Law and War in the Making of the Chinese Empire

July 06, 2010
China's terracotta army is internationally recognized, but the legal documents are only known by small group of specialists. Robin D. S. Yates, James McGill Professor of History and East Asian Studies at McGill University, explores what these documents tell us about the administrative, organizational and legal advances of the Qin state at the time of the First Emperor.

The opinions expressed in this lecture are those of the speaker and do not necessarily reflect the positions of the Royal Ontario Museum (ROM).

Audio Podcast (52MB, 57min 37sec)
Written Transcript (PDF)

Iconic: Earl of Pembroke's Armour

January 11, 2010
Made in King Henry VIII's royal workshop, this suit of armour is one of only three of its kind on display in the world. One of the ROM's iconic objects, see the suit in the Samuel European Galleries.

Video Podcast (15MB, 2min 37sec)
Written Transcript (PDF)

Conversations: Dr. Chen Shen

July 14, 2010
Dr. Chen Shen is the Bishop White Chair of East Asian Archaeology at the ROM, and is the senior curator who developed the exhibition The Warrior Emperor and China's Terracotta Army.

This exciting series offers a behind the scenes look at the various curatorial research, education, and programming that is currently happening around the Museum.

Video Podcast (22MB, 2min 23sec)
Written Transcript (PDF)

Building Up and Digging Down: New Archaeological Evidence for Construction of the Tomb Complex of the First Emperor

June 24, 2010
Explore the construction of the First Emperor's vast tomb complex and how recent discoveries have changed our understanding its construction. Dr. Chen Shen, Senior Curator and Bishop White Chair, East Asia Art & Archaeology and curator of The Warrior Emperor and China's Terracotta Army, is the first speaker in The Enduring Genius of China Lecture Series.

Audio Podcast (40MB, 58min 11sec)
Written Transcript (PDF)

Palaeontologists solve mystery of 500 million-year-old squid-like carnivore

May 26, 2010
A study by Martin Smith of the University of Toronto and Jean-Bernard Caron of the Royal Ontario Museum sheds new light on a previously unclassifiable 500 million-year-old squid-like carnivore known as Nectocaris pteryx. The new interpretation became possible with the discovery of 91 new fossils that were collected from the Burgess Shale site in the UNESCO World Heritage Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks, BC.

The findings are presented in "Primitive soft-bodied cephalopods from the Cambrian", published in Nature(May 27, 2010).

> Jean-Bernard Caron
> Burgess Shale Projects

Video Podcast (17MB, 3min 11sec)
Written Transcript (PDF)

Isadore Sharp: Motel to Mogul

May 18, 2010
Isadore Sharp, Founder, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts, spoke at the Royal Ontario Museum on May 18 as the first in the Director's Signature Lecture Series. Listen as he shares his thoughts on leadership, success and accomplishment. Introduction by William Thorsell, Director and CEO of the ROM.

Audio Podcast (28MB, 24min 24sec)
Written Transcript (PDF)

Robert Mankoff: The Ethos and Ethics of The New Yorker Cartoons

April 13, 2010
Listen as Robert Mankoff, the cartoon editor of The New Yorker, discusses how the Magazine deals with topical issues in its cartoons compared to newspaper editorial cartoonists. The evening was moderated by The Globe and Mail's Margaret Wente.

Audio Podcast (40MB, 57min 55sec)
Written Transcript (PDF)

Conversations with Archaeologists and Researchers: Dr. Eileen Schuller

May 07, 2010
Dr. Eileen Schuller, scholar and professor at McMaster University, talks about her personal journey as a Dead Sea Scrolls researcher and the opportunities she has had along the way.

This unique video series, Conversations with Archaelogists and Researchers, explores the careers and experiences of five individuals associated with with the Royal Ontario Museum.

Video Podcast (7MB, 2min 13sec)
Written Transcript (PDF)

Conversations with Archaeologists and Researchers: Dr. Peter Storck

May 07, 2010
Dr. Peter Storck, ROM Archaeologist and author of Journey to the Ice Age, discusses his contributions to the study of Paleo-Indians, the first people to migrate into Ontario.

This unique video series, Conversations with Archaelogists and Researchers, explores the careers and experiences of five individuals associated with with the Royal Ontario Museum.

Video Podcast (10MB, 2min 45sec)
Written Transcript (PDF)

Conversations with Archaeologists and Researchers: Roberta Shaw

May 07, 2010
Roberta Shaw, Assistant Curator of Egyptology at the Royal Ontario Museum, talks about how she got into Egyptology, projects she has completed in her career, and her favourite object at the ROM.

This unique video series, Conversations with Archaelogists and Researchers, explores the careers and experiences of five individuals associated with with the Royal Ontario Museum.

Video Podcast (9MB, 2min 10sec)
Written Transcript (PDF)

Conversations with Archaeologists and Researchers: Dan Rahimi

May 07, 2010
Dan Rahimi, Vice President of Gallery Development at the Royal Ontario Museum and archaeologist, talks about his archaeological career and what he believes to be the focus of archaeology.

This unique video series, Conversations with Archaelogists and Researchers, explores the careers and experiences of five individuals associated with with the Royal Ontario Museum.

Video Podcast (8MB, 90sec)
Written Transcript (PDF)

Conversations with Archaeologists and Researchers: Dr. Dan Bahat

May 07, 2010
Former District Archaeologist of Jerusalem and current professor at Bar-Llan University and St. Michael's College at University of Toronto, Dr. Dan Bahat talks about his renowned archaeological career.

This unique video series, Conversations with Archaelogists and Researchers, explores the careers and experiences of five individuals associated with with the Royal Ontario Museum.

