February may be coming to an end, but our love of reading sure isn’t! In this video, our resident Book Girly, Cortney, shows us some of her favourite items in the museum’s book collection – a comic strip series about the life of Louis Riel.
Only a small percentage of the 2.9 million artifacts and specimens in the Museum Collection are able to be displayed at one time. The rest are kept carefully preserved in collections storage, but that doesn’t just mean they’re just piled on shelves or in cupboards out of sight. Everything is carefully stored to ensure its preserved for as long as possible, and for some artifacts that means keeping them cold!
Find out why cold storage is important for preserving certain artifacts in this video with Senior Conservator Carolyn Sirett.
You might be surprised to learn that cougars are found in Manitoba, but they’ve likely existed here for thousands of years!
In this video, join Dr. Randy Mooi in the Parklands Gallery to learn about the features that make this animal such a powerful predator.
A birthday card, photograph, diary, or hand-written note – these little archival pieces can be some of the most treasured fragments of family history. Small and unassuming, paper objects tend to get pushed to the back of drawers where they become crinkled, creased, folded, and stained. The good news is that it does not require an archival conservation lab to preserve these historic heirlooms. With a few simple Conservator tips these pieces can last for many generations to come.
In the same way that Conservators control the environment in a storage vault of the Museum, the location of where to store these collections in your home is the first place to start. It is best to avoid an attic or basement where temperature and humidity can fluctuate, leading to possible mould or insect damage. A combination of a stable environment, away from outdoor walls, off the floor, and away from any heat sources will help the preservation of personal memorabilia.
Image: Senior Conservator Carolyn Sirett repairing a map from WWII that was once folded and taped together.
In addition to an optimal environment, adding a second layer of protection to your archival assets is beneficial. Paper is a porous material, and will inherently absorb anything that surrounds it, this can include odours, colours, and acids. A method Conservators use to keep these deterioration factors at bay includes the use of storage enclosures. When choosing a box or paper folder as a storage enclosure make sure to choose a product that is lignin-free, acid-free, and buffered. Additional tips include removing staples or paper clips that can rust over time, and if choosing to use plastic enclosures make sure they are made of polypropylene or polyethylene.
Poor storage environments can cause staining, tears, and mould on sensitive archival documents.
Examples of archival storage enclosures used to keep collections preserved.
Our personal collections are important in different ways and can spark memories of events or people once cherished. Preserving these physical memories can be done without breaking the bank, and with a few small steps anyone can ensure they last into the future.
Happy International Day of Women and Girls in Science! Join Rhianna in the Science Gallery as she conducts an experiment to separate hydrogen peroxide to create elephant toothpaste!
Want to try this experiment at home? Follow along.
You’ll need:
Note: This is NOT real toothpaste and should not be consumed by humans or animals.
Do you know how to tell the difference between a mammoth and a mastodon? Check out their smile!
In this video Erin shows us the differences between mammoth and mastodon teeth.
With a variety of ecosystems across our province, Manitoba also has a fascinating variety of rare plants. You might not think of sand dunes as the most hospitable of environments, but some plants know how thrive there!
In this video Dr. Diana Bizecki Robson shows us some of the rare plants that make their homes in sand dunes.
Treaty No. 1 Territory – Winnipeg, MB: January 28, 2025 – The Manitoba Museum has announced The Honourable Murray Sinclair as distinguished honouree at the 20th Annual Tribute Gala, taking place on Thursday, April 17, 2025. This celebratory evening will recognize his outstanding contributions to justice, reconciliation, and the preservation of Indigenous knowledge and cultures in Canada.
As a trailblazer in the legal field and a prominent advocate for Indigenous rights, The Honourable Murray Sinclair dedicated his life and career to building understanding and advancing truth and reconciliation. As Chair of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada (TRC), his leadership played a pivotal role in documenting the history and legacy of residential schools, the stories of survivors and honouring the children who never came home. Murray Sinclair paved a path and outlined actionable steps toward a more equitable future.
“We are deeply grateful for the privilege of recognizing The Honourable Murray Sinclair for his tireless efforts to create a more inclusive and just society,” said Dorota Blumczyńska, CEO of the Manitoba Museum. “His unwavering commitment to truth, reconciliation, and education shaped the Museum’s work and helped to transform many of our galleries. In his memory, we will continue to inspire discovery and understanding of Manitoba’s many diverse cultures and vibrant heritage. His is a light that will forever shine.”
Funds raised through the Tribute Gala support the Manitoba Museum’s Access for All initiative by removing financial, social, and cultural barriers to visitation. One of the key components of Access for All is providing Manitobans with access to the Museum at no charge – community members who would otherwise not have the opportunity to experience the Museum’s incredible spaces and stories. Through this initiative, the Museum aims to further engage new audiences in memorable learning experiences and create a place that belongs to all Manitobans.
“This year marks the 20th anniversary of the Tribute Gala, a milestone that fills us with gratitude for the unwavering support of our communities, donors, members, staff, and partners. Building understanding, inspiring curiosity, and creating a more inclusive and accessible Manitoba is only possible when we do it together. Here, at your Manitoba Museum, every story is honoured and celebrated,” said Zoë McQuinn, Director of Fund Development at the Manitoba Museum.
The Manitoba Museum’s 20th Annual Tribute Gala will take place in Alloway Hall on April 17, 2025. For information on reserving tables, purchasing tickets, exploring sponsorship opportunities, or donating to the Access for All community initiative, please visit our webpage or contact Cassidy Nicholls at CNicholls@ManitobaMuseum.ca or 204-988-0629.
The Honourable Murray Sinclair or Mizanay (Mizhana) Gheezhik-iban, meaning “The One Who Speaks of Pictures in the Sky” in Anishinaabemowin, CC, OM, Chief Commissioner of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada, lawyer, judge, senator (born in 1951 in Selkirk, MB; died 4 November 2024 in Winnipeg, MB). Called to the Manitoba Bar in 1980, Murray Sinclair focused primarily on civil and criminal litigation, Indigenous law and human rights. In 1988, he became Manitoba’s first, and Canada’s second, Indigenous judge. Sinclair joined the Truth and Reconciliation Commission as its Chief Commissioner in 2009, before becoming a senator in 2016. He retired from the Senate in 2021 but continued to mentor Indigenous lawyers. The breadth of public service and community work completed by Sinclair demonstrates his commitment to Indigenous peoples in Canada. In recognition of his work, Sinclair was a Companion of the Order of Canada and received the Order of Manitoba.
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Media Contact:
Brandi Hayberg
Manager of Marketing & Communications
204-988-0614
BHayberg@ManitobaMusuem.ca
A new exhibit has prowled its way into the Parklands Gallery and we can’t wait for you to see it! This exhibit showcases the cougar and shares the story of a specific cat named SK10.
In this video, join Dr. Randy Mooi in the Gallery to learn more about how this elusive creature came to be at the Manitoba Museum.
When we have temporary closures, it gives staff like Senior Conservator Carolyn Sirett an opportunity to do maintenance on some of the most beloved aspects of the Manitoba Museum – the dioramas!
In this video, she takes us inside a few of the dioramas to chat about some of the conservation work they do to keep them preserved for years to come.
