome to the Alberta Aviation Museum’s very first Annual Report! Over the past year there have been many changes to the museum, not only internally but externally; changes that have been noticed and well received. We have not only come through a year that was filled with both challenges and victories, but we’ve gained new members, and sadly, as life happens, we’ve lost a few. And through it all, it has been reassuring to know that we stood together to weather the storm. On behalf of the Alberta Aviation Museum, please allow me to extend my sincere appreciation and gratitude to everyone for their valuable contributions made to the Museum this past year. To our partners that have come on board, that see our ‘diamond in the rough’ and have worked with us to grow and become even better; working with you over the last year has been a pleasure and we are proud to have you with us on this journey. I want to thank Museum staff for all the incredible work, dedication, and commitment you have exhibited throughout the year. Without a doubt, our facility and staff rival those at the most prestigious institutions in the country. For that, I am truly grateful. And for the staggering efforts you have made in making this organization more professional and bringing it to such a high standing in the museum community – Thank you! For the many dedicated volunteers, community service groups, and member organizations, your excitement and energy truly matter to us. Your contributions of countless hours spent doing many varied tasks throughout the facility is inspiring. As we look towards the future, the coming months will be difficult. With the Sustainability Planning process in full swing, hard choices will be made as certain priorities are elevated over others, but we will do it with our vision and mission clear in our minds, with thoughtful discussion, and ultimately with an outcome that reaffirms who we are and who we will become. In the path forward we carve our future, knowing that it will have been developed through a process based on practical and prudent practice. With the gallery island displays steadily on track for completion and our programming increasing each year, our museum is well on its way to becoming a true diamond in the City of Edmonton. 2019 will be a year of transition and transformation which will redefine our museum, and its operations; additional opportunities and new approaches will be forthcoming. Once more, let us face them together. Respectfully, Jean Lauzon

Jean Lauzon, Executive Director From the President

2018 was indeed a very difficult year for the Alberta Aviation Museum. Funding reached a critical point early in the year and we came drastically close to having to close the doors. Fortunately, due to the determination and perseverance of the members of the Board of Directors and management, operational funding was obtained for 2019 and they are to be commended for their efforts. Continuance of this funding from the City of Edmonton is contingent on the Museum’s ability to demonstrate responsible fiscal management while moving forward with the predetermined development plans. I am confident this will be possible through the continued, combined efforts of our Museum team. I would like to extend a special thank you to all the museum staff and volunteers; without your patience and efforts to keep the Museum moving ahead our future would undoubtedly be in jeopardy. I would also like to thank the membership for its continued support. We can all take pride in the Museum’s accomplishments this past year and share in its continued success. Jack Van Norman

J.M. (Jack) Van Norman President, Alberta Aviation Museum Association In 2018 we accessioned 1,604 objects and digitalized over 20,000 images and documents All small story islands and most of the large story islands were completed over 2018 Creating access to educational resources and opportunities Marketing The Alberta Aviation Museum’s 2018 marketing strategy focused on better utilizing technology to diversify and engage with our audience. The highlight of the year was the complete redesign of the museum’s newsletter From the Hangar. Through our new online magazine-style platform we’ve been able to produce more content and tell better stories. Each issue includes a featured person, an events list, an historical article, and museum related news. Newsletter sign-ups increased by 24% in 2018 along with tablet and mobile use at a combined 44%. The content created for the newsletter serves triple duty as it is repurposed for the museum’s blog and social media platforms in the weeks following publication.

Social media continued to be a significant tool for the museum. We focused on diversifying content for a better mix of behind the scenes, historical information, and promotional messages. Facebook and Twitter continued to attract new followers, slowly but steadily, whereas Instagram experienced a significant increase in followers by 132%. Events Our 2018 events calendar had something for everyone. Our annual family-focused events included our Women of Aviation Celebration, Haunted Halloween at Hangar 14, and our Open Cockpit Day which continues to grow. Our 2018 event saw an increase in visitors by 86% over our 2017 Open Cockpit Day, which alone saw double the expected numbers. Our commemorative events included the 100th Anniversary of Airmail in Alberta and the 100th Anniversary of the Red Baron’s final dogfight.

