Learning Opportunities

The AMA provides a variety of learning opportunities, including our Certificate in Museum Studies (CMS) program, a virtual webinar series, and other professional development opportunities.

To register for an open learning opportunity, please visit the Events page. 

 For more information about the AMA's Learning Programs, please contact learning@museums.ab.ca. 

Please note that these schedules are subject to change at the discretion of the AMA.

Upcoming CMS Courses

Exhibits (CMS 23 - 07)
February 6 - March 6, 2023
Combined asynchronous and synchronous, Online
Instructors: Manar Abo Touk and Kevin Zak

This course is now full. To be placed on the waitlist, please contact info@museums.ab.ca. 

This self-paced, module-based, combined asynchronous and synchronous course will run on the AMA's virtual learning platform from February 6 to March 6, 2023. The course includes four required live, virtual meetings with instructors Manar Abo Touk and Kevin Zak. The required virtual meetings will take place on February 9, 16, 23, and March 2, 2023, from 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.

The AMA is offering this course at a pilot rate of $100. This is in recognition that the course is a pilot and participants will be asked for additional evaluation and feedback about their experience with the virtual course. Please contact learning@museums.ab.ca for information about further discounted registration rates for Indigenous participants.

The AMA is currently reviewing the Certificate in Museum Studies Program to update courses to virtual learning opportunities and ensure the curriculum aligns with current standards and issues in the museum sector. 

Collections Management (CMS 23 - 04)
April 28 - 29, 2023
Blackfoot Crossing Historical Park, Siksika, AB
Instructor: Tim McShane

Collections are at the heart of a museum. Participants will learn about the policies, practices, and skills needed to manage museum collections. This course moves from broad concerns relating to public trust, cultural diversity, and planning through to issues in the areas of acquisitions, records management, and loans.

Preventive Conservation (CMS 23 - 06)
July 21 - 22, 2023
Canadian Energy Museum, Devon, AB
Instructors: Carmen Li & Alison Freake

This course is now full. To be placed on the waitlist, please contact info@museums.ab.ca. 

The measures taken to care for and preserve museum collections are of vital importance. This course provides an introduction to preventive conservation (the actions taken to delay the deterioration of objects or to protect them from potential damage). Topics covered will include care and handling of museum collections, storage, managing the museum's environment, and pest control.

Museum Governance (CMS 23 - 03) 
November 2023
Online
Instructors: TBD

As legally constituted organizations, museums must define their governing authorities and public trust responsibilities.  This course introduces the basic requirements for operating a museum. Topics covered include an explanation and identification of governing documents as well as governing authority, accountability, and fiduciary responsibilities. Content is augmented by significant attendee participation and case studies.

Registration TBD.                                  

Museums & Society (CMS 23 - 01) 
February 2024
Online
Instructors: TBD

This capstone course re-examines the fundamental purpose and role of museums in society with a focus on the big picture. How do museums go beyond doing everything right to doing the right thing? This course will tie together the content from the rest of the program to explore the museum's role in community engagement, social responsibility, sustainability, and museums as agents of social change.

Participants must receive credit in all seven other CMS courses before receiving credit in Museums and Society.

Registration will open December 2023.

Museum Management (CMS 23 - 02) 
August 2024
Online
Instructors: TBD

Participants will examine a range of activities needed to manage any museum, including planning, financial management, human resources, facilities management, public relations, marketing, risk management, and information management.

Registration will open June 2024.

2023 Virtual Webinar Series Schedule

The 2023 Webinar Series will feature online learning opportunities on a variety of topics scheduled for the last week of every month. The webinars are free for Individual and Institutional Members of the AMA. A $10 registration fee will apply for non-members. Registration opens a month in advance of each webinar.

FEBRUARY

Diversifying Revenue
Brent Platt, Senior Consultant and VP Atlantic, Global Philanthropic Canada

February 22, 2023
12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. MT
Online

Registration is now closed.

MARCH

Reconsidering Museums
Caroline Loewen, Communications Lead, Alberta Museums Association

March 29, 2023
12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. MT
Online

Registration is now closed.

APRIL

Finding Emerging Talent
Brooke Downey and Antonia Krajina, Museum Labour

April 24, 2023
12:00 p.m. to 1:15 p.m. MT
Online

Registration is now closed.

MAY

Organizing Information to Prepare for Grant Applications
Cheryl Dalwood, Senior Consultant, Global Philanthropic Canada

May 31, 2023
12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. MT
Online

Registration is now closed.

JUNE

Psychological First Aid Webinar
Kelly Lambert, Psychological First Aid Facilitator

June 28, 2023
1:00 p.m. to - 4:00 p.m. MT
Online

Registration opens April 26, 2023.

JULY

Recognized Museum Program Info Session
Shauna Coombs, Program Lead, Alberta Museums Association

July 26, 2023
12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. MT
Online

Registration opens June 28, 2023.

AUGUST

Grants Program Info Session
Shauna Coombs, Program Lead, Alberta Museums Association

August 30, 2023
12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. MT
Online

Registration opens July 26, 2023.

SEPTEMBER

Federal support for Indigenous Heritage projects: Museum Assistance Program and Canadian Border Services Agency

September 14, 2023
11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. MT
Online

Registration opens August 30, 2023.

OCTOBER

Strengthening Emerging Careers
Brooke Downey and Antonia Krajina, Museum Labour

October 25, 2023
12:00 p.m. to - 1:15 p.m. MT
Online

Registration opens September 27, 2023.

NOVEMBER

Small Shop Fundraising
Val Hoey, Senior Consultant, Global Philanthropic Canada

November 29, 2023
12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. MT
Online

Registration opens October 25, 2023.

DECEMBER

Young Canada Works Webinar 

December 13, 2023
12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. MT
Online

Registration opens November 29, 2023.

For more information about the 2023 Webinar Series offerings, please contact Meredith Leary, Program Lead, at learning@museums.ab.ca.