Spring/Summer Program Guide March–August 2018
THE TIME OF PHARAOHS
EXHIBITION OPEN
MAY 18 – DEC 31, 2018 The exhibition has been produced as a joint venture between Lokschuppen Rosenheim, the University of Aberdeen Museums, the Roemer- und Pelizaeus - Museums Hildesheim and MuseumsPartner Austria.
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Table of Contents Family Programs Camps Adult Programs All Ages Lectures BC Archives Programs
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School Programs Gallery Programs Feature Exhibitions Online Exhibitions Publications Accessibility
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Learning is at the heart of our mission. We engage and inspire learners of all ages through programs and activities like the ones you see on the following pages. We are creating a new Learning Centre—a dynamic and engaging space for everyone in BC. And we need your support to make it a reality. A 21st century Learning Centre, at the heart of the museum and archives, enables us to harness the power of technology to bring our vast collections and staff expertise to every corner of province. Join us in imagining the possibilities. For more information or to donate, please contact our development team at 250-387-7222 or donate@royalbcmuseum.bc.ca.
For more information and to purchase tickets visit royalbcmuseum.bc.ca/calendar
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FAMILY PROGRAMS
Wonder Sunday
See, think, activate! Our Wonder Sunday family series takes place every Sunday from March to May. Join us in the galleries for some fun learning. Included with admission or membership. Animals of Nature Vancouver Island is lucky to have such wonderfully diverse fauna. But did you know that some local animals are actually invasive? Discover which animals are native to our island and which ones come from elsewhere, and 4
learn what we can do to help our environment. March 4, 11, 18, 25 1:00–3:00 pm
forget there’s an April Fool’s scavenger hunt happening museum-wide. April 1 I 1:00–3:00 pm
April Fool’s Did you know that Killdeers sometimes pretend to have a broken wing to distract predators? And that the Viceroy butterfly mimics the toxic Monarch to avoid being eaten? Nature does a wonderful job of playing tricks. Discover various camouflage techniques and how some animals fool others in order to stay safe. And don’t
Local Finds Archaeologists play an important role in our society, assembling bits and pieces of historical evidence to create a big picture of the past. Join us to learn about artifacts discovered locally and put some archaeological practices into use. April 8, 15, 22, 29 1:00–3:00 pm
For more information and to purchase tickets visit royalbcmuseum.bc.ca/calendar
Ancient Civilizations Visit the museum to learn about ancient civilizations and their customs, from written language to historical art. We’ll also learn about the ancient practice of mummification in a hands-on, messy kind of way. May 6, 13, 20, 27 1:00–3:00 pm
and-spoon races, the beanbag toss and other old-fashioned fun for the whole family. July 1 I 1:00–3:00 pm Grounds of Helmcken House and St. Ann’s Schoolhouse
Kids’ Club
Join museum staff for Digging Around in Ancient Egypt, an excavation into Egyptian archaeology. Stories and activities will round out these interactive programs for kids between the ages of seven and ten. July 10 and 11 I 2:30–3:30 pm Register through the Greater Victoria Public Library
Join us at the first Wonder Sunday of each month for a special behind-the-scenes tour just for Kids’ Club members. Then join us and other families for Wonder Sunday. Each month offers a new theme and topics to explore. Kids’ Club is free for Royal BC Museum members. Join today > Animals of Nature March 4 I 1:00–1:30 pm April Fool’s April 1 I 1:00–1:30 pm Ancient Civilizations May 6 I 1:00–1:30
Canada Day Penny Carnival
Don’t have any pennies? Don’t worry—we saved some for you. Come and try your hand at egg-
Greater Victoria Public Library’s Summer Reading Program
Learning Portal Discover BC through the lens of the museum’s extensive collections, research and partnerships, all in one place. The Learning Portal is a dynamic and intuitive online resource designed to engage students in
many different ways. Featuring spectacular audio and video content, fascinating images and compelling articles, the Learning Portal encourages imagination, engagement and curiosity. Follow your curiosity now >
For more information and to purchase tickets visit royalbcmuseum.bc.ca/calendar
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CAMPS
Spring Break Camps
Focus on Nature Aspiring shutterbugs can develop their skills by participating in this photography-inspired camp. Campers will learn about photo composition and storytelling, venture to Beacon Hill Park to capture dynamic nature shots and explore the Royal BC Museum’s natural history collection and the Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition. March 19–23 and 26–30 I 9:00 am – 4:00 pm $280 per person | Ages 7–11 | After-camp care available
