#professionsmw

Museums are places of preservation and education, but also of on-going and important research. Curator can be defined as a keeper or custodian of a museum collection, but many curators are also researchers who work in the field as well as in the collection vaults. 

H. David Bohlen curates the Ornithology collection at the Illinois State Museum and conducts long-term research on Illinois bird populations. In 1989, Dave authored “The Birds of Illinois,” a comprehensive survey of natural history information and museum records for 439 species of birds known at the time to occur (or previously occur) in Illinois. 

Since 1970, Dave has monitored birds at locations all over Sangamon County, often going out in the field seven days a week and documenting many of his observations with photographs. 

In 2013, he published the results of 40 years of study, reporting patterns of bird populations, including migration, breeding, arrival of new species in the area, and rare bird occurrences. Dave continues his field observations, now in his 48th year of study.

Long-term studies like this are invaluable sources of information about the natural world and how it has changed over time. They are a record of distribution and population trends that can be used to aid conservation efforts for species and the habitats they need to survive.

Our new temporary installation Fusion18 is an ode to artists who are inspired by our collections, but also to scientific illustrators. In the natural sciences, a professional illustrator might create a excavation plan, a population distribution diagram, or an extremely precise drawing which accompanies the scientific description of a type specimen. Before the development of cameras, and more recently, 3D scanners, drawings were the only way to accurately depict THE reference specimen for a new species in a scientific publication.

Shark teeth, insects, shells, inner ear structures of fish, the reproductive system of snails ... Harry Van Paesschen, one of our illustrators for 34 (!) years, drew them all. ‘I prefer shells to elephants, because they don’t move’, he laughs. Why do you love this job soo much? ‘I’m given the time to draw. Before I came to @rbins, I worked in advertisement and I illustrated for magazines such as Ipso Facto: ‘a successful magazine for successful people’. Imagine that!’

All this week we have been celebrating #MuseumWeek: an international online event celebrating and showcasing all things from cultural institutions over 7 days, 7 themes, 7 hashtags. Today’s theme is “professions”, so we thought we’d take this opportunity to ask some of our lovely staff here at the RAM a couple questions about their careers, what some of the coolest projects they’ve worked on here, and their favourite museum (other than the RAM of course!).

Dr Chris Jass, Curator, Quaternary Palaeontology

What you do at the RAM?

I oversee the collection of Ice Age fossils at the RAM, and conduct research in the field and laboratory to reveal the Ice Age history of vertebrates in Alberta and western North America. 

Coolest project you’ve worked on during your time at the RAM?

Crawling around caves in Alberta and western North America in search of Ice Age fossils.

When did you decide to pursue this career path? Why did you peruse this career path?

I started in palaeontology when I was around 10 years old when my uncle took me out collecting ammonites. After a detour or two, my path towards Ice Age palaeontology was cemented (at age 23) when two great mentors (Dr. Jim Mead and Dr. Larry Agenbroad) encouraged me to apply to graduate school in Arizona.

What’s your favourite museum other than the RAM?

All this week we have been celebrating #MuseumWeek: an international online event celebrating and showcasing all things from cultural institutions over 7 days, 7 themes, 7 hashtags. 

Today’s theme is “professions”, so we thought we’d take this opportunity to ask some of our lovely staff here at the RAM a couple questions about their careers, what some of the coolest projects they’ve worked on here, and their favourite museum (other than the RAM of course!).

Tara Beck, School & Youth Coordinator

What you do at the RAM?

My job has me working with a variety of people in a variety of ways all in an effort to make the Royal Alberta Museum an accessible resource to schools both near and far. Since we aren’t currently open, a lot of my time has been spent working with teachers and students to investigate the big question “what are museums and why are they important to you?”. We have heard so many interesting ideas and we look forward to exploring them further through our school programs once we open!  

Coolest project you’ve worked on during your time at the RAM?

The most exciting projects are the ones that are sparked by student questions. Often these questions take us well beyond the gallery to experience all of the incredible work that happens throughout museums- from the planning of a museum café menu to the complex research carried out on Alberta’s ecosystems.

Exploring museology with students is such a treat and I am constantly learning new things through the unique perspectives and questions of students.

When did you decide to pursue this career path? Why did you peruse this career path?

Museums have always held a special place for me, but I never expected I’d end up working in one. My career as an educator began with seasonal work in provincial parks (delivering those ridiculously amazing campground amphitheatre shows every night). There I discovered a passion for engaging people in environmental education and conversation. This passion led me to classroom teaching for a short time, but I immediately missed the richness afforded by working in informal learning environments.

After a moving across the ocean to London England, I looked for ways to re-engage with parks but found myself spending a tremendous amount of time in Museums (they were just so plentiful!). I soon realized that museums provide provocation for wonderful interactions with learners much as parks do…so here I am, exploring ideas about learning at Western Canada’s largest museum.

What’s your favourite museum other than the RAM?

All this week we have been celebrating #MuseumWeek: an international online event celebrating and showcasing all things from cultural institutions over 7 days, 7 themes, 7 hashtags. Today’s theme is “professions”, so we thought we’d take this opportunity to ask some of our lovely staff here at the RAM a couple questions about their careers, what some of the coolest projects they’ve worked on here, and their favourite museum (other than the RAM of course!).

Christina Harbak, Admissions Coordinator

What you do at the RAM?

