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

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

As a registered charity and not-for-profit organization, the Society provides the Museum with funding alternatives and program support for various activities.

MAJOR ACCOMPLISHMENTS

- During 2009-2010 FRAMS introduced the popular quarterly Inside Info: Talk & Tour series for members and their guests.

- During the summers of 2008 and 2009, the Society sponsored the first summer camps ever at the Royal Alberta Museum! Funding for these camps was made possible by a Community Initiatives Program grant.

- In 2007, the Society became the major sponsor of the Museum School by contributing $32,200 to this educational program, which opened in 2001.

- Initiated in April 2004, the GO! Program provides free day passes through social service agencies to Albertans who, because of financial constraints, are not normally able to visit the Museum.

- Through a partnership funded by the Friends of Royal Alberta Museum Society, National Aboriginal Achievement Foundation (NAAF) and Syncrude Canada Ltd., the Alberta Museology Internship program provides an internship at the Royal Alberta Museum to aboriginal students who are pursuing careers in native studies, natural history or Canadian history.

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

- The Friends of Royal Alberta Museum Society 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.

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