The museum partnered with MacEwan University Arts & Cultural Management students to host our first Blatchford Boogie Woogie, a 1940s-themed dance complete with a 19-piece big band, performance and dance lessons by Sugar Swing Ballroom. This event also included a photobooth, food, and cash bar. It was a huge hit with those who attended, and we hope to continue to grow this event to become a high- light on the Edmonton and area spring calendar.

To wrap up the year we partnered with THEATrePUBLIC to present Edmonton play- wright Kenneth Brown’s Roy Versus the Red Baron. It was wildly successful, with over 240 patrons visiting the museum over the three-night run. It provided audiences with a funny but poignant retrospective on the events surrounding the death of the Red Baron and mixed history with humanity. Programming In 2018, the Programs and Education Department continued to offer the Theory of Flight education program. Our education programs are aligned with Alberta’s Grade 6 science curriculum, and offered every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, and is consistently fully booked. In addition to the previous program, we began offering a more interactive alternative with the Pilot Training Lab which provides students with the opportunity to apply what they have learned using Redbird Flight Simulators. Family programs are offered at many of the museum’s events including Women of Aviation Day, Open Cockpit Day, and Halloween; activities include crafts, scavenger hunts, and a variety of children’s games. With the support of Servus Credit Union we are also able to offer this sort of programming on the last Thursday of each month at our Servus Free Access Night.

Throughout the year the museum was extremely fortunate to host several speakers who covered a variety of aviation related topics including historical and contemporary interests as part of the Speaker Series. During the summer months, students, funded in part by Young Canada Works, delivered drop-in programs for children aged two to five years; activities included aviation-themed games, crafts, and stories, and was held once a week during the summer months. Pre-booked tours were given to a wide range of audiences by our volunteer tour guides. Our tours are tailored to suit the needs of the audience as some of our most regular attendees are children and seniors. Our flight plan has been filed and off we go Financials at a Glance

Revenues - $719,008

• Grants – 29%

• Donations – 21%

• Admissions/memberships – 20%

• Interest/other income – 14%

• Deferred & special projects/cap contributions – 11%

• Gift shop – 3%

• Facility rentals – 1% Financials • Fundraising – 1%

Expenses - $859,314 at a Glance • Staffing – 55% • Operations – 21%

• Fundraiser/professional fees – 9%

• Volunteer/special events – 9%

• Administration – 4%

• Advertising/media – 2% Strategic Plan 2018 - 2022

Submitted, March 2018 Jean Lauzon Executive Director From the Director To the future… The Alberta Aviation Museum has been enjoyed and loved by generations of visitors. Vision – To be a leading, respected, Our staff has successfully pursued the forward momentum and growth required to ensure the Museum continues on the path to sustainability. As we look ahead to the professional aviation museum and next five years (and beyond), the Museum faces many challenges that require our best efforts to continue this record of success. With the aim of becoming much more community partner engaged and relevant to the communities we serve and to become the central hub of the new Blatchford community we have and will continue to undergo major re- newal. As the steward of cultural property, we endeavor to make our space accessible Mission – To tell the story of Edmonton’s in new ways to a larger demographic of visitors. The digital world creates both great possibilities and challenges for the museum which we are excited to embrace. rich aviation legacy through exciting displays, artifacts and activities related to We have made tremendous progress over the last two years to move our museum into the 21st century and the coming years will bring further advancements. Alberta and the North, past, present and

The Strategic Plan and its priorities were determined in cooperation with staff future members and volunteers. The plan is essential to linking the Museum’s past, present and future. It provides all of us with essential roles to play in carrying out the Museum’s mission today, so as to transform it for tomorrow. Values We believe …

• In commitment to our community, and our role in presenting its history with accuracy and integrity; • In the importance of the aviation history of Edmonton and have the passion to tell its story and the story of northern Canadian development from this historic place; • In collaboration and partnership, with our volunteer organizations, with our community and corporate partners, and with our City; • That sustainable approaches to all our challenges will yield a sustainable attraction; • In honouring, respecting and appreciating those that served our country; • In the respect and appreciation for our volunteers, their experience, skills and passion for aviation; • In the commitment to preservation and presentation of aircraft connected to Edmonton as part of the human history of our place and its importance in the development of the north. Objective # Completion of the ‘story islands’ within two years Strategic Goal 1 • Obtain additional signage stands to unify exhibits • Create interactive displays including some with virtual reality • Obtain and install proper lighting for aircraft and larger exhibits • Create a long-term plan for the expansion of the collection To be a highly recognized • Create a long-term plan for the preservation of the outdoor collection • Incorporate First Nations, Metis and Inuit recognition in exhibits in support of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission: Calls to Action premier aviation museum • Install operational simulators on exhibit floor • Develop and implement ways to incorporate more interaction in the static displays # Strategic Goal 2 Objective Financial success