MEMBERS GET ALL THE PERKS! Royal BC Museum members receive 10% off camps! To learn more about member benefits, visit our membership page. Join today >
Member
For more information and to purchase tickets visit royalbcmuseum.bc.ca/calendar
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Summer Camps
Egypt: Time Travel Great pharaohs like Khufu and Tutankhamun are iconic in our understanding of ancient Egyptian culture. But what about regular people—did they have a role in building such a powerful society? Of course they did. Each individual played an important part in the foundation of the Egyptian civilization, from constructing the pyramids to farmland maintenance. Join us this summer to travel back in time and discover the ancient world, with the exhibition Egypt: The Time of Pharaohs as our portal. July 9–13, July 23–27, August 20–24 I 9:00 am – 4:00 pm $280 per person For ages 7–11 | Before- and after-camp care available
Egypt: Thinking like an Archaeologist Explore ancient Egypt through the eyes of archaeologists. Campers will engage in hands-on activities and games, fun field trips and conversations with guest speakers while learning how archaeologists use artifacts and architecture to understand past lives, all within the exhibition Egypt: The Time of Pharaohs. Can you dig it? July 16–20, August 27–31 9:00 am – 4:00 pm $280 per person For ages 7–11 | Before- and after-camp care available July 30 – August 3, August 13–17 I 9:00 am – 4:00 pm $280 per person For ages 10–14 | Before- and after-camp care available
Canada Day Weekend Stay tuned for a schedule of cultural performances. June 29, 30 | 1:00–7:00 pm July 1 | 1:00–3:00 pm Lower precinct
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For more information and to purchase tickets visit royalbcmuseum.bc.ca/calendar
ADULT PROGRAMS
Photo Camp for Adults Unleash your inner wildlife photographer at our day-long workshop. You’ll learn to take better photographs under the guidance of our own museum photographer, Shane Lighter, and professional wildlife photographer Sam Rose Phillips. March 24 I 9:00 am – 3:00 pm $45 per person Newcombe Conference Hall
Museum Happy Hour Drink, eat, meet and explore. Enjoy one-night-only themed events and activities in one of our core galleries.
$10 per person | Drinks and light fare available for purchase 19+ | Two pieces of ID required Proudly sponsored by
Fooling Around with History Challenge your wits by playing a game of true or false with our history and archival collections. April 12 I 5:15–7:00 pm Becoming BC gallery Fooling Around with Nature Challenge your wits by playing a game of true or false with our natural history collections.
April 26 I 5:15–7:00 pm Natural History gallery Pride Bring Pride to the streets of Old Town. It’ll be a gay old time. July 12 I 5:15–7:00 pm Becoming BC gallery Bizarre Beasts Bring the animals in the Natural History gallery to life with poetry, music and games. July 26 I 5:15–7:00 pm Natural History gallery
For more information and to purchase tickets visit royalbcmuseum.bc.ca/calendar
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It’s Complicated: A Discussion Series
This participatory discussion series tackles perspectives and definitions, upending assumptions to help us better understand ourselves and our community. An intriguing mix of facilitators will get the conversation started, but where it goes from there is up to you. The Politics and Poetics of Representation As part of Asian Heritage Month, this discussion evening will begin to unpack the difficult dynamic of representation. How does representation work in our daily lives? How does the shared language of a culture—words, concepts, signs, symbols and images—inform our collective knowledge of ourselves, of others and of the world? How do representations reflect and/or change existing power dynamics? How can space be created to make sure that marginalized people are able to define and express themselves in ways that feel right to them, and how do public institutions facilitate their selfexpression? May 24 I 5:15–7:00 pm By donation Newcombe Conference Hall 10
For more information and to purchase tickets visit royalbcmuseum.bc.ca/calendar
Dating Can Be Queer Dating comes with its own complications, but what happens when you add gender and sexual fluidity into the mix? What if you are living with HIV? Join our panel for a discussion about how to navigate dating and relating in the 21st century. June 28 I 5:15–7:00 pm By donation Newcombe Conference Hall
Egypt Adult Day Camp Camps aren’t just for kids! Reawaken your inner child and explore the Egypt: The Time of Pharaohs exhibition in this summer-camp-inspired day camp for grown-ups. Sneak behind the scenes, meet knowledgeable staff, make connections with our feature exhibition and core galleries, and explore through hands-on activities. Pack a lunch, ditch the kids and bring a friend for a day camp like no other.