Video Podcast (12MB, 2min 10sec)
Written Transcript (PDF)

David Evans in South Africa

May 03, 2010
On location in South Africa, David Evans, Associate Curator Vertebrate Palaeontology, shows us where he discovered and collected the dinosaur nest in 2005 that is on display at the ROM May 8 to June 4, 2010.

Video Podcast (10MB, 30sec)
Written Transcript (PDF)

Jane Goodall: 50 Years of Chimps and Change

April 12, 2010
On April 9, 2010, Jane Goodall, Ph. D., DBE, founder of the Jane Goodall Institute and UN messenger of Peace, spoke to a sold-out audience in Toronto. Listen as she reflects on her research over the past five decades.

Co-presented by the Royal Ontario Museum and the Jane Goodall Institute of Canada (www.janegoodall.org) in partnership with the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and the Centre for Environment, University of Toronto, as part of the ROM's Slice of Life: Biodiversity Lecture Series.

The audio podcast is no longer available on the ROM website. Visit the Jane Goodall Institute of Canada to listen to the full lecture.

Audio Podcast (Not Downloadable, 55min)
Written Transcript (PDF)

Finding Your Inner Fish

April 09, 2010
Listen as Neil Shubin of the University of Chicago tells the 3.5-billion-year history of the human body through the fossils and DNA of our cousins in the living world.

Audio Podcast (32MB, 50min)
Written Transcript (PDF)

Artist Talk: Dan Perjovschi

April 09, 2010
On February 17 2010, following his week-long stay drawing directly on the walls of the ICC's Roloff Beny Gallery, Dan Perjovschi shared his thoughts on his work, his practice, and his experiences of working in museums and galleries all over the world.

Video Podcast (42MB, 10min)
Written Transcript (PDF)

Biodiversity with David Suzuki

March 29, 2010
Preserving the diversity of life on earth has never been more important. Dr. David Suzuki discusses the significant role biodiversity plays in maintaining the health of our planet.

Video Podcast (2MB, 1min)
Written Transcript (PDF)

Brave the New Bat Cave

March 22, 2010
Bigger, better and scarier than ever! See what kids are saying about the revamped Bat Cave.

Video Podcast (2MB, 1min)
Written Transcript (PDF)

2010 Vaughan Lecture: New Directions in Dinosaur Research

02, 11
Dr. David Evans highlights some of the ROM's latest field projects and newest dinosaur discoveries. The ROM dinosaur research program is currently expanding at an unprecedented rate, with many new and exciting lab and field projects taking place across the globe, from Mongolia, to South Africa, to the Canadian Arctic and Alberta and building on the ROM's rich history of dinosaur research that goes back almost a century.

2010 Podcast (1 hr, vaughn)
Written Transcript (PDF)

The Warrior Emperor and China's Terracotta Army

February 10, 2010
The ROM is please to bring The Warrior Emperor and China's Terracotta Army to Toronto. Opens June 2010.

Video Podcast (8MB, 90 sec)
Written Transcript (PDF)

Bat Cave: Underground

February 5, 2010
ROM Video Producer, Elaisha Stokes, visits Jamaica's St. Clair Cave. A Toronto team from went to Jamaica in January 2010 to gather footage of the inhabitants of the underground structure in preparation of the opening of the new bat cave.

Video Podcast (14MB, 2min)
Written Transcript (PDF)

Prom Noir:
The Young Patrons' Circle (YPC)

January 28, 2010
The Young Patrons' Circle (YPC) invites you to a thrilling night of dark glamour and cinematic fantasy for PROM Noir. The YPC's fifth annual fundraiser takes place Saturday, March 27, 2010.

Video Podcast (12MB, 1min)
Written Transcript (PDF)

Iconic - Tagish Lake Meteorite

January 15, 2010
The ultimate deep-space time capsule, this small black rock plummeted from space carrying organic material dating back 4.5 billion years. Much of the meteorite remains frozen in the ROM's vaults for research, but a sizable piece is on display in the Teck Suite of Galleries: Earth’s Treasure and is one of the ROM’s iconic treasures.

Video Podcast (16MB, 2mins)
Written Transcript (PDF)

Iconic - Striding Lion

January 15, 2010
A city known for many of the great wonders of the world, the striding lion of Babylon once adorned the citadel of the Nebuchadnazzar castle. Found in the throne room, the decorated relief on clay bricks is extremely rare and is one of the ROM’s iconic, must see treasures.

Video Podcast (16MB, 2mins)
Written Transcript (PDF)

Iconic - The Paradise of Maitreya

January 14, 2010
This temple wall painting installed in the Bishop White Gallery of Chinese Temple Art forms the centrepiece of one of the world’s most important collections of Chinese temple art. Learn about this iconic ROM object, one of the best-preserved examples of its kind, and why it is a must-see treasure of the ROM.

Video Podcast (16MB, 2mins)
Written Transcript (PDF)

Iconic - "Kunti" (Blue Lady)

January 14, 2010
Listen as artist, Navjot Altaf, speaks about the sculpture "Kunti" (blue lady) from the series "In Response to," one of the ROM's iconic treasures. A modern twist on conventional South Asian art, the larger than life sculpture is inspired by village witch-trials and fertility goddesses. Its brilliant blue references the indigo trade and the traditional Hindu colour of divinity.

Video Podcast (16MB, 2mins)
Written Transcript (PDF)

Opening of Fakes and Forgeries: Yesterday and Today

January 08, 2010
At the opening of Fakes and Forgeries: Yesterday and Today, Dan Rahimi, Vice President, Gallery Development, introduces this interactive, new ROM exhibition that challenges visitors to find the fakes.