I set-up and manage the ticketing system, annual pass program, gift card program and most procedures to do with front-of-house. On a smaller scale, I supervise all of the admissions staff and the day-to-day tasks at the admissions desk. I am also responsible for capturing data and reporting on how many people are visiting us on a daily, weekly, monthly and yearly basis! 

While a lot of my role involves behind the scenes preparation and creating procedures, it is creating a friendly and welcoming atmosphere in the lobby that matters most. My staff speak to each person visiting the museum galleries, so customer service, museum knowledge and creating a memorable experience is essential in my role.

Coolest project you’ve worked on during your time at the RAM?

One of my favourite projects I have worked on at RAM thus far has been training for staff related to accessibility. Having worked in customer service roles for over 10 years now, I noticed how little training I had received about accessible spaces, respectful language and working with people of diverse abilities. My education and my friends/coworkers have both fuelled my focus on accessibility, and I am planning to share those experiences, knowledge and tools with my staff. It is important for my team to have current information about best practices and be confident in the language and approach they use to connecting with visitors. My research into accessibility for RAM spans physical space, gender, person-first language, sensory stimulation and most importantly, compassion. I am excited to build a team of folks who care about their work and who can connect with visitors in accessible, meaningful ways.

When did you decide to pursue this career path? Why did you peruse this career path?

I decided I wanted to work in a museum when I was searching for summer jobs in 2012, and found some really neat positions through the City of Edmonton. I completely changed my degree program (from drama to recreation) and turned my studies to focus on museums, cultural sites and tourism. I have always loved visiting museums, and was incredibly excited when I discovered all of the different jobs that make museums possible. My passion for life-long learning can extend beyond my personal life because through this career I am able to connect visitors from all over the world to fascinating stories and artifacts. I think it is so rare to find a workplace that I want to stay at after my workday is over. I have had many jobs at museums and cultural sites, but RAM is the most exciting one so far.

What’s your favourite museum other than the RAM?

All this week we have been celebrating #MuseumWeek: an international online event celebrating and showcasing all things from cultural institutions over 7 days, 7 themes, 7 hashtags. Today’s theme is “professions”, so we thought we’d take this opportunity to ask some of our lovely staff here at the RAM a couple questions about their careers, what some of the coolest projects they’ve worked on here, and their favourite museum (other than the RAM of course!).

Anthony Worman, Acting Director, Cultural Studies

What do you do here at the RAM?

I’m the Acting Director of RAM’s Cultural Studies program. I lead the staff of five curatorial programs as they collect, preserve and interpret artifacts for the museum’s public. My role is to ensure overall success of the Cultural Studies section by providing direction, advocacy and resources.

What’s a cool project you’ve worked on during your time at the RAM?

 The coolest project I have worked on here at RAM would have to be the building of a new museum. I was at the Canadian War Museum as a student when they were building a new museum. It was an interesting exercise to watch. To be directly involved in such a project, with all its challenges and all its joys, has been an amazing experience.  It is a once in a career opportunity that few of us ever get to do.

When did you decide to pursue museum work?

It is possible that I was destined for the job. From a young age, I would set up my toys into displays and then ‘exhibit’ them to my parent. Later, it was not so much a matter of me deciding to pursue this career as the career finding me. By happen chance, I heard of a summer student position working in a museum early in my Undergrad.  I got the job, enjoyed the work and “the rest is history”.  Why did you pursue this career path? Initially, because I love history. However, it is said that the shortest book in the world is “Jobs for History Majors.” My first taste of the career showed that there were opportunities for both.  Along the way, I have found that I also enjoy the museology.     

What’s your favourite museum other than the RAM? 

All this week we have been celebrating #MuseumWeek: an international online event celebrating and showcasing all things from cultural institutions over 7 days, 7 themes, 7 hashtags. Today’s theme is “professions”, so we thought we’d take this opportunity to ask some of our lovely staff here at the RAM a couple questions about their careers, what some of the coolest projects they’ve worked on here, and their favourite museum (other than the RAM of course!).

Carleen Greaves, Children’s Program Coordinator

What do you do here at the RAM?

I’m the Children’s Program Coordinator. Right now, I am busy planning programs, gathering stories to share, and working with an amazing team as we prepare for opening at the remarkable, new Royal Alberta Museum.  My work is primarily focussed on the new Children’s Gallery, getting ready to welcome curiosity, activate imaginations, and support playful inquiry as we open the doors to our youngest visitors.

What is one thing you most look forward to working on when the RAM     re-opens?

The excitement of the children as they play, explore and navigate our new Children’s Gallery. It is so incredible that children will be able to play, create and learn about Alberta in a space that is designed for just them.

I wonder… What will draw their interest, invoke curiosity, and spark imaginations?  There is a sense of wonder that only children can bring to an experience and it is so exciting embarking on this new adventure with them.

When did you decide to pursue this career path? 

My career path has always been about children. From tour guide to teacher, to Early Learning Educational Consultant, and now Children’s Program Coordinator, there have always been many children in my work world. Personally, I love to travel, visit museums, and learn about the history of the places I wander.  Transitioning from the world of education to the world of museums offers me an amazing opportunity to bring together my personal and career passions. After over 30 years, working with children I am so inspired and truly excited to be involved in the opening of a new Children’s Gallery.

 What’s your favourite museum other than the RAM?