• Ensure a plan for capital projects spending is in place • Funding that is in place for projects is used accordingly, efficiently and To have the financial and effectively • Capital fundraising campaigns are planned and established before being professional resources to put into action • Gain the commitment of the City of Edmonton for Building upgrades as per the Building Condition Assessment and Conservation Plan support museum growth • Funding institutions are continuously approached/applied for specific and and sustainability non-specific grant applications # Objective Strategic Goal 3 Achieve operational effectiveness to ensure success • Review the Vision, Mission, Values and goals of the museum • Ensure strategic plan is created, followed and evaluated on a regular basis to ensure the progressive path for the museum To increase staff cohesion • Ensure accurate measurements of the achievements made throughout the fiscal year and retention by bringing • Audit and update the current member/tenant and rental program(s) inclusive of the variety of spaces personnel and compensation • Establish a staff appreciation program • Increase staff professional development opportunities levels up to industry standards • Implement accountable Human Resources, Occupational Health & Safety Policies as well as Board Governance Policies and Procedures Objective Pursue an engaging exhibition program that leverages multiple educational learning styles with effectiveness to ensure success

• Expansion of the Birthday Party programming # • Continue to develop and expand on the Drop-In program Strategic Goal 4 • Develop and deliver youth programs • Develop and expand Scouts and Guide Badge Program • Expand on the Self-guided program To leverage experience, artifacts • Pilot the new Theory of Flight program • Create roving ‘touch tables’ to redirect inquisitive hands away from exhibits and historic documentation to • Develop and deliver ‘Museum Hack’ style private tours for millennial audiences expand the museums educational • Develop and deliver in-class aerodynamics program (Grade 6 science) impact in all sectors of society • Develop and deliver week long Inquiring Minds Program • Partner and collaborate with organizations such as TWOS, , Valley Zoo, Telephone Historical Society, etc. • Develop off-site outreach programs • Create programs for special events at the museum including children’s activities and historical vignettes. Objective Achieve and ensure clear strategic communications and stakeholder relations. Expansion of the Birthday Party programming.