Video Podcast (10MB, 2mins)
Written Transcript (PDF)

Iconic - White Rhino

December 14, 2009
This white rhino is a rare specimen and the centerpiece of the Life in Crisis: Schad Gallery of Biodiversity. Born in South Africa, "Bull" was a mighty 4,500 pounds and is one of the Iconic Objects of the ROM.

Video Podcast (18MB, 3mins)
Written Transcript (PDF)

Anne Tanenbaum Lecture Series: Dr. Hindy Najman

December 3, 2009
Dr. Hindy Najman (Director of the Centre for Jewish Studies and Associate Professor of Ancient Judaism in the Department and Centre for the Study Religion at the University of Toronto) sheds light on the claim that revelation did not cease in the Second Temple period, but was understood to persist even outside of the space of Jerusalem and temple practice and especially at Qumran.

The opinions expressed in this lecture are those of the speaker and do not necessarily reflect the positions of the Royal Ontario Museum (ROM).

Audio Podcast (20MB, 43mins)
Written Transcript (PDF)

Iconic - Light of the Desert

December 14, 2009
The ROM has the world's largest faceted cerussite, an extremely fragile mineral that is almost impossible to cut. Learn why this cerussite, installed in the Gallery of Gems and Gold in the Teck Suite of Galleries: Earth's Treasures, has been named one of the Museum's Iconic Objects.

Video Podcast (16MB, 3mins)
Written Transcript (PDF)

Anne Tanenbaum Lecture Series: Dr. Emanuel Tov

November 15, 2009
Dr. Emanuel Tov (J.L. Magnes Professor of Bible, Hebrew University, Jerusalem, and Editor-in-Chief, Dead Sea Scrolls Publication Project) focuses on the activities of the scribes who lived at Qumran. Lecture details range from the preparation of the leather to the actual writing in columns, and their level of precision, the way they wrote, and erred - after all scribes were human!

The opinions expressed in this lecture are those of the speaker and do not necessarily reflect the positions of the Royal Ontario Museum (ROM).

Audio Podcast (22MB, 48mins)
Written Transcript (PDF)

Anne Tanenbaum Lecture Series: Pnina Shor

November 11, 2009
Pnina Shor (Head of the Department for the Treatment and Conservation of Artifacts, Israel Antiquities Authority) discusses the challenges and process of conserving and preserving the fragile Dead Sea Scrolls for future generations.

The opinions expressed in this lecture are those of the speaker and do not necessarily reflect the positions of the Royal Ontario Museum (ROM).

Audio Podcast (18MB, 40mins)
Written Transcript (PDF)

Anne Tanenbaum Lecture Series: Dr. Eric Meyers

November 05, 2009
Listen as Dr. Eric Meyers (Bernice and Morton Lerner Professor of Jewish Studies, and Director, Center for Jewish Studies, Duke University. Past President, American Schools of Oriental Research) explores the relationship between the disparate groups that populated Sepphoris through the ages.

The opinions expressed in this lecture are those of the speaker and do not necessarily reflect the positions of the Royal Ontario Museum (ROM).

Audio Podcast (20MB, 44mins)
Written Transcript (PDF)

Fact or Fiction? 2009

December 07, 2009
Fact? or Fiction? 2009 was another roaring success! The annual guessing game and fundraising event helps to support the ROM research endowment fund. For one evening each year, devious curatorial staff attempt to outwit participants.

Video Podcast (40MB, 3mins)
Written Transcript (PDF)

Celebrating the ROM
ROM Governors

November 18, 2009
Renaissance ROM became the most successful cultural fundraising campaign in Canadian history with over $282 million raised in support of the Royal Ontario Museum.

Video Podcast (7MB, 2mins)
Written Transcript (PDF)

Landry vs Granatstein Debate: Battle on the Plains of Abraham

November 11, 2009
Was General Wolfe's victory over General Montcalm on the Plains of Abraham in September 1759 ultimately good for New France? Listen as William Thorsell, Director & CEO of the ROM, as he moderates a lively debate between Bernard Landry, former Quebec premier, and Jack Granatstein, distinguished Canadian historian. Introduction by Desmond Morton, Professor of History at McGill University.

Audio Podcast (51MB, 1 hour 50 mins)
Written Transcript (PDF)

ROM Research: Kaieteur Falls, Guyana

November 13, 2009
Burton Lim, Assistant Curator of Mammalogy and bat expert, often travels to Guyana for field research. In this video he brings us to Kaieteur Falls, one of the most spectacular locations in the country.

Video Podcast (7MB, 2mins)
Written Transcript (PDF)

Lewis Lapham on Celebrity in Contemporary Culture

October 27, 2009
The Institute for Contemporary Culture presented the fourth annual Eva Hotby Lecture on Contemporary Culture on October 27, 2009. Celebrated American writer and publishing magnate Lewis Lapham, explores the theme of celebrity in modern society. This lecture was inspired by the ICC exhibition, Vanity Fair Portraits: Photographs 1913 - 2008.

Audio Podcast (32MB, 68mins)
Written Transcript (PDF)

Iconic - The Death of General Wolfe

September 12, 2009
This iconic painting recreates the pivotal moment in 1759 when Britain defeated France on the Plains of Abraham. As one of only five original versions painted by Benjamin West, it hangs in the Sigmund Samuel Gallery of Canada and is one of the ROM's Iconic Objects.

Video Podcast (17MB, 3mins)
Written Transcript (PDF)

Anne Tanenbaum Lecture Series: Dr. Lawrence Schiffman

October 29, 2009
Dr. Lawrence Schiffman (Edelman Professor of Hebrew and Judaic Studies, and Chair of the Skirball Department of Hebrew and Judaic Studies, New York University) surveys ancient Israel at the time of the Second Temple and explores how the Scrolls enrich our understanding of this momentous era.