Archaeology Day Camp How are artifacts and sites used as evidence to understand the past? What ethical considerations are involved in archaeological practice? Explore these questions and more in a thought-provoking, adult-only
day camp. July 20 I 10:00 am – 3:00 pm August 17 I 10:00 am – 3:00 pm $50 per person Built Structures and the Written Word Day Camp To many, hieroglyphics and pyramids are synonymous with ancient Egypt—but what did they actually stand for? It’s time to separate fact from fiction and unravel the mysteries of these ancient Egyptian symbols. Embark on a journey back in time with the help of our feature exhibition Egypt: The Time of Pharaohs. July 27 I 10:00 am – 3:00 pm August 24 I 10:00 am – 3:00 pm $50 per person
Night at the Museum: Egypt Sleepaway camps aren’t just for kids! Adults, join us for a night of food, entertainment and adventurous Egypt-themed excursions throughout the museum. Bring your sleeping bag, your PJs and your favourite teddy bear and set up camp in the museum’s galleries. Get ready for some midnight fun with your besties—you’ll want your friends to join you on this
unique adventure. September 1 6:30 pm – 9:00 am $80 per person 19+ | Two pieces of ID required Museum wide
Curious Collections: A Seniors On-Site Program
Discuss, share and learn using objects from the Royal BC Museum’s education collection during a private, facilitated one-hour hands-on session. This program is for groups and requires at least two weeks’ advance notice. $10 per participant Maximum 10 per group No charge for accompanying caregivers. Group programs can be booked by contacting our booking office at rbcm_groups @royalbcmuseum.bc.ca
For more information and to purchase tickets visit royalbcmuseum.bc.ca/calendar
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Team-Building Workshop
Bring your team to the museum for a three-hour team-building workshop. Your group will go behind the scenes then up to a gallery before working in small groups to create your own minidisplays. This workshop will challenge your creativity, communication and team spirit. $1,000 per group Maximum 20 participants Group programs can be booked by contacting our booking office at rbcm_groups @royalbcmuseum.bc.ca
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For more information and to purchase tickets visit royalbcmuseum.bc.ca/calendar
ALL AGES
Fieldtrippers
Join us for themed outdoor field trips led by museum staff and community collaborators. Wear suitable footwear and be prepared for rain. Not accessible to wheelchairs or walkers. No dogs please. By donation. $5 per person suggested. Mammoth Walk Join Curator of Archaeology Grant Keddie for a walk back in time. We’ll walk and talk about mammoth remains and other Ice Age discoveries made at 14
scenic Island View Beach. Boots or sturdy shoes are a must. Ground surface can vary. Ages five and up. Walking distance is approximately two kilometres. March 3 I 2:00–3:30 pm Island View Beach Meet at parking lot of Island View Beach Regional Park on Homalthko Drive in Central Saanich Wildflower Walk Immerse yourself in a spring wildflower walk up Mill Hill with Curator of Botany Dr. Ken Marr. Mill Hill is home to many rare
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plants. The spring wildflower show can be as stunning as the view from the top! Ages 10 and up. Be prepared for steep terrain. April 29 I 10:00 am – 12:00 pm Mill Hill Regional Park Meet at Mill Hill Regional Park parking lot on Atkins Avenue in Langford In-Seine Join curators Dr. Gavin Hanke and Dr. Henry Choong as they conduct a beach seine at Willows Beach. In the past we’ve caught more than 20 species of fishes, along
with a bewildering array of crabs, shrimp and other invertebrates. What will we discover this year? Everyone will get an up-close look at what lives beneath the waves. June 16 I 12:00–2:00 pm Willows Beach Meet at Willows Beach in Oak Bay. From Estevan, turn left onto Esplanade and drive towards the north end of the beach. Park on the right near the large white Royal BC Museum van. Tod Inlet History Walk Join Curator of Human History Dr. Tzu-I Chung on this two-hour walk through beautiful Gowlland Tod Provincial Park as we explore the rich human history of this place. Ages 10 and up. July 14 I 1:00–3:00 pm Gowlland Tod Provincial Park Meet at the trailhead at Wallace Drive Access, Gowlland Tod Provincial Park, near Brentwood Bay
Indigenous Film Screening
In collaboration with MediaNet and the IndigeVision Film Festival, we present this special screening to showcase the vital and vibrant work of reconciliation.
Witness Blanket Documentary Carey Newman and Media One Multimedia Inspired by a woven blanket, the Witness Blanket is a large-scale art installation made from hundreds of items reclaimed from residential schools, churches, government buildings and traditional and cultural structures from across Canada. The Witness Blanket stands as a national monument recognizing the atrocities of the residential school era, honouring the children and symbolizing ongoing reconciliation. A team from Media One Multimedia followed the development of this project, and this feature length documentary reflects that important journey. The documentary includes video footage, audio and photographs of the process and the very human stories behind the artifacts— stories of pain, reflection, discovery and healing. Carey Newman will be present to introduce the film, answer questions and engage in conversation about the Witness Blanket. April 15 I 7:00 pm Free, with limited space available Newcombe Conference Hall
Astronomy Day
The Royal Astronomical Society of Canada–Victoria Centre will host the celebrations for International Astronomy Day. Join us and explore the mysteries of the universe. Learn about the constellations through planetarium programs, look safely at the sun through a solar telescope and participate in hands-on activities and presentations. Outdoor and indoor activities will be available. April 21 I 10:00 am – 4:00 pm Included with admission or membership Clifford Carl Hall, Newcombe Conference Hall and Upper Plaza
Netherlands Centennial Carillon 50th Anniversary
Provincial Carillonneur Rosemary Laing will play a special recital featuring a newly commissioned work in honour of the carillon being given to the people of British Columbia 50 years ago. Keep an ear out for further special recitals throughout the year. April 28 I 3:00–3:45 pm Free Netherlands Centennial Carillon