# • Review online presence annually Strategic Goal 5 • Review website and social media analytics monthly and make alterations accordingly to best benefit the cost • Create a short-term marketing plan To continue to build strong, valued • Create a long-term marketing plan • Redevelop the current quarterly Newsletter and trusted relationships with the • Create and implement a communications process with clear lines of procedure laid out communities we serve • Increase the public awareness, understanding, and support of the museum • Increase the awareness and support between the museum, community, and corporate partners, City of Edmonton, Provincial Historic Resources, Edmonton Heritage Council, and the Alberta Museums Association. Lucinda Johnston Rayfield Rideout Volunteers Hugh King Ron Robuliak Steven Knox Bill Rodgers D. B. (Brent) Abbott Marvin Kowalchuk Chad Santo Cliff Adams Rick Kuzyk Victor Scheuerman Dave Austin Tom Langeste Kris Schinke Neha Bal David Levy Ron Schmiemann Mark Balodis John Liddle Valerie Seehagel Frey Bannon Erwin Loewen Stan Shank Daryl Basin Norval Loney Thom Short Stan Baxter Michelle Luu Bob Shoults Barry Bayley Brian MacKenzie Jethro Sit Brad Biollo Neil Maclean Roger Smeland Michailla Barrow Rod Macleod Harrison Smith Marlene Cameron-Innes Theodore Mageau Harry Smith Terry Champion Rick McKown Shaun Smith Christian Chenard Terry McLeod C.R. (Randy) Stiles Rob Churchill James McQuarrie Paul Swanson David Cobb Greg Milne Terry Swick David Comer Cecil (Bill) Moore Rob Tanner Danielle Craft Kieran Moran Garry Thomlinson MarkCrompton Dave McIlmoyle Edwin Thornton David Crone Harry Nagel Dale Travis Cody Emslie George Nixon Anna Turchet Rob Fitzsimmons Christopher O’Donnell Pierre Valois Mark Fremmerlid Joel Opdenries Jack Van Norman Patsy Garcia - Good Sam Graham Osadczuk Phil Vere Bill Graham Wally Ostafichuk Efren Villalobos Larry Grosfield Dick Parker Farrel Vriens Yuting (Sophia) Guo Dane Patton Robert Walton Joan Hawkins Reg Pointe Jonathan Whittaker Donald Heebner Jim Rahn Erich Wohlmuth Don Hitsman Bruce Ramshaw Sonia Wong Horst Gunter Hollick Caitlin Ratcliffe Henry Wyatt David Horness Allyson Reid Matthew Zorzetto-Vermeire Linda John Frank & Rejeanne Reid Mark John Doug Flaherty Donors Doug McKenzie Douglas Faulder 418 City of Edmonton Squadron Douglas Matheson 700 Wing Douglas Nicholson 99’s Canadian Award in Aviation Ed McDonald A.W. Cashman Edmonton Aviation Heritage Society Alban Macllellan Edmonton Salvage Disposal Ltd Alexander Hyndman Edmund Aunger Allene Hodgson Edward Gray Amy Witherspoon Edwin Bean Andrew Mills Eric Harden Angela Gielen Estate of Roger Juniper Anne Miller F-12.net Avialta Helicopters Fly Rite Accessory Overhauls Ltd Barbara Gielen Francis R Thomas Bill Graham Friends of 504 BR Nord Garth Vickery Brent Abbott Geoffrey Holmes Brian Smith George Morgan Brian Wright Geri Dittrich Burton Zurcher Gilbert M Cormier Cameron Kubik Gordon Hougestol Dale Leschiutta Graham Boyce Dana Williams Grant Lovig Daphne Atkin H.R. Batten Daryl Bazin Harry & Walter Bayrock David Crone Heidi Kirschner David Jackson Helen Karvonen David Moon Helen Kutyn David Quist Helge Kirmse David Standen Henry Dominy Denny May Hugh J King & Teena King Dione Bayrock Jac Thiessen Donald Kvill Jack F. Johnson Donald Mcintosh Jack Rutherford Donald Scheirer Mike Barbeau Donors cont’d Mr. Keller Murray Sigler James Cornish Professional Corporation Neil Burton James Gillespie Neil Taylor James McQuarrie Neils Hagenson James Young Norman Bindon Jet Pro Consulting Inc Oliver & Jacqueline Goudreau Joan Ullman Ona Matties John & Joyce Law Pat Morron & Tanya Doyle John Gordon Latham Patricia Barford John Hawkins Patrick Fahy John Hnderson Paula R. Cryderman John Liddle Peter Jenkins Joost Van Ens Peter Verehomin JP Eats Firehouse Kitchen & Grill Phillip Peskett Julianna Carras R. Knowles Ken Whichers R.E Cook/ Y.R Symes Kenneth Erickson Ray Rohr Kenneth Husband Raymond Barnes Larry Smith Raymond Gibbs Len Stigurdson Richard Covlin Linda Forbes Richard De Boer Lindsay Deeprose Richard Hanson Lynn Eyton Richard Parker Lynn Gourlay Robert Crossley M + L Barbeau Robert Dowling Marcel Mageau Robert Haudenschild Marcia Olson Robert Rausch Margaret & Denny May Robert Shoults Marion Marten Roderick Macleod Mark Baloois Ron & Julie Anderson Mark John Ronald J kirscher Marry Woodburn Roy Reaville Marty Slater Ruby & Lindsay Deeprose Melvin & Victoria Kutchak Rudy Mangold Michael Poworoznik Donors cont’d

Russell Bannock Ruth Wilson Ryan Flynn Shippers Supply Spartan Controls LTD Stephen Kmiech Steve Finkelman Stewart Aebig Stuart Russell Susan Goldberg Susan Tyefischer Sydney Deitch Sydney Wood Sylvia Hougestol Telus Terry Allen Terry Bayrock Terry Champion The Camrose Booster The Dianne & Irvings Kipnes Foundation Timothy Kell Uriel Kolet Valerie Briscoe Valerie Simmonds Verna Covlin Wayne Caswill Wayne Reitsma Wayne Sloat Wendy Lomas Wilhelm J Veldhuis William Batchelor William Buckham William Carter Our continued gratitude to