The opinions expressed in this lecture are those of the speaker and do not necessarily reflect the positions of the Royal Ontario Museum (ROM).

Audio Podcast (21MB, 45mins)
Written Transcript (PDF)

An Evening with Meryl Streep

October 7, 2009
Meryl Streep, one of today's true Hollywood icons, visited the ROM for an evening of thoughtful reflection and discussion. Interviewed by Johanna Schneller, the Globe and Mail's film critic, this lecture was associated with The Question of Celebrity programming series which explores fame and the evocative allure of celebrity.

Audio of the film clips shown at the lecture are not included in this podcast.

Audio Podcast (53MB, 55mins)
Written Transcript (PDF)

Anne Tanenbaum Lecture Series: Dr. Eileen Schuller
Supported by the Weisz Family in memory of Margaret Weisz

October 15, 2009
Dr. Eileen Schuller (Professor, Department of Religious Studies, McMaster University, Hamilton) explores some of the key texts about women and what they might tell us about the presence and role of women in this community and more broadly in Second Temple Judaism.

The opinions expressed in this lecture are those of the speaker and do not necessarily reflect the positions of the Royal Ontario Museum (ROM).

Audio Podcast (24MB, 52mins)
Written Transcript (PDF)

Research at the ROM: Dinosaurs in Alberta's Badlands

October 13, 2009
Follow Dr. David Evans, Associate Curator of Vertebrate Palaeontology, during his field work in Alberta's Badlands and discover what a palaeontologist job really involves.

Video Podcast (40.3MB, 4m 55s)
Written Transcript (PDF)

Trees for Toronto in Queen's Park

October 06, 2009
Trees for Toronto was launched by the Royal Ontario Museum and the City of Toronto in connection with the expansion of the Museum in 2007. The purpose of Trees for Toronto is to plant trees in Queen's Park and to create a tree identification and awareness program for Toronto.

Video Podcast (11.7MB, 1m 25s)
Written Transcript (PDF)

Bats!

October 06, 2009
Learn about Burton Lim's, Assistant Curator of Mammalogy, Bat research in Guyana and around the world. Burton is an expert on all types of bats and studies their biodiversity and evolution.

Video Podcast (13.2MB, 1m 54s)
Written Transcript (PDF)

How does the ROM get endangered species in their galleries?

October 06, 2009
Museums are filled with species that may be endangered or extinct. Assistant Curator, Mary Burridge, reveals how the ROM builds its extensive collection without putting any specimens at risk.

Video Podcast (8.5MB, 1m 02s)
Written Transcript (PDF)

Why do mosquito bites itch?

October 06, 2009
It's common for mosquito bites to become annoyingly itchy! Doug Currie, ROM Curator of Entomology, explains why these bites make you scratch.

Video Podcast (4.0MB, 0m 34s)
Written Transcript (PDF)

Is coral a plant or an animal?

October 06, 2009
Coral is a mysterious species that is difficult to identify - is it a plant or an animal? Assistant Curator, Mary Burridge, reveals the true identity of these extraordinary creatures.

Video Podcast (6.0MB, 0m 48s)
Written Transcript (PDF)

How do butterflies decide what colour they'll be?

October 06, 2009
Ever wondered how butterflies choose their beautiful vibrant colours? ROM Entomology Technician Brad Hubley exposes the secret of butterflies' beautiful patterns and colours.

Video Podcast (5.0MB, 0m 37s)
Written Transcript (PDF)

The Green Screen: The Arctic

October 06, 2009
Take a closer look at how climate change is affecting the Arctic Region and what is being done to prevent irreparable impact on the ecosystem. This video explores Life in Crisis, one of the Schad Gallery of Biodiversity's themes.

Video Podcast (7.3MB, 0m 55s)
Written Transcript (PDF)

ROM Backstage Pass: The Artists' Studio

May 25, 2009
Come and have a look behind the scenes in the Artists' Studio at the Royal Ontario Museum. See how the artists created the models that are now on display in the Schad Gallery of Biodiversity.

Video Podcast (26.4MB, 2m 59s)
Written Transcript (PDF)

The Green Screen: Warblers and Blackflies

May 25, 2009
Learn more about the changing migration patterns of the warbler and how to protect yourself from blackfly bites this season. The Green Screen is your source for biodiversity news and current events from the Schad Gallery of Biodiversity.

Video Podcast (26.4MB, 3m 10s)
Written Transcript (PDF)

ROM Backstage Pass: Photography

May 25, 2009
Come and have a look behind the scene in the Photography Studio at the Royal Ontario Museum. See how the Photography department catalogs the collections of the Museum.

Video Podcast (11.4MB, 1m 23s)
Written Transcript (PDF)

Schad Gallery of Biodiversity

March 27, 2009
Nature comes to life in the new Schad Gallery of Biodiversity. Travel across seven ecosystems; see the rare white rhino and a living coral reef. Explore the Earth Rangers Studio with its immersive, multimedia and live animal shows. This new gallery will present the diversity of life on earth and the significant challenges to its conservation and survival.

Video Podcast (41.4MB, 1m 04s)
Written Transcript (PDF)

Iconic Totem Poles

March 19, 2009
These four totem poles, carved by the Nisgaa and Haida peoples of Canada's Pacific Northwest Coast, commemorate family origins, rights, privileges, achievements and experiences. Standing just outside the Daphne Cockwell Gallery of Canada: First Peoples, they have been selected as one of the must-see treasures in the ROM's collection.

