RAM Blog
RAM Blog
![Black and white photo of 18 Japanese Canadian workers in a sugar beet field](/sites/default/files/2024-05/Japanese%20Sugar%20Beet%20Workers%20-%20webcrop_0.png)
Bringing Buddhism to Southern Alberta
Learn about the history of Japanese Canadians who worked together to create the Picture Butte Buddhist Church
![A close up of white lacey fabric on a black background](/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/2024-02/Picture4%20-%20embroidery.jpg?itok=NEZ5ahx1)
Mme Corbière`s Cutwork
In honour of Francophonie Month, join us on a journey through the intricate Richelieu-style cutwork designs of Amandine Corbiere
![A black and white photo of Lossie Lane and Ivy Beaver. The photo is super-imposed over a close-up of Lossie Lane's Wagon Wheel Quilt.](/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/2024-01/LossieLaneQuilt2_800x600.jpeg.jpg?itok=1y1zhf8m)
The Lossie Lane Quilt: A Testimony of Friendship Between Two Black Pioneer Settlers
A story about Black Pioneer Lossie Lane, her love of quilting, and her friendship with Ivy Beaver.
![a nest box high in a tree](/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/2023-08/blog-two-curators-card.jpg?itok=Ma65oeqt)
A Tale of Two Curators
Find out why an Ornithologist and Quaternary Palaeontologist are working together to study local nesting boxes.
![Members of Quaternary Palaeontology walk along the river bank.](/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/2023-07/blog-mammoth-hunting-card.jpg?itok=bW1qB9c-)
A Modern-day Mammoth Search Party
Our Quaternary Palaeontology team recently explored the river valley.
![A small black sawfly sitting atop a bright, green leaf. A small red arrow points to the sawfly's rear ovipostor (leg).](/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/2023-06/Fenusa_ulmi%201.png.jpg?itok=hOaKmOKs)
(Bio-)Diversity reloaded: the adventures of a citizen scientist in Edmonton
How citizen scientists can help expand our knowledge of Alberta biodiversity
![A brown piece of tanned hide featuring beaded flowers in blues, pinks and reds. The hide shape has a flat bottom and curved top.](/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/2023-06/beaded%20hide.jpg?itok=R9VxZp6Y)
Appreciation or appropriation?
How do we know if we're appreciating or appropriating culture?
![The Nadeau Quilt](/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/2023-03/Nadeau_Wedding_quilt.jpg?itok=lIk1b765)
The Eastern Star Comes to Alberta
For Francophonie Month, we dive into the story of early Alberta settler Diana Nadeau, and the special quilt she brought along for the journey.
![An orange and green-coloured Western Painted Turtle swims under water](/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/2022-10/Western%20Painted%20Turtle%20-%20swim.jpg?itok=xJ8czpkb)
Meet Alberta's Turtle
Meet the Western Painted Turtle this Reptile Awareness Day
![Close up of a variegated lady beetle.](/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/2022-10/Variegated%20Lady%20Beetle%203%20800x600.jpg?itok=aqeLl-Pq)
Meet your new neighbour!
There is a new lady beetle in Alberta called Hippodamia variegata, aka the Varigated Lady Beetle.
![An illustration of small people building a wacky, train-shaped machine, standing on a platform, and holding a flag.](/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/2022-10/SciLitWeek%20Crop.jpg?itok=O3Wm7b_d)
RAM Recommends: Science Literacy Week 2022
A list of resources to dig into Science Literacy Week
![Historic black and white image of a gold panner using a sluice.](/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/2022-09/Photo5280_800x600.jpg?itok=72byAGfv)
Buried Treasure – panning for gold in Edmonton’s river valley
Dig into the history of gold panning in Edmonton and learn how to pan for gold yourself!
![Maricopodynerus 1](/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/2022-06/Maricopodynerus%201.jpg?itok=SX3XHdzf)
Uncovering natural treasures
A new wasp discovery in Canada
![Sliver scissors trimming a small green tuft](/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/2022-06/Tufting_800x600.png.jpg?itok=Mwpo_n3m)
Indigenous Artistry Video Series
Our new video series capturing the beauty of Indigenous artistry from beading and quillwork to tufting and fish scale art.
![Three seeds from Alberta](/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/2022-05/Seeds-twitter.jpg?itok=NRkjcV3w)
What can seeds teach us about forests?
Seeds are essential pieces in a forest ecosystem.