For more information and to purchase tickets visit royalbcmuseum.bc.ca/calendar
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For more information and to purchase tickets visit royalbcmuseum.bc.ca/calendar
Southern Vancouver Island Heritage Fair
The Southern Vancouver Island Heritage Fair is a diverse display of Canada’s heritage as seen through the eyes of student inquiry projects. The fair helps to heighten awareness of cultural heritage, celebrates diversity and creates a dynamic learning environment for students and museum visitors alike. May 11 I 10:00 am – 2:00 pm Included with admission or membership Clifford Carl Hall
Helmcken House and St. Ann’s Schoolhouse
Helmcken House was built by Dr. John Sebastian Helmcken, a surgeon with the Hudson’s Bay Company. It is one of the oldest houses in British Columbia still on its original site. St. Ann’s Schoolhouse, built in 1844 in the HBC’s Red River style, may be the oldest building still standing in Victoria. Visit these two exceptional heritage buildings for a peek into Victoria’s past. June 3 – August 31 12:00–4:00 pm Included with admission or by donation
MEMBERS GET ALL THE PERKS! A family membership gives you the ultimate value. Get unlimited admission to our core galleries and feature exhibitions, including Egypt: The Time of Pharaohs, open May 18 to Dec 31, 2018. Join today >
Member
TURNING EVENTS INTO UNFORGETTABLE OCCASIONS Experience the majestic natural beauty, diverse culture and exquisite tastes of British Columbia all in one evening. Whether it’s a dinner for 10 or a reception for 2,000, you’ll have a unique BC experience. To customize your event please contact Venue Rentals 250-387-5745 venuerentals@royalbcmuseum.bc.ca
For more information and to purchase tickets visit royalbcmuseum.bc.ca/calendar
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LECTURES
Research Day
In addition to our world-class exhibitions, publications and programs, did you know the museum and archives also produces original research? We invite you to drop in on Research Day—for a single presentation, a session or the full day—and hear about the fascinating studies taking place across our organization in 2018 and the new knowledge that our collections have generated. Can’t attend in person? Tune in for Facebook Live videos of each session. 18
March 15 I 10:00 am – 4:00 pm Free Newcombe Conference Hall
Distinguished Lecture
My Life in Egyptology By legendary Dr. Wafaa El Saddik, former director of the Egyptian Museum of Cairo. Including pre-opening access to Egypt: The Time of Pharaohs exhibition. May 17 I 7:00–10:00 pm $50 per person Newcombe Conference Hall
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Who Was John Stanley Plaskett?
By Peter Broughton. Canadians may recognize the names of his contemporaries like Emily Carr and Stephen Leacock, but John Stanley Plaskett is a mystery to many. Come celebrate the Victorian astronomer who put Canada on the world stage. May 26 I 2:00–3:30 pm By donation Newcombe Conference Hall
Mystery, Majesty and Live @ Lunch the Mundane in New Find out what’s happening at the museum and archives in these Kingdom Egypt monthly talks featuring curators, By Dr. Dennine Dudley, sessional instructor in Art History and Visual Studies at the University of Victoria Ancient Egypt’s 18th dynasty is one of its most intriguing. Hateshepsut the female king, Tutankhamun the boy king, Akhenaten the enigmatic king; shifting political allegiances; complicated family dynamics—so many elements of this historical period seem strange, not just in contrast to the modern world but also in comparison with broader Egyptian history. But it is also a time of great conservatism and continuity. In this lecture, objects from the feature exhibition Egypt: The Time of Pharaohs will be used as a starting point to explore a fascinating era in Egypt’s golden age, revealing that for people from all levels of this ancient society, the dramatic could represent enduring stability and the conventional mask a striking change. June 21 I 7:00–8:30 pm $15 per person Newcombe Conference Hall
staff and researchers. Lectures are held on the first Wednesday of each month. By donation. Newcombe Conference Hall
New Plant Discoveries from the Northern BC Alpine Dr. Ken Marr, curator of botany, will give an illustrated presentation about the flora of northern BC, including discussion of the landscapes, plants rare and common, a pseudoflower, a puzzling gap in the distribution of several species and what we are learning from DNA markers about the migration of several species. March 7 I 12:00–1:00 pm A Sneak Peek at Egypt: Land of the Pharaohs How do you pack Egypt up and bring it to the Royal BC Museum? Join in a conversation with the museum’s head of Learning and head of Exhibitions as they reveal the tricks of the trade and give a preview of our upcoming feature exhibition. April 4 I 12:00–1:00 pm
Fugitives: Anarchival Materiality in the BC Archives What can a bottle of Insectoblitz, a gooey stack of glass plate negatives and a live bullet tell us about archives? In this presentation researchers Dr. Trudi Lynn Smith and Dr. Kate Hennessy show photographs and video that emerged from their collaboration with archivists, conservators and preservation managers at the BC Archives. Their visual work shows the anarchival force of molecular transformation, displacement, and other human and non-human interactions as they render archival material fugitive. May 2 I 12:00–1:00 pm The Gorge Waterway – Victoria’s Playground, 1890–1930 What was the Gorge like in the late 1800s and early 1900s? Museum volunteer and researcher Dennis Minaker will share what he’s learned, both in the BC Archives and on the street, of the social, sporting and architectural history of this area. June 6 I 12:00–1:00 pm
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Friends of the BC Archives Lecture Series
Lectures and workshops are offered throughout the year on topics connected with the BC Archives and the history of the province. Lectures are on the third Sunday of every month and are free for members of the Friends of the BC Archives or $5 for non-members, payable in cash at the door.