Video Podcast (20.4MB, 3m 02s)
Written Transcript (PDF)

Iconic Statue of Sekhmet

March 19, 2009
Dating to the reign of King Tutankhamun's grandfather, this Egyptian sculpture is a very fine example of one of the oldest known Egyptian deities, the lion-headed warrior goddess also known as Mistress of Dread and Lady of Slaughter. On display in the Galleries of Africa: Egypt, the statue is one of the Museum's iconic objects.

Video Podcast (16.9MB, 2m 27s)
Written Transcript (PDF)

Iconic Cleopatra

March 19, 2009
This granite bust is most likely a representation of one of history's most famous women Cleopatra and is on display in the Galleries of Africa: Egypt. An iconic object in the ROM's collection, only three pieces of Ptolemaic sculpture like this exist in the world today.

Video Podcast (18.2MB, 2m 38s)
Written Transcript (PDF)

Iconic Ming Tomb

March 19, 2009
Legendary in Chinese history, General Zu Dashou was celebrated for his defense of the Ming dynasty against the Manchu invasion. The Tomb of General Zu Dashou (Ming Tomb) now stands in the Gallery of Chinese Architecture and is one of the Museum's iconic objects.

Video Podcast (27MB, 3m 15s)
Written Transcript (PDF)

Iconic Barosaurus

March 19, 2009
This rare, longnecked sauropod skeleton is the largest mounted dinosaur in Canada (90 feet long) and one of the Royal Ontario Museum’s iconic objects. It stands in the James and Louise Temerty Galleries of the Age of Dinosaurs on Level 2.

Video Podcast (20.72MB, 2m 56s)
Written Transcript (PDF)

Anne Tanenbaum Lecture Series: Dr. Steve Mason

September 16, 2009
Dr. Steve Mason (Professor, Department of History, and Canada Research Chair in Greco-Roman Cultural Interaction, York University, Toronto) takes a closer look at the Essenes, a group known since antiquity from Greek and Latin historians and largely accepted as the inhabitants of Quamran and the creators of the Scrolls during the 1950s.

The opinions expressed in this lecture are those of the speaker and do not necessarily reflect the positions of the Royal Ontario Museum (ROM).

Audio Podcast (27MB, 60mins)
Written Transcript (PDF)

Anne Tanenbaum Lecture Series: Martin Abegg

July 16, 2009
Dr. Martin Abegg (Ben Zion Wacholder Professor of Dead Sea Scroll Studies, religious Studies Department, Trinity western University, Langley British Columbia, and Co-Director of the Dead Sea Scrolls Institute) discusses the stories of the Scrolls that made their way to Toronto.

The opinions expressed in this lecture are those of the speaker and do not necessarily reflect the positions of the Royal Ontario Museum (ROM).

Audio Podcast (30MB, 61mins)
Written Transcript (PDF)

Anne Tanenbaum Lecture Series: Dan Bahat

July 23, 2009
Dr. Dan Bahat (former district archaeologist for Jerusalem, and currently Adjunct Professor, Faculty of Theology, University of St. Michael’s College, University of Toronto) explores the Jerusalem of 2,000 years ago during the time the Dead Sea Scrolls.

The opinions expressed in this lecture are those of the speaker and do not necessarily reflect the positions of the Royal Ontario Museum (ROM).

Audio Podcast (18MB, 37mins)
Written Transcript (PDF)

Anne Tanenbaum Lecture Series: Eugene Ulrich

June 23, 2009
Dr. Eugene Ulrich (John A. O’Brien Professor of Hebrew Scriptures, University of Notre Dame, and Chief Editor of the Qumran Scrolls) discusses the similarities and discrepancies between the Massoretic Bible and the Dead Sea Scrolls in the first of the Anne Tanenbaum Lecture Series. The opinions expressed in this lecture are those of the speaker and do not necessarily reflect the positions of the Royal Ontario Museum (ROM).

Audio Podcast (22MB, 47mins)
Written Transcript (PDF)

Anne Tanenbaum Lecture Series: Yuval Peleg

July 2, 2009
Yuval Peleg, Israel Antiquities Authority District Archaeologist for the Jordan Valley, discusses the most recent excavations at the site of Qumran, and their effect on the understanding of the site in the second of the Anne Tananbaum Lecture Series.

The opinions expressed in this lecture are those of the speaker and do not necessarily reflect the positions of the Royal Ontario Museum (ROM).

Audio Podcast (18MB, 30mins)
Written Transcript (PDF)

Director’s Signature Lecture Series: Camille Paglia

June 16, 2009
For three evenings of discussion and debate, noted authors and thinkers analyze the Ten Commandments and share their ideas for a moral code for our own time. Listen to the closing lecture by Camille Paglia author of bestsellers Sexual Personae, Sex, Art, and American Culture and Vamps & Tramps. The opinions expressed in this lecture are those of the speaker and do not necessarily reflect the positions of the Royal Ontario Museum (ROM).

Audio Podcast (30MB, 62mins)
Written Transcript (PDF)

Director’s Signature Lecture Series: A.J. Jacobs

June 9, 2009
For three evenings of discussion and debate, noted authors and thinkers analyze the Ten Commandments and share their ideas for a moral code for our own time. Listen to A.J. Jacobs, author of The Year of Living Biblically: One Man’s Humble Quest to Follow the Bible as Literally as Possible.

The opinions expressed in this lecture are those of the speaker and do not necessarily reflect the positions of the Royal Ontario Museum (ROM).

Audio Podcast (18MB, 20mins)
Written Transcript (PDF)

Director’s Signature Lecture Series: Christopher Hitchens

June 2, 2009
For three evenings of discussion and debate, noted authors and thinkers analyze the Ten Commandments and share their ideas for a moral code for our own time. Listen to the opening lecture with Christopher Hitchens, author of the New York Times bestselling book God is Not Great: How Religion Poisons Everything.

