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I found what looks like a tiny “caterpillar” in my home. What is it?
Let’s take a look at a common critter that share our space. Amazingly, over 500 species of arthropods have been recorded in houses! One of our most common household guests is the carpet beetle. The larvae look like tiny, furry, ‘caterpillars’. Larva of a carpet beetle, family Dermestidae,
I think I have bedbugs, what should I do?
(Cimex lectularius) since the early 2000s, has resulted in heightened concern from people who find insects in their home. “Is it a bed bug?” is a common question posed to ROM entomologists. It may be helpful to know that there are many types of insects found in homes and most of them are not
ROM Infrastructure Announcement
A government of Canada and Ontario press conference was held this morning at the Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) to announce major infrastructure improvements, which include $1.4M in funding for the repair to the ROM’s roof. These renovations will enhance the visitor experience at the ROM, and
Virtual Collaboration: The whole story of ancient Roman amethyst gem
On August 30, 2012 I posted a blog on the rediscovery of a very striking and important ancient Roman amethyst gem engraved with the image of Victory writing on a shield, dating to about 50 BC to AD 25. I also mentioned that the gem was in the collection of Sir Francis Cook by 1903. The posting paid
Komodo Dragon Preparation, Step Two: To the Bug Cave! I mean, Bug ROOM
Viewer discretion advised. Images depict a Komodo Dragon being dissected as it is prepared for the ROM's collections. Our Komodo Dragon, the newest addition to the Life in Crisis: Schad Gallery of Biodiversity is ready for the next stage in the process of becoming a museum specimen- the Bug
How to display the past......
Ever wondered what goes in to the display you see in a museum gallery? I’m exploring some behind-the-scenes issues that shape what you see. This is the first of a series of posts that tie into a new course I’m teaching for University of Toronto graduate students called Greece and Rome at the
How to display the past….. Part 2: Collecting
In my last post I mentioned that various factors (sometimes pure chance) shaped a museum collection, and so affected the look of a public display. Here, I illustrate this by exploring the collection history of one particularly famous (even infamous) object. This ivory and gold figurine has
Komodo Dragon Preparation, Step 3: Cleaning and Articulating the Bones
The bugs in our infamous Bug Room here at the ROM did an amazing job cleaning our Komodo Dragon bones. However, there was still some manual cleaning required. Luckily, there were dozens of volunteers ready to assist in the process; removing pieces of tendon or dried bits of muscle that the Hide
How to display the past.....Part 3: Curatorial Perspectives
As I mentioned in my first post, this behind-the-scenes tour is based on a course for University of Toronto graduates that I have been teaching this semester (my excuse for the long delay between blog posts). In the class the students heard two different experiences of putting together a permanent
ROM Volunteer Profile: Patricia Harris
Patricia Harris is a true testament to the profound impact of volunteerism. Who could have imagined that when Mrs. Harris – Pat to the many people who work with her – started volunteering with the ROM in 1958, she would not only stay with the commitment for over five decades, but would have a