Franz Boas Papers: (Re)assessing Archival Documents Angie Bain, a historical researcher with the Union of BC Indian Chiefs, will highlight the importance of Indigenous voices and archival documents in the Franz Boas Papers Project, a scholarly initiative based at Western University. She will focus her talk on the collaboration between the eminent anthropologist Franz Boas (d. 1942) and the ethnographer James Teit (d. 1922). The project brings together local, regional and
international archival documents and illustrates the importance of the Indigenous perspective in this process. Focusing on her home Nlaka’pamux community, Ms. Bain will share the critical ways that archival documents are being put to use in First Nations communities. January 21 I 2:00–3:30 pm Carnival Week in Victoria, Alan Specht will discuss the sights and sounds of Victoria’s Carnival Week in August 1913. March 18 I 2:00–3:30 pm BC Adventures with the Millionaire Kid Retired archivist Dennis Duffy will give a presentation on Joe Jackson, known as the Millionaire Kid. Jackson was a miner, prospector, outdoorsman and amateur filmmaker. Dennis will provide a colour commentary on a selection of Jackson’s black-and-white films. April 15 I 2:00–3:30 pm Spatial History: Locating Early Settlers in the Cowichan Valley Jim Ward will deliver a presentation on locating early settlers in the Cowichan Valley. May 20 I 2:00–3:30 pm
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For more information and to purchase tickets visit royalbcmuseum.bc.ca/calendar
BC ARCHIVES PROGRAMS
Exploring the BC Archives with the Victoria Genealogy Society
All are welcome to join the Victoria Genealogy Society on their tour of the BC Archives. This workshop and behind-thescenes look into the archives collections will give seasoned genealogists new tools for researching their family history. Participants will be given an introduction to the BC Archives catalogue before delving into court, prison, institution and
coroner’s records, as well as genealogical gems like the Pioneer Medallions applications. March 3 I 9:30 am – 12:30 pm $15 for Royal BC Museum and Victoria Genealogy Society members, $25 for non-members
Introduction to the BC Archives
If you’ve ever thought about visiting the BC Archives and starting a research project but you weren’t sure how to begin, this is the workshop for you! Aimed at beginner researchers,
this program will give you the confidence to get started. Participants will learn how to navigate our main catalogue and our genealogy database, discover the variety of records we manage, interpret finding aids, fill in call slips, use microfilm and handle original materials in a variety of formats. Everyone will leave with a resource kit and the knowledge of how to make the next step. April 29 I 2:00–4:00 pm $20 per person
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Egypt and the BC Archives
This lecture will explore connections in the Archives’ collections between BC and Egypt, illustrated with stories and information by an archivist and guest speaker. May 22 | 5:30–6:30 pm $10 per person
Greater Victoria Public Library’s Summer Reading Program As part of the GVPL summer reading program, the BC Archives will give a brief introduction to conducting research at the BC Archives. August 15 I 2:30 pm GVPL Juan de Fuca Branch Free
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For more information and to purchase tickets visit royalbcmuseum.bc.ca/calendar
SCHOOL PROGRAMS
Our school programs are designed to provide a dynamic menu of options for students and teachers, to nurture a life-long love of learning and to ignite inquiry about museum objects and ideas.
Learning Labs
Learning Labs are inquiry-based and staff-led, investigating big ideas with the galleries as a backdrop. $99 per class
From the Beginning: Origin Stories and Indigenous Culture Presented in partnership with the University of Victoria’s Legacy Galleries, this lab will focus on alternative histories and narratives of origin. Through art and belongings, students will explore stories of connection to the earth, interconnection through families and clans, and the role of oral and visual storytelling and teachings. March to June
Gold Rush: Photography and Memory This lab will look at how we read photographs and how that process can help us better understand history. The tour will incorporate historical thinking concepts such as ‘change and continuity’ and ‘historical perspectives’. It will be presented primarily in the gold rush displays of the Becoming BC gallery. October to June
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For more information and to purchase tickets visit royalbcmuseum.bc.ca/calendar
Learning Lab continued...