The opinions expressed in this lecture are those of the speaker and do not necessarily reflect the positions of the Royal Ontario Museum (ROM).

Audio Podcast (21MB, 45mins)
Written Transcript (PDF)

Ancient Egyptian Book of the Dead

February 27, 2009
Travel to Egypt, the land where the Book of the Dead of Amen-em-hat was written over 2,300 years ago and uncover the story of this mystical scroll. Acquired in the early 20th century, this beautiful papyrus scroll was recently restored and temporarily brought out of the vaults for display. Visitors can still see fragments of the Scroll and this video installation in the Galleries of Africa: Egypt.

Video Podcast (28.34MB, 1m 28s)
Written Transcript (PDF)

Returned to Former Splendour: Painting, Conservation & Dyes

January 13, 2009
Heidi Sobol, Senior Paintings Conservator, offers a peek at the exhibition Returned to Former Splendour which explores the conservation process involved in preparing the historical paintings now on display in the Wilson Canadian Heritage Exhibition Room in the Sigmund Samuel Gallery of Canada.

Video Podcast (9.6MB, 10m 57s)
Written Transcript (PDF)

Housepaint, Phase 2: Shelter

12, 12
A time-lapse montage captures the set up of Housepaint, Phase 2: Shelter, a ground-breaking exhibition of street art in the Roloff Beny Gallery. Presented by the Institute for Contemporary Culture, ten street artists created colourful canvas house responding to issues of poverty and homele

2008 Podcast (1m 28s, housepaint)
Written Transcript (PDF)

Oil and Sugar: Contemporary Art and Islamic Culture

November 20, 2008
The Institute for Contemporary Culture presented the third annual Eva Holtby Lecture on Contemporary Culture on November 20, 2008. Glenn Lowry introduces his lecture, Oil and Sugar: Contemporary Art and Islamic Culture, examining relevant and topical cultural issues of international scope.

Video Podcast (151.4MB, 10m 57s)
Written Transcript (PDF)

Marie-Antoinette’s Dress

October 14, 2008
Embellished with silk embroidery, ribbon appliqués, spangles and glass stones, follow the journey of Marie-Antoinette's lavish dress from ROM's vault to the gallery. Discover the delicate conservation methods, innovative mounting techniques and the mesmerizing history of the woman who once wore this dress.

Video Podcast (27.2MB, 4m 14s)
Written Transcript (PDF)

Lang Lang Q&A at the ROM

September 25, 2008
Meet Lang Lang and discover the inspiration, personality and appeal of this celebrated young pianist. Lang Lang performed at the opening ceremony of the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games and on September 21, 2008 Peter Oundijian of the Toronto Symphony interviewed him at the ROM.

Audio Podcast (155.9MB, 56m 24s)
Written Transcript (PDF)

Chief Sitting Bull’s Headdress

September 24, 2008
Chief Sitting Bull was a great leader, a holy man and a central character in North American history. Discover how Sitting Bull's headdress, shirt and other personal artifacts were prepared for display in the Daphne Cockwell Gallery of Canada: First Peoples.

Video Podcast (52.5MB, 4m 06s)
Written Transcript (PDF)

ROMkids weekends: Sculpting with Sandi

July 25, 2008
Ten feet tall and fifteen tons of sand! Learn how sand artist, Sandi ‘Castle’ Stirling, sculpts a shapeless sand pile into a stunning Egyptian inspired work of art. The sand sculpture stands on the ROM Plaza until Sunday, July 27, 2008.

Video Podcast (52.5MB, 2m 40s)
Written Transcript (PDF)

Bringing the Ancient Egyptian Book of the Dead to Life

June 23, 2008
Roberta Shaw, Assistant Curator of Egyptian Arts & Culture, introduces the restoration project of the ROM’s Book of the Dead of Amen-em-hat. A team from the University of Bonn worked throughout May 2008 to piece together this rare ancient Egyptian papyrus dating to about 320 BC.

Video Podcast (21.4MB, 6m 03s)
Written Transcript (PDF)

Shanghai Kaleidoscope's Dynamic View

May 30, 2008
Christopher Phillips, curator of Shanghai Kaleidoscope, shares his passion for Shanghai art, architecture and fashion design and introduces some of the most provocative pieces on display in the Institute of Contemporary Culture's Roloff Beny Gallery until November 2, 2008.

Video Podcast (12.5MB, 3m 44s)
Written Transcript (PDF)

Shanghai Kaleidoscope: Fashion Forward

May 30, 2008
Sally Wu introduces the work of some of Shanghai's leading fashion designers on display in the Institute of Contemporary Culture's Shanghai Kaleidoscope until November 2, 2008. These compelling pieces convey much more then just personal fashion.

Video Podcast (19.7MB, 5m 32s)
Written Transcript (PDF)

Fact? or Fiction?

April 23, 2008
The Royal Ontario Museum's devious curatorial staff attempt to outwit participants at a game of Fact? or Fiction?. The annual fundraising event is renowned for fantastic food, great beverages and tantalizing tales of mysterious objects from the collections.

Video Podcast (13.3MB, 4m 44s)
Written Transcript (PDF)

Stavros: Master Tailor

April 11, 2008
Lights, camera, fashion. Explore the extensive transformations in textile design and technology throughout the past three millennia in the Patricia Harris Gallery of Textiles & Costume, opening April 16, 2008. See the full Stavros: Master Tailor video and more in the gallery.

Video Podcast (4.5MB, 1m 14s)
Written Transcript (PDF)

Women in South Asian Art

February 15, 2008
Dr. Deepali Dewan, Curator of South Asian Arts and Culture, discusses representations of women in South Asian Art using artifacts on display in the Sir Christopher Ondaatje South Asian Gallery.