![Dr. Corlett stands beside a rock formation.](/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/2022-02/Dr.%20Corlett_1.JPG.jpg?itok=5pq3priE)
Women in STEM: Challenges and Barriers
Despite the relative increase in women in science in Canada and around the world, they still face challenges and barriers.
![A close-up image of beaded flowers from a Métis octopus bag](/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/2022-01/IS_July27_20.jpg?itok=tBDlcEwr)
The artistry of an Octopus Bag
Octopus bags, named for their eight legs, are a beautiful representation of love.
![The Carillon Room, where RAM began. A domed roof hangs over a number of display cases housing artifacts](/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/2021-12/RAM%20History%20-%20Carillon%201.jpg?itok=f5AJeScm)
The History of RAM
Take a look at some of the milestones the Royal Alberta Museum achieved over the years.
![Collage of photos from drag queen events.](/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/2021-10/when-drag-queens-charitable-e1630946683164.jpg?itok=jNe4svCJ)
Telling the untold; preserving LGBTQ2S+ history in Alberta
Highlighting work done by local historians across Alberta to preserve LGBTQ2S+ history.
![A grouping of garter snakes hibernating together](/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/2021-10/Snakes.png.jpg?itok=8cxn09AA)
Get to know garter snakes
Learn about Alberta's most common snake species: the Garter snake
![A rainbow Pride flag laid flat on a white table.](/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/2021-10/H13.92.1_1.jpg?itok=haSxtwYd)
Stories to Tell: Collecting Alberta’s LGBTQ2S+ History
Collecting Alberta’s LGBTQ2S+ History
![Illustrated book cover for Compost Stew. Depicting a woman behind a large container. She has on gardening gloves and a hat. A dog and duck join her.](/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/2021-09/Compost%20Stew.jpg?itok=hDpe-mUn)
Science Literacy Week Resource List
A resources list to learn more about this year's Science Literacy Week theme of climate change
![A quilted piece of fabric depicting a white mammoth lays on a wooden table next to an antique sewing machine, thread, scissors and sewing pins.](/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/2021-08/QuiltAMammoth-5.jpg?itok=SUrL247s)
How to Quilt a Mammoth
Learn how to quilt your own mammoth! Plus, learn about the quilts in RAM's collection
![Three cans of "tornado dust" with labels sharing statistics of the 1987 Black Friday tornado](/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/2021-07/Tornado%20dust%203%20cans.jpg?itok=R750LuZX)
Lightning in a bottle
How can a museum capture the story of the devastating 1987 Black Friday tornado?
![Script certificates were issued to many Métis applicants that could be redeemed for land or money to by land.](/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/2021-07/Picture1.jpg?itok=4DXTxDrJ)
History comes to Life
By Maria Nelson, former RAM Indigenous Student Museum Intern
![Jessica Sanderson-Barry](/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/2022-05/JShine-crop.jpg?itok=3xQxqK1E)
Get to know: Jessica Sanderson-Barry
My name is Jess Sanderson-Barry, a nêhiyaw-iskwêw and mother from Chakastaypasin Band, Treaty Six Territory.
![Camel skeleton mounted at the museum](/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/2021-08/camel%20pic.jpg?itok=cus-jc5p)
Camels... in Alberta?
By Kristine Fedyniak, Assistant Curator, Archaeology, and Chris Jass, Curator, Quaternary Palaeontology
![Bella Twin reading](/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/2022-02/bellaTwinYoutube.png.jpg?itok=AvqLDAI6)
Bella Twin and the Grizzly Bear
Do you love a good story like we do?
![A rainbow Pride flag laid flat on a white table.](/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/2021-10/H13.92.1_1.jpg?itok=haSxtwYd)
Pride Month Reading List
We reached out to The Pride Centre of Edmonton, and Calgary Outlink for their favourite book recommendations.
![a honey bee on a dandelion](/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/2021-08/HONEYBEE-ON-DANDELION-300.jpg?itok=Oi6P6cyt)
Are these invasive or just introduced?
Why are invasive species harmful? And why don’t all introduced species become invasive?
![photo of George Yee's certificate](/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/2021-08/head-tax-certificate.jpg?itok=uSowFDEx)
Chinese Head tax: George Yee’s story
By Julia Petrov, Curator, Daily Life and Leisure, And Matthew Ostapchuk, Acting Curator, Military and Government History
![Muriel Stanley Venne](/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/2021-08/aoe-muriel-stanley-venne.jpg?itok=irS7STyq)
Challenging Women of Alberta
In honour of this year's International Women's Day theme, we’re honouring seven women who challenged gender bias and inequality in Albert.
