Message from Our Executive Director

A Celebration of Life

It’s remarkable to think that 25 years ago I, along with thousands of others, watched as former Premiere Peter Lougheed officially opened the doors of the Royal Tyrrell Museum. As I sat atop the hill just across from the Museum’s front entrance I had no idea that one day I would guide this amazing group of people and as we become integral part of Alberta’s heritage and history.

One year after the Museum opened I was hired as collections manager and curator of fossil fishes and through the years I found my way to the office of Executive Director. During my time here I’ve come to realize that an organization’s strength is its resources, particularly the staff. Creative, dedicated, and committed sums up the profiles of my colleagues past and present.

 

When Dr. David Baird, our founding director, conceived the plans for the Museum he gave us the theme “A Celebration of Life”; he maintained that fossils are not dead things but rather beautiful evidence of the fascinating diversity of life on Earth. For 25 years the Royal Tyrrell Museum has remained committed to this theme, and to telling Alberta’s story with scholarship, design, and a sense of fun.

 

Our new exhibit, Alberta Unearthed: 25 stories of discovery, celebrates the people, places and specimens that made us a world-renowned research institute and top tourism destination. As we reflect on past accomplishments we also look forward to what lies ahead--many more years of discovery, and many new and innovative ways to share those discoveries with you, our visitors.

 

It has been a great 25 years, and we are excited to move forward with you.