Video Podcast (19.3MB, 5m 06s)
Written Transcript (PDF)

Constructing the Barosaurus

January 4, 2008
Watch the construction of Gordo, the Barosaurus skeleton mounted in the James and Louise Temerty Galleries of the Age of Dinosaurs. The real fossil specimen is the largest dinosaur ever to be mounted in Canada at almost 27.5 metres (90 feet) in length.

Widescreen Video Podcast (4.2MB, 2m 04s)
Written Transcript (PDF)

The ROM Welcomes Gordo the Barosaurus

December 21, 2007
Associate Curator, David Evans introduces the ROM's new Barosaurus as it is being installed in the James and Louise Temerty Galleries of the Age of Dinosaurs. Discover how it was found and what makes this skeleton so unique to the collection.

Video Podcast (11.9MB, 3m 25s)
Written Transcript (PDF)

Breakout Dinosaurs with Hugh Brewster

December 14, 2007
Hugh Brewster, author of Breakout Dinosaurs: Canada's Coolest, Scariest Ancient Creatures – Return!, reveals some of his favourite dinosaurs. His ninth children's book, created with ROM curators, is filled with fascinating facts and captivating images.

Video Podcast (10.5MB, 3m 06s)
Written Transcript (PDF)

Building the Michael Lee-Chin Crystal

December 6, 2007
Observe one of the most challenging construction projects in North America, the Michael Lee-Chin Crystal. The sequence documents development from May 2003 to November 2007 through a series of still images captured daily at 1 pm during construction and at 10-minute intervals throughout opening week.

Video Podcast (21.6MB, 5m 02s)
Written Transcript (PDF)

Department of Museum Volunteers - Celebrating 50 Years

October 18, 2007
A look inside the history of the ROM's most valuable resource, the Department of Museum Volunteers, a group of individuals passionately dedicated to sharing their love of the ROM with museum patrons, who celebrated their 50th anniversary in October of 2007.

Video Podcast (17MB, 4m 44s)
Written Transcript (PDF)

Coming Soon: T. Rex

September 06, 2007
Assistant Curator, Janet Waddington on the ROM's cast of Tyrannosaurus rex, one of the first specimens to be installed in the James and Louise Temerty Galleries of the Age of Dinosaurs.

Video Podcast (10.3MB, 2m 45s)
Written Transcript (PDF)

Early Typewriters

August 16, 2007
Private collector, Martin Howard speaks about the development of the typewriter, highlighting examples from his own collection on display in the exhibition Early Typewriters (July 7, 2007 to June 29, 2008).

Video Podcast (13.5MB, 2m 24s)
Written Transcript (PDF)

Fact? or Fiction?

July 26, 2007
Highlights from the tenth annual Fact? or Fiction? event, hosted by Valerie Pringle and Howard Glassman. Fuelled by great food and beverages, guests compete for a fabulous prize in an exciting game of guess-the-artifact.

Video Podcast (21MB, 5m 43s)
Written Transcript (PDF)

A Reflection of Female Beauty: Katsushika Hokusai's Paintings

July 06, 2007
Assistant curator, Ka Bo Tsang provides an introduction to the exhibition Drama and Desire: Japanese Paintings from the Floating World 1690 - 1850 (June 3 to August 12, 2007), highlighting two paintings depicting women by Katsushika Hokusai's, the preeminent ukiyo-e painter.

Video Podcast (17MB, 4m 55s)
Written Transcript (PDF)

The Man Mad About Painting: Katsushika Hokusai

July 06, 2007
Assistant curator, Ka Bo Tsang highlights the range and versatility of Katsushika Hokusai's work, focusing on a banner and two lanterns created by the preeminent ukiyo-e painter, on display in Drama and Desire: Japanese Paintings from the Floating World 1690 - 1850 (June 3 to August 12, 2007).

Video Podcast (19MB, 5m 33s)
Written Transcript (PDF)

The Conversation: Hiroshi Sugimoto-Daniel Libeskind

June 28, 2007
Highlights from a discussion between the artist Hiroshi Sugimoto, History of History exhibition, and Daniel Libeskind, architect of the Michael Lee-Chin Crystal; recorded on May 31, the special event was presented by the Institute for Contemporary Culture.

Audio Podcast (18.2MB, 36m 19s)
Written Transcript (PDF)

Michael Lee-Chin Crystal Opening Highlights

June 21, 2007
Weekend highlights of the opening celebrations for the Michael Lee-Chin Crystal, June 1 to June 3, 2007.

Video Podcast (4 MB, 2m 10s)
Written Transcript (PDF)

Architectural Opening of the Michael Lee-Chin Crystal

May 31, 2007
Director & CEO, William Thorsell speaks about the new Michael Lee-Chin Crystal - its enhancement of the Museum's public role, the development process, its "naked" opening, and highlights of the new building itself.

Video Podcast (11 MB, 3m 32s)
Written Transcript (PDF)

The Dawn of the Crystal Age

May 24, 2007
Slide show set to music showing construction of the Michael Lee-Chin Crystal.

Video Podcast (7 MB, 2m 22s)
Written Transcript (PDF)

Glass Worlds: Paperweights from the ROM's Collection

May 10, 2007
Assistant Curator Brian Musselwhite reveals the treasures of the ROM's paperweight collection.

Video Podcast (22 MB, 3m 32s)
Written Transcript (PDF)

ROM Backstage: Internships at the Royal Ontario Museum

April 26, 2007
Digital Intern Bronwen Masemann talks about her experience working at the ROM.

