The idea of establishing the Friends of the Provincial Museum of Alberta Society originated in 1982 so that the proceeds from the sale of a set of prints by wildlife artist Robert Bateman could go to support the Museum.

In 2005, the name of the Society was changed to the Friends of Royal Alberta Museum Society (FRAMS) in keeping with the Museum’s new designation – Royal Alberta Museum.

As a not-for-profit organization and a registered charity with Canada Revenue Agency (1983), the Society assists the Museum with the collection, preservation and interpretation of the heritage of Alberta.

MAJOR ACCOMPLISHMENTS

Heritage Collections: The Friends of Royal Alberta Museum Society (FRAMS) supported the following Museum acquisitions and projects:

• Milton and Cheadle Plate 'Over the Mountain, near Jasper House' (circa 1867) was purchased for the Museum on the occasion of  FRAMS 30th anniversary in 2012

• Sunwapta Totem Pole conservation project with support from Edmonton Community Foundation in 2011

• Pelicans Diorama in the new Wild Alberta Gallery
• Robert Bell Collection for the Syncrude Gallery of Aboriginal Culture
• Columbian Mammoth hybrid cast was purchased for the Natural History Gallery on the occasion of the Museum's 25th birthday in 1992

Discovery Room: Since 2009, the Friends of Royal Alberta Museum Society (FRAMS) has been a major sponsor of the Discovery Room. This innovative educational program gives teachers (from kindergarten to grade 2) the opportunity to bring their students into the Royal Alberta Museum for hands-on learning. During the school year, approximately 8,900 Alberta students, including home-schooled children, visit the Discovery Room. The Discovery Room is also open to public visitors.

GO! Program: Initiated in April 2004, the GO! Program provides complimentary Museum day passes to Alberta families and individuals who, because of financial challenges, are not normally able to visit the Museum. The Friends of Royal Alberta Museum Society (FRAMS) works with social service agencies in Greater Edmonton to ensure this program's success.

Aboriginal Summer Internship Program: This highly successful program for indigenous students has operated as a partnership among the Friends of Royal Alberta Museum Society (FRAMS), National Aboriginal Achievement Foundation - now known as Indspire, Syncrude Canada Ltd., and the Royal Alberta Museum since 1998. Two 15-week summer internships at the Royal Alberta Museum are offered to First Nations, Inuit and Metis students who are pursuing careers in native studies, natural history or Canadian history.

The Bug Room: Contributions from the Friends of Royal Alberta Museum Society (FRAMS) help maintain a healthy and natural environment for the wide variety of insects that live in The Bug Room.

Summer Students: The Friends of Royal Alberta Museum Society (FRAMS) plays a major role in hiring and funding students through summer grant programs. The students work throughout the Royal Alberta Museum and gain valuable work experience in their chosen field of study.

Inside Info: Talk & Tour: Launched in 2009, this popular curator-led tour series invites FRAMS members and their guests to learn more about the Museum's feature exhibits and specific collections in the permanent galleries.

To learn more about Historical Highlights, click here.