The Numbers of Nature “Change is the only constant in BC’s natural history.” This statement greets all visitors to the Natural History gallery, and the gallery clearly illustrates the concept. Visitors learn about mass extinctions, climate change and biodiversity from the Ice Age to the present day, and they are reminded that life in BC and on the planet has been shaped and changed by processes in constant motion. This lab will help students and teachers establish connections between mathematics and science and consider how these disciplines help us understand change in BC’s natural history. October to June Predator versus Prey: The Case of the Cougar This lab introduces students to the predators and prey of British Columbia, with a special focus on the complicated relationship between cougars and humans. Students will discover what makes a successful hunter, how animals protect themselves from predation and how humans complicate food webs and predator-prey relationships. October to June
Primary Sources and Historical Significance What’s the difference between “the past” and “history”? What makes a person or event historically significant, and who decides whether it is or not? This lab will explore the process of establishing historical significance using primary source documents from the BC Archives. October to June Ethics: Dialogue and Debate How do you tell right from wrong? In this lab, students will engage in ethical dialogue, using the museum’s core galleries to understand how we can make ethical decisions in our everyday lives. The focus of this lab will be on understanding ethics through discussion and debate. We may address topics like Truth and Reconciliation, pipelines, environmental stewardship and representation (in museums and beyond). October to June Simple Machines This lab is designed to introduce students to the simple machines found within the galleries. By the end, students will be able to identify the six basic simple
machines, explain their uses and find them in the gallery. Students will also be able to make connections between what they have seen in the gallery and what can be found in their own classrooms and homes. October to June Let’s Get One Thing Straight This lab explores the LGBTQ+ experience in Canada, starting with how First Peoples viewed gender and sexuality before colonization. It also examines how language shapes our understanding, encouraging learners to ask questions about power and resistance. The day will involve learning about queer(ed) people and history, storytelling and acts of resistance, as students create their very own queer-fabulous exhibits. October to June Reading an Object This lab encourages students to explore the meaning and purpose of museums. Old Town (in the Becoming BC gallery) provides a window into the past and offers an opportunity to examine which stories the museum presents and with what objects. Students will be encouraged to ask questions
For more information and to purchase tickets visit royalbcmuseum.bc.ca/calendar
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Learning Lab continued...
and think critically about the importance of heritage and the role of preservation in nurturing an understanding of the past. October to June The Ceremony and Science of Seasons This lab will explore the social studies and science of the seasons with a focus on First Peoples’ perspectives. How do First Peoples view the 13 phases of the moon in a lunar
cycle? When is it safe to harvest the bark of a cedar tree? Why do frogs signify the arrival of spring? These questions and many more will be addressed at this lab in the museum’s First Peoples and Natural History galleries and the Our Living Languages exhibition. Recommended for students K–3. October to June Let’s Talk This lab is up to you. Give us a sense of what you want, and we’ll work with you to
create something that fits your class’s needs. If your class is visiting from outside Greater Victoria, we can provide an introduction to the museum and behind-the-scenes access while leaving plenty of time for open exploration of the galleries. Contact Chris O’Connor, learning program developer, at coconnor@royalbcmuseum.bc.ca for more information. March to June
Trailhead Tuesdays and Thursdays
If you are bringing your class on a self-guided visit to the museum, consider coming on a Tuesday or Thursday. From April to June, we will have activity stations with trained volunteer educators set up specifically for classes. Our Tuesday theme, Thinking like a Historian, will offer thought-provoking activities in the Becoming BC gallery to encourage students in the process of making sense of history. Our Thursday theme, Thinking like a Scientist, will involve exciting hands-on activities in the Natural History gallery, inviting students to consider the different ways scientists understand the world. 26
For more information and to purchase tickets visit royalbcmuseum.bc.ca/calendar
Teacher Professional Development Sessions
How Can We Help? Accessing the Museum as a Learning Resource Looking for an engaging field trip? Wondering how you can use the museum to enrich your classroom? Join us at this daylong professional development workshop for current and aspiring educators. Build an awareness of cultural diversity and protocols, discover curricular connections to our collections and galleries and learn how to incorporate museum thinking in the classroom. May 4 or 18 I 9:00 am – 2:00 pm $40 per participant | Designed for both classroom and community educators
Inquiry Guides
We offer self-guided resources for the core galleries and special exhibitions. Look for ageappropriate K–2, 3–7 and 8–12 scaled guides on our website.
For more information and to purchase tickets visit royalbcmuseum.bc.ca/calendar
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Home Learners Series Collect/Connect/Correct Museums collect objects and specimens to better understand who we are and where we are in the world. In this way, stuff matters. But people do as well. Who makes the decisions on what to collect? What are the ethics of collecting? How is data from collection material interpreted and communicated to the public?
In this spring Home Learners block, we will dig deep into the Natural History collection, investigating the people and things that help tell the story of British Columbia. Home Learners will also have an opportunity to make their own collections and tell their own stories. April 9, 16, 23, 30 10:00 am – 12:00 pm $75 per participant for the series For ages 9–14
Digital Field Trips
Can’t get here in person? No problem. We offer Digital Field Trips so classrooms can make connections with the museum in conjunction with the new curricula. All Digital Field Trips include pre- and post-visit support. Digital Field Trips are also available to community groups and learners of all ages. Contact Liz Crocker, learning program developer, at lcrocker@royalbcmuseum.bc.ca for more information. Tuesdays to Thursdays $60 to $99 per program
Outreach
At the Royal BC Museum we aim to make our collections, research and expertise available to everyone, including those who can’t visit the museum in person. In addition to browsing our website, making digital visits and exploring the Learning Portal, you can also borrow real stuff and meet real people. There are outreach boxes for schools, seniors and community organizations. For a list of outreach boxes and to learn more about our handling collection, visit our website now, royalbcmuseum .bc.ca/learn/outreach. 28
For more information and to purchase tickets visit royalbcmuseum.bc.ca/calendar
GALLERY PROGRAMS
Check our website for tour topics, times and meeting locations. These tours are included with admission or membership.
