MUSEUM'S HISTORY KEY FIGURES

Sir William Logan (1798–1875)

Sir William Logan was the first director of the Geological Survey of Canada. He helped survey the Province of Canada and led major studies of its mineral resources. As an administrator, he worked tirelessly to expand the Geological Survey until he retired in 1869.

Sir William Logan, the first director of the Geological Survey of Canada (1842–1869). He is shown here in the Survey’s museum, Montreal, 1865.
Photo: William Notman
Reproduced with the permission of Natural Resources Canada, Geological Survey of Canada 77280A

Robert Bell (1841–1917)

A geologist, medical doctor and civil engineer, Robert Bell was a model of the Geological Survey’s versatile staff. From 1869 to 1899, his research took him to the Prairies, Great Slave Lake, Baffin Island and Hudson Bay. He established friendships with the Aboriginal peoples of these regions, and was one of the first scientists to take a deep interest in their traditions and cultures.

Robert Bell
Reproduced with the permission of Natural Resources Canada, Geological Survey of Canada KGS-2369BB

George Mercer Dawson (1849–1901)

George Mercer Dawson joined the Geological Survey in 1875 and became its director twenty years later. He explored the Yukon and British Columbia, and developed a passion for the Aboriginal cultures of the Northwest Coast. The quality and comprehensiveness of his research earned him the name of "father of Canadian anthropology."

Dawson actively promoted the development of Canadian anthropological survey and the construction of a new museum. His prolific career was cut short, however, by his premature death.

George Mercer Dawson, director of the Geological Survey from 1895 to 1901
Reproduced with the permission of Natural Resources Canada, Geological Survey of Canada KGS-2375
Photo KGS-2375

Edward Sapir (1884–1939)

A pioneer in the study of Aboriginal languages, Edward Sapir became the first director of the Geological Survey’s Anthropology Division. Surrounded by a solid team of researchers, he focused on organizing the collection of artifacts, devising a system of classification, developing exhibitions and acquiring objects from cultures not yet well represented in the museum.

Edward Sapir, ca. 1920
Photo: Florence M. Hendershot
CMC Archives 85901 LS

Marius Barbeau (1883–1969)

Marius Barbeau was a prolific researcher who concentrated on the traditional practices of both Aboriginal peoples and French Canadians. He published over 1,000 books and articles and excelled in promoting living heritage. The folklore festivals that he organized were huge successes. He left the National Museum of Canada a substantial legacy: thousands of artifacts, photographs, sound recordings and research notes.

Marius Barbeau, 1932
CMC Archives 76458

Diamond Jenness (1886–1969)

Diamond Jenness began to work for the Geological Survey Museum by taking part in the Canadian Arctic Expedition. His research in the Arctic and elsewhere promoted a better understanding of Canada’s Aboriginal peoples. Several of his publications are still authoritative, and his archaeological discoveries in the Arctic received international acclaim.

Diamond Jenness, Bernard Harbour, Nunavut, 1916.
Photo: George H. Wilkins
CMC Archives 51236

Frederick Alcock (1888–1972)

As chief curator of the National Museum of Canada, Frederick Alcock oversaw its separation from the Geological Survey in 1950. The good economic climate meant bigger budgets to diversify the Museum’s research and increase its staff. Alcock expressed a broader vision by helping establish the Canadian Museums Association and the International Council of Museums.

Frederick Alcock, chief curator of the National Museum of Canada from 1947 to 1956
Reproduced with the permission of Natural Resources Canada, Geological Survey of Canada KGS-2369B

Carmen Roy (1919-2006)

Carmen Roy, folklorist at the Museum, undertook research on French-Canadian culture in Québec, Acadia and Manitoba. Born in Gaspésie, she specialised in the region's oral traditions. From 1966 to 1977, she lead the first Museum's folklore Division, renamed in 1970 the Canadian Centre for Folk Culture Studies.

Carmen Roy
CMC Archives J20569

William E. Taylor (1927–1994)

William E. Taylor joined the staff of the National Museum of Canada in 1956. He was the first Canadian to specialize in Arctic archaeology and made major contributions to the study of both Inuit and pre-Inuit history. The Inuit people with whom he worked nicknamed him Tunikshiuti (the one who is looking for those who came before). As director of the National Museum of Man from 1968 to 1982, he convinced Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau's government of the need to build entirely new facilities for the Museum.

William E. Taylor, director of the National Museum of Man from 1968 to 1982
CMC Archives S73-886

George MacDonald (1938– )

George MacDonald came to the National Museum of Canada in 1964. Beginning his career as an archaeologist specializing in the Aboriginal cultures of Canada’s Pacific Coast, he assumed directorship of the Museum from 1983 to 1998. MacDonald led the planning of the new Museum of Civilization building, whose design and innovative programmes have earned international renown.

George MacDonald, director of the Canadian Museum of Civilization from 1983 to 1998
Photo: Harry Foster
CMC Archives D2006-05012

Victor Rabinovitch (1946– )

Victor Rabinovitch, an historian and senior Public Servant, became President of the Canadian Museum of Civilization Corporation in 2000. He persuaded the Federal government to locate its major building project for a new Canadian War Museum in Central Ottawa, on LeBreton Flats beside the Ottawa River. He oversaw completion of the Canada Hall and the First Peoples Hall, the expansion of research in history and popular culture, and active international partnerships.

Victor Rabinovitch, president and chief executive officer of the Canadian Museum of Civilization Corporation since 2000
CMC Archives D2005-16267