THE ROYAL CANADIAN GEOGRAPHICAL SOCIETY
Through the support of the R. Howard Webster Foundation, the Royal Canadian Geographical Society (RCGS) has transformed the vacant and iconic property at 50 Sussex into Canada’s Centre for Geography and Exploration.
A national driver for public engagement, the Centre has featured world-class exhibitions, including a partnership with the Fram Museum to showcase Roald Amundsen’s expedition to the South Pole, and the world release of celebrated Indigenous artist Alex Janvier’s “13 Moons”.
In addition, RCGS has presented a number of impactful public talks (delivered by Michael Palin, Geir Klover, Darrell Bricker amongst others), and housed gala events, educational workshops, round-table discussions, national event launches, receptions, cultural events and public celebrations. In bringing tens of thousands of Canadians into the Centre, and with the potential to connect hundreds of thousands more through cutting-edge technology, the RCGS has fostered public discourse, inspired a love of country and a passion for geography, and built public awareness for the importance of environmental conservation.
Further, through the Canadian Geographic Education program, RCGS has offered annual summer institutes for Canadian teachers. These institutes connect teachers of diverse backgrounds from various provinces and territories for a free, three-day workshop at the Centre. The objective of the institute is to share educational resources, connect with other teachers from across Canada, and develop engaging lesson plans and activities for their students. Through guest speakers, hands-on activities and field trips, participants experience the versatility and breadth of geography and understand why it is important for students of all ages to be geographically literate.