Hands-On in the Galleries
Check out our ongoing activities and the Closer Look stations located throughout our galleries, hosted by our knowledgeable volunteers.
Behind-the-Scenes Tours
Gallery Tours
Join us year-round for engaging volunteer-led tours through our core galleries and learn about the fascinating natural history and human history of BC.
Staff-Led Tours
If you want to explore even further, book a special staff-led tour of the galleries. Year-round $80 per group of 10 $10 per person for additional guests
Home Is Where the Heart Is: Understanding Immigrant Experiences in British Columbia’s History This tour will explore histories of immigrant communities in British Columbia and their immense contributions to the development of the province and nation. Uncover complicated narratives of settlement, intercultural communication and historical wrongdoings represented (or not) in the museum’s galleries.
Experience the working environments of our talented researchers and staff. Tours are limited to 10 people. For more information and to purchase tickets visit royalbcmuseum.bc.ca/calendar
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Infinite Identities: Unravelling Gender What is gender, anyway? How is it reflected in our ongoing understanding of history, place and belonging? Why do we associate certain traits with certain genders, and what does that mean for cisgender, transgender, gender-neutral and genderqueer people? This tour considers these questions while searching the Becoming BC gallery for community representation and discussing what meaningful inclusion looks like in a museum context.
Learning from Legends Storytelling is the mechanism of history, especially in Indigenous cultures. Join us on this tour to listen to oral histories and legends of First Peoples in British Columbia. You’ll hear stories of Thunderbird, Raven and other supernatural beings as you explore the First Peoples gallery and the Our Living Languages exhibition.
LiteraTour The landscapes and events represented at the Royal BC Museum are a powerful influence on Canadian literature. Natural and human history pass from past to page thanks to authors such as Emily Carr, who worked in verse as well as watercolour, and Alice Munro, with her haunting Canadian wildernesses. See the Royal BC Museum through the eyes of a writer and you’ll find stories wherever you look.
It’s hungry work discovering our province’s past! Visit the Royal BC Museum’s back courtyard to enjoy some of Victoria’s tastiest grub from local food trucks including DeadBeetz, Rolling Reef, Puerto Vallarta Amigos, The Love Perogy and Yummy Truck, plus beer and wine from Truffles Catering. Learn more > 30
For more information and to purchase tickets visit royalbcmuseum.bc.ca/calendar
For more information and to purchase tickets visit royalbcmuseum.bc.ca/calendar
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From the adorable to the elegant, this exhibition showcases award-winning images that tell astonishing stories of our natural world while pushing the boundaries of technical skill.
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Detail © Sergey Gorshkov
The 100 winning photos are backlit on a large scale for maximum impact, a dramatic setting for some of the world’s most respected nature photographers and wildlife experts. Young photographer categories also feature budding talents, while special categories tell stories of the natural world’s beauty and struggles.
For more information and to purchase tickets visit royalbcmuseum.bc.ca/calendar
Detail © Qing Lin
Detail © Laura Albiac Vilas
A visitor favourite, Wildlife Photographer of the Year returns with a brand new selection of 100 of the most stunning images from around the world.
EXHIBITION ON NOW UNTIL APRIL 2, 2018
PURCHASE TICKETS NOW >
Experience a time when civilization grew along the Nile, pyramids dotted the skyline and people believed gods walked among us. With more than 300 original artifacts, some an astounding 4,500 years old, this exhibition covers all aspects of ancient Egyptian life, from the emergence of ancient Egyptian civilization along the Nile to the Ptolemaic and Roman eras. Be among the first in North America to see this staggering exhibition’s priceless ancient artifacts, such as the coffin of Nakht, an exceptional bust of Hatshepsut and an ornate gold and garnet necklace from the Ptolemaic period. The exhibition has been produced as a joint venture between Lokschuppen Rosenheim, the University of Aberdeen Museums, the Roemer- und Pelizaeus Museums Hildesheim and MuseumsPartner Austria.