![A black and white photo of FIl Fraser, Canada's first black broadcaster, sitting in a radio room. In front of him sits a cake with the words "the informer" in icing on top.](/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/2022-05/Fil-Fraser.3.jpg?itok=rIOqoItS)
Fil Fraser, Canada's First Black Broadcaster
Fil Fraser (1932-2017) was a pioneering Black Canadian broadcaster, journalist, author, producer, humanitarian, and educator.
![chocolates that look like Gray Wolf poo](/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/2021-09/2%20Wolf.jpg?itok=n7X-WDIf)
How to make chocolate poops for Valentine's Day
How about making these animal poop chocolates inspired by the real poop of iconic Alberta animals!
![A black and white photograph of Hatti, owner of the Harlem Chicken Inn](/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/2022-01/Hattis%204.jpg?itok=a_I_V2RD)
Black History in Alberta
These stories, while often underrepresented or unknown, are essential to seeing the full picture of Canada’s and Alberta’s history.
![insert the bridge pencil](/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/2021-08/banjo%2014%20-%20insert%20bridge%20%28pencil%29.jpg?itok=gdeoJZ00)
Build a banjo and jam out!
Follow in the tradition of these musicians, and make your own instrument!
![A close up photo of La Pouchine, a traditional Metis dish. This baked good is filled with raisins and covered with a sticky sweet topping](/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/2022-05/20201213_184745.jpg?itok=8Ux2EfIC)
A Pudding by Any Name: La Pouchine
Truly a pudding by any name, this Métis recipe varies, as well from family to family. It is incredibly easy to make.
![MG08/15 machine gun, serial 6041](/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/2021-09/Machine%20Gun.png.jpg?itok=RpuVmf0N)
Remembering
Objects can be powerful sources for remembering.
![Archie Calliou, age sixteen, holding a rifle at a training base in Ontario, probably Petawawa. Photograph courtesy of Dorothy Calliou.](/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/2021-09/IMAGE%201%20Archie%20Calliou%20-%20resized.jpg?itok=8ACAfl7P)
"The legend lives on"
By Emma Knight, Assistant Curator, Indigenous Studies, and Matt Ostapchuk, Curator, Military and Government History
![ringlets](/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/2023-02/ragsRingletsCard.jpg?itok=cxifiFvZ)
From Rags, to Ringlets
By Nancy Nickolson, Family Programs Coordinator, and Julia Petrov, Acting Head of History
![Photo of Hills of Peace](/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/2021-09/Goatman%20podcast%203.JPG.jpg?itok=zKWtAfph)
It came from summer camp...
My earliest memories of camp include rolling hills, the cool lake, quaint cabins, and the monster that terrorized it all: Goatman.
![plant press](/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/2021-09/Pressed%20Plants%20-%20press%20sandwich.jpg?itok=rzNIlOSd)
Squish it Flat!
Read on to discover more about the botany collections at RAM, and how to start pressing your own plants!
![Bison video](/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/2022-02/bisonYoutube.png.jpg?itok=6Myq8mF2)
Following the footsteps of bison
By Mark Edwards, Curator, Mammalogy
![Nancy holding hardtack](/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/2021-09/Nancy%20and%20Hardtack.jpg?itok=zlIqEd7h)
Eat like a soldier
Taste a piece of history by making some hardtack of your own!
![Why are these yellow birds turning red?](/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/2022-02/birdsYoutube.png.jpg?itok=O5XH5X3b)
Why are these yellow birds turning red?
Join Dr. Jocelyn Hudon, RAM Curator of Ornithology, as he digs into this strange, colour-shifting phenomenon.
![imported oriental button](/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/2021-09/Button%207%20-%20imported%20oriental.jpg?itok=QuWn6Tkn)
Buttons! Small but Mighty
For as long as there has been clothing, it would seem that buttons were used to hold two pieces of fabric or fur together.
![Baltimore Oriole nest](/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/2021-09/Baltimore%20Oriole%20Nest%20%28string%29.jpg?itok=x437iJyn)
Nature's Weavers
Weavers have been making cloth for thousands of years, but birds have been weaving nests for much longer.
![two people looking at a phone app](/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/2021-08/June%2029%20-%20Languages%20app%20better.jpg?itok=DASpp0tT)
Keeping language alive - there's an app for that!
We’ve compiled a list of a number of Indigenous language apps and resources that reach across the generations.
![Residential Schools Youtube video](/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/2022-02/indigenousYoutube.png.jpg?itok=vYXfYz2q)
Indigenous History Resource List
Immerse yourself in the heritage, diversity and strength of Canada’s Indigenous Peoples.
![Tiffany Mayne, Florence Shone and Nancy Desjarlais, Edmonton, March 1st, 2018](/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/2021-10/H18.72.8_1.JPG.jpg?itok=nkYXo9lI)
Sixties Scoop: Stories of Loss, Strength, and Hope
By the Sixties Scoop Indigenous Society of Alberta, and Emma Knight, Assistant Curator, Indigenous Studies
![Time to Go](/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/2022-02/georgeYoutube.png.jpg?itok=5jjWaCZ2)
"Time to go, George!"
Have you ever heard of the goldfish club? What about the caterpillar club? If you're familiar with military or aviation history, these might ring a bell.
![Shi-shi-etko](/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/2021-08/ShiShiEtko.jpg?itok=rtW3o33e)
Indigenous Reading List
Our list includes everything from books to introduce your children to the history of residential schools, to understanding the Indian Act and Indigenous Rights.
![Dene Hand Game](/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/2022-02/deneHandGameYoutube.png.jpg?itok=uoykQXZy)
Na’h e’tse’ah: Dene Hand Game
Have you ever seen the Dene Tha’ hand game?
![Nancy sewing at an old sewing table](/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/2021-09/SEW_V_Thumb_web.jpg?itok=qr-qgZye)
An old-timey skill for a modern need
Why not dust off your own sewing machine and make a face mask?
![The Mysterious Gemstone Button Box](/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/2022-02/GemstoneYoutube.png.jpg?itok=oGZKHz-b)
The mysterious gemstone button box
During the move downtown, RAM staff discovered some strange – and extremely fancy! – boxes. Boxes with no keys, and no way to open them.
![Honour Songs, Melissa-Jo Belcourt Moses, 2017](/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/2021-10/MJ%20Shawl.jpg?itok=0zeandnY)
Honour Songs
Featuring the work of Melissa-Jo (MJ) Belcourt Moses. MJ is a Métis artist of Cree, Mohawk and French heritage from Lac Ste. Anne, Alberta.
![eyes](/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/2021-09/15b%20eyes.jpg?itok=axhvTKbB)
Making Do: Socks for Playtime
Make your very own soft toy to keep you company at home!
![Dinosaur teeth](/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/2022-02/dinosaurTeeth.png.jpg?itok=gbr84QtM)
Which dinosaur has the most unique teeth?
You probably feel like you know what dinosaur teeth looked like, right?
![A brunette woman stands holding a woven laundry basket. The words "An Alberta Invention. The fitted sheet (and how to fold one)](/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/2022-05/Fitted%20Sheet%20-%20YouTube%20Thumbnail.jpg?itok=He_9-4Od)
The fitted sheet - An Alberta invention, and folding nightmare
Did you know the fitted sheet was invented in Alberta?
![Chief's Daughter hat](/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/2021-10/Chief%27s%20Daughter%20Hat%20Small.jpg?itok=XObHAl4F)
The Chief’s Daughter - Creations for the Generations
Meet Karli Crowshoe of the Chief’s Daughter, and see her hat that is now a part of the RAM Collection
![Illustrated animals stand around a sign that says "Moe's Big Adventure"](/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/2022-05/colouring%20book%20-%20crop.png.jpg?itok=C95nB4L4)
Join Moe on a Mammoth Adventure
Download our activity book for museum fun at home!
![Photo courtesy: Jamie Kraft](/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/2021-10/Locock_Bowerman_Concretions%202020.jpg?itok=dld4aqCP)
Mysteries in Mudstone
What could this mysterious discovery be?
![Archie Calliou's guitar and photo](/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/2021-10/Calliou.jpg?itok=FSQeUZl3)
Next stop: Nashville
Meet Indigenous musicians Harry Rusk and Archie Calliou
![3D photo of a Northern Saw Whet Owl](/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/2021-10/Northern-Saw-Whet-Owl.jpg?itok=OQv9HAqA)
Explore our collection – in 3D!