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For more information and to purchase tickets visit royalbcmuseum.bc.ca/calendar
THE TIME OF PHARAOHS
EXHIBITION OPEN MAY 18 – DEC 31, 2018 PURCHASE TICKETS >
This groundbreaking exhibition celebrates the resilience and diversity of First Nations languages in BC in the face of change. Learn what First Nations communities throughout the province are doing to help their languages survive and flourish, in this beautifully designed exhibition space featuring original First Nations artwork and interactive stations. In partnership with
Proudly sponsored by
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For more information and to purchase tickets visit royalbcmuseum.bc.ca/calendar
EXHIBITION ON NOW
PURCHASE TICKETS NOW >
ONLINE EXHIBITIONS
The Learning Portal
Discover BC through the lens of the museum’s extensive collections, research and partnerships, all in one place. The Learning Portal is a dynamic and intuitive online resource designed to engage visitors in a variety of ways. Featuring spectacular audio and video content, fascinating images and compelling articles, the Learning Portal encourages imagination, engagement and curiosity. Follow your curiosity now >
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Curious: An Online Journal
Curious connects you to the stories that matter through highquality, museum-related articles and media. In the journal’s most honest and heartfelt issue yet, Belongings, we present First Nations perspectives on the Royal BC Museum and Archives collections. The issue features a dynamic collection of personal stories from artists, educators and writers from across Canada. Explore online now >
For more information and to purchase tickets visit royalbcmuseum.bc.ca/calendar
100 Objects of Interest Our mission is to promote an understanding of the living landscapes and cultures of British Columbia. From the wild to the weird, the objects in our collections speak volumes, helping us to understand our past, present and future. Handpicked from among more than 6,000,000 objects in our collection, 100 Objects of Interest presents 100 highlights from the museum and archives. Explore online now >
For more information and to purchase tickets visit royalbcmuseum.bc.ca/calendar
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PUBLICATIONS
Kwädąy Dän Ts’ìnchį Teachings from Long Ago Person Found Edited by Richard J. Hebda, Sheila Greer and Alexander P. Mackie $49.95 I ISBN 978-0-7726-6699-4
Many years ago, a young man set out on a voyage through the mountains but failed to reach his destination. The discovery of the Kwädąy Dän Ts’ìnchį man raised many questions but his remains, preserved in glacial ice, offered answers, too. This comprehensive collaboration describes not only a portrait of an individual and his world, but also how diverse ways of knowing can complement each other to provide new understanding of our complex histories.
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For more information and to purchase tickets visit royalbcmuseum.bc.ca/calendar
The Sustainability Dilemma Essays on British Columbia Forest and Environmental History $34.95 ISBN 978-0-7726-6974-2
Aliens Among Us Invasive Animals and Plants in British Columbia $19.95 ISBN 978-0-7726-6853-0
The Language of Family Stories of Bonds and Belonging Edited by Michelle van der Merwe
Highlights
$27.95 I ISBN 978-0-7726-7052-6
In this superb collection of personal narratives, poems and essays, twenty contributors from across British Columbia —museum curators, writers and thinkers young and old from First Nations, LGBTQ, Japanese Canadian and Indo Canadian communities, among others—share their vastly differing perspectives on what family means. It’s sure to provoke, tease and infuriate. Isn’t that what family does best?
Royal British Columbia Museum and Archives $14.95 ISBN 978-0-7726-6733-5
These Royal BC Museum publications, along with many others, are available for purchase online, at the Royal Museum Shop or at your local bookstore.
Shop now > For more information and to purchase tickets visit royalbcmuseum.bc.ca/calendar
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ACCESSIBILITY
Greater Victoria Public Leisure Library Culture and Assistant’s Pass With presentation of a Recreation Pass
Every year the Royal BC Museum provides 20 complimentary Family Memberships to the Greater Victoria Public Library for the Culture and Recreation Pass program. The memberships are available on loan for a week to anyone with a Greater Victoria Public Library card.
Leisure Assistant’s Pass (provided through Recreation Integration Victoria), an assistant accompanying a person with a disability receives complimentary admission to the museum and to the IMAX Theatre.
Proudly sponsored by
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For more information and to purchase tickets visit royalbcmuseum.bc.ca/calendar
First Nations
The Royal BC Museum acknowledges it’s location in the traditional territories of the Lekwungen (Songhees and Xwsepsum) First Nations. BC residents identifying as First Nations receive complimentary access to the museum during regular operating hours. Please see the admissions desk for more information.
School Programs
The Royal BC Museum is an institution that values a sense of discovery and nurtures a community of learners. Exchange and dialogue form the foundation of learning the deptartment here at the Royal BC Museum. Our offerings are tailored to students and teachers with a range of interests in content and museum engagement, from guided school tours to self-guided inquiry sheets and from professional development day offerings for teachers to gallery animation stations. We accept bookings for BC school groups Tuesdays through Sundays by contacting our booking office at rbcm _groups@royalbcmuseum.bc.ca
For more information and to purchase tickets visit royalbcmuseum.bc.ca/calendar
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Contact the Royal BC Museum More information about Royal BC Museum exhibitions, galleries, collections, programs, research and publications and corporate information is available at: royalbcmuseum.bc.ca Royal BC Museum 675 Belleville Street, Victoria, BC V8W 9W2 250-356-RBCM (7226) Toll-free: 1-888-447-7977 reception@royalbcmuseum.bc.ca
Support us
A donation to the museum and archives is an investment in British Columbia. The Royal BC Museum has an annual funding gap of 23 per cent. Donations help us fill this gap so that visitors can benefit from our collections and research. Consider making a donation today. Call 250-387-7222 or email donate@royalbcmuseum.bc.ca
Members get all the perks!
Members enjoy unlimited access to feature exhibitions, 10 per cent off programs and events, exclusive Kids’ Club program and more. Join now >
Stay connected
Subscribe to our free monthly E-Newsletter to receive updates on exhibitions, events and offers. Sign up now >
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Information correct at time of printing and subject to change. Please see website for the most up-to-date information. Prices do not include applicable taxes. Regular admission applies to the museum galleries and IMAX theatre unless otherwise noted.