Check out 3D models of artifacts, specimens, and dioramas from the RAM collection
![RAM Curator Diana T and her daughter Sia sit in a lab talking about science](/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/2021-11/IDWGS%20Thumbnail.png.jpg?itok=xrc-bE5T)
International Day of Women and Girls in Science
Celebrate International Day of Women and Girls in Science with RAM Curator Diana Tirlea and her daughter Sia
![Hatti Melton, owner of Hatti's Harlem Chicken Inn. Photo courtesy Debbie Beaver](/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/2021-08/Harlem%20Chicken%20Inn005.jpg?itok=ra2q37YG)
Hatti's Harlem Chicken Inn
Head into the famous chicken joint, Hatti's Harlem Chicken Inn
![RAM Curator Chris J opens a cupboard in the RAM collections storage](/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/2021-11/Fossil%20Thumbnail.png.jpg?itok=As7JhQFG)
Fossil Fanatic: explore Ice Age fossils with Dr. Chris Jass
Head into the Quaternary Palaeontology collection room with Dr. Chris Jass.
![selection of hats from the collection](/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/2021-10/Picture1.png.jpg?itok=7aDKsr1U)
Hooray for Hats!
In honour of National Hat Day, come check out all the great hats in the RAM collection.
![Ornithology curator Jocelyn Hudon](/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/2021-10/jocelyn.jpg?itok=TUexCVeb)
Fly through our ornithology collection
January 5 is National Bird Day! Check out some of the great specimens in our Ornithology collection.
![RAM Curator Matt O smiles toward the camera, holding a small box in his hands.](/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/2021-11/Unboxing-thumbnail.png.jpg?itok=mVcu5XqS)
Unboxing! 7 new coins in the RAM collection [Video]
Unbox some impressive new coins in the RAM collection.
![lobby view of mammoths and airplane](/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/2021-10/15.jpg?itok=gbPxTEjw)
Curating your ultimate RAM visit
Whether you're a nature-lover, a history buff, or a kiddo with energy to burn, we'll help you plan your RAM visit.
![Brown shelves hold stacks of vintage toys.](/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/2022-05/vintage-toys-crop.jpg?itok=PhqwpodU)
Intangible Alberta and the Magic Vintage Toys of Christmas Morning
Remember your favourite toy when you were young? Remember how it felt almost magical?
![A spooky shadowy face of a mannequin doll.](/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/2022-05/Halloween%20Special%20-crop.jpg?itok=mjzjluTt)
Ghosts in the Vault - An Intangible Alberta Halloween Special
With a collection of 2.5 million objects going back millions of years, we’re bound to have a few ghosts in our cabinets, right?
![Inside of a video rental store](/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/2021-10/video-stores.jpg?itok=mfK6tSFt)
Intangible Alberta: Be kind, please remind... me about video rental stores!
Video rentals stores are slowly becoming relics of the past, but few still remain in Alberta.
![logo for the Intangible Alberta podcast.](/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/2021-06/Intangible_Alberta_logo.png.jpg?itok=WO3JLz62)
Welcome to Intangible Alberta – the podcast!
Dive into Alberta's stories beyond the exhibit cases.
![Two hand-made birch baskets sit on a table](/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/2022-05/BasketTree2-crop.jpg?itok=MlD5ZoaE)
The Basket Tree (Part 2)
In Part Two of this blog series, Skye teaches how to construct a birch bark basket.
![peeling bark from a tree](/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/2021-08/tumblr_3d1e99c0f253448007ae4875780172fc_8dce99f8_640.jpg?itok=2v9hjhH3)
Barking Up the Right Tree (Part 1)
Follow along with former ISMI intern Skye and learn about harvesting birch bark to make baskets.
![a high-heel shoe](/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/2021-08/tumblr_inline_pbtbrngiIn1sk2qml_1280.jpg?itok=UIgZtoGX)
An Unexpected Partnership
What happens when you combine museum objects, X-rays, and the bomb squad?
![A black and white photo of a long, white building that once housed Hatti's Harlem Chicken Inn](/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/2022-01/Hattis%201.jpg?itok=mwuTbt_S)
The Chicken Inn across the road
Go back in time to eat at Hatti's Harlem Chicken Inn
![A historical photo of Paul beaver’s ancestral home, up the road from Campsie. His grandparents, Walker and Ivy Beaver, built the house in 1936.](/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/2021-08/WellBlog%20-%20Beavers%20Homestead%20Campsie.jpg?itok=LO3g9mlk)
A Well of History
Travel back in time to visit the communities of Alberta's early Black settlers.
![A close-up photo of a hand wearing an orange plastic glove, holding a long q-tip, wiping the cotton end of the Q-tip against a dark rock.](/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/2022-06/Concretion%207.jpg?itok=e1AIH0f8)
Museum’s famed “finger rock” gets a spit polish
What's the best way to clean a concretion? The answer may surprise you...