Video Podcast (12 MB, 3m 25s)
Written Transcript (PDF)

Staff Favourites: Paul Kane Paintings

April 26, 2007
Technician Liliane Lortie talks about the Paul Kane paintings on display in the Daphne Cockwell Gallery of Canada: First Peoples.

Video Podcast (7 MB, 2m 3s)
Written Transcript (PDF)

Marking the Moche: Tattoos and Body Modification in Ancient Peru

April 12, 2007
Associate Curator Justin Jennings talks about Moche objects on loan to the ROM from the Linden Museum in Stuttgart, Germany.

Video Podcast (19.6MB, 5m 37s)
Written Transcript (PDF)

ROM Backstage: Modelling the Sicán Lord's Tomb

March 30, 2007
ROM Artist Georgia Guenther creates a model of the tomb at Huaca Loro as part of the exhibition Ancient Peru Unearthed: Golden Treasures of a Lost Civilization.

Video Podcast (4 MB, 4m 20s)
Written Transcript (PDF)

March Break at the Royal Ontario Museum

March 15, 2007
Kids on hanging out, doing and seeing neat stuff at the ROM during March Break.

Video Podcast (4 MB, 2m 18s)
Written Transcript (PDF)

Ancient Peru Unearthed: Introduction

March 15, 2007
Audio tour excerpt by William Thorsell (Director & CEO) introducing the Sicán civilization and the exhibition.

Audio Podcast (1.52MB, 3m 19s)
Written Transcript (PDF)

The Sicán Archaeological Project

March 15, 2007
Audio tour excerpt by Associate Curator Justin Jennings on the work of the Sicán Archaeological Project, including the 1995-1996 excavation of the West Tomb containing 23 individuals, and the 2006 discovery of a cemetery with 21 intact tombs.

Audio Podcast (1.27MB, 2m 46s)
Written Transcript (PDF)

Huaca Loro

March 15, 2007
Audio tour excerpt by Associate Curator Justin Jennings on Sicán sacred places, huacas, their layout and function, and the rituals and ceremonies held on these platform mounds, especially at Huaca Loro.

Audio Podcast (1.26MB, 2m 45s)
Written Transcript (PDF)

Ancient Peru Unearthed: Preview

March 09, 2007
William Thorsell (Director & CEO) and Justin Jennings (Associate Curator) address the audience at the media preview of the exhibition Ancient Peru Unearthed.

Audio Podcast (4 MB, 6m 08s)
Written Transcript (PDF)

Packing Peru

March 07, 2007
Registrar Lisa Tillotson from the Nickle Arts Museum in Calgary, describes the challenges of transporting and unpacking a priceless collection from Peru.

Video Podcast (4 MB, 2m 54s)
Written Transcript (PDF)

Specimen Preparation

March 01, 2007
Assistant Curator Burton Lim describes the process of preparing specimens collected in the field for research and study.

Video Podcast (4 MB, 1m 38s)
Written Transcript (PDF)

Photography at the ROM

January 25, 2007
Senior photographer Brian Boyle provides a brief history of photography at the ROM, and describes the process and technology used to create digital images today.

Video Podcast (4 MB, 2m 49s)
Written Transcript (PDF)

A Day in the Field

January 25, 2007
Assistant Curator Burton Lim describes a typical day of fieldwork in China, from preparing bat and rodent specimens to recording field notes, and of course enjoying camp meals.

Video Podcast (4 MB, 1m 28s)
Written Transcript (PDF)

Sapphires and Rubies

January 11, 2007
Katherine Dunnell, ROM Mineralogy Technician, provides an overview of sapphires, and explains the allure of rubies.

Video Podcast (4 MB, 4m 56s)
Written Transcript (PDF)

Beadwork

January 11, 2007
Technician Liliane Lortie on the personal appeal of the beadwork displayed in the Daphne Cockwell Gallery of Canada: First Peoples.

Video Podcast (4 MB, 4m 02s)
Written Transcript (PDF)

Burgess Shale Collection Storage

December 14, 2006
Associate Curator Jean-Bernard Caron takes us behind-the-scenes for a brief peak at the collection storage for the Burgess Shale fossils.

Video Podcast (4 MB, 4m 31s)
Written Transcript (PDF)

Why kids love the ROM!

December 14, 2006
Intern Melissa Banwell speaks with kids in the galleries and discovers interesting and fun things to do and see at the ROM.

Video Podcast (4 MB, 3m 59s)
Written Transcript (PDF)

Viva Italia!

December 04, 2006
98.1 CHFI morning show hosts, Erin Davis and Mike Cooper tour the Italian Arts & Design exhibition, highlighting select objects, including furniture by Strum and Pesce, fashion by Pucci, and more.

Video Podcast (4 MB, 7m 11s)
Written Transcript (PDF)

Burgess Shale

November 16, 2006
Associate Curator, Jean-Bernard Caron presents an overview of the fossil collection from the Burgess Shale, B.C., highlighting a number of specimens.

Video Podcast (4 MB, 5m 09s)
Written Transcript (PDF)

Casa Del Fascio (House of Fascism)

November 03, 2006
Curator Robert Little discusses a project drawing for the House of Fascism, designed by Giuseppe Terragni in the early 1930s. The item is currently on display in Italian Arts & Design.

Video Podcast (4 MB, 4m 48s)
Written Transcript (PDF)

3D Scanning at the ROM

November 02, 2006
Technician Matthew Hallett on the process and technology used to create 3D images of objects in the ROM's collections

Video Podcast (4 MB, 1m 31s)
Written Transcript (PDF)

Corradino D'Ascanio: Vespa 125

October 26, 2006
Audio guide excerpt highlighting the invention of the Vespa by engineer Corradino D'Ascanio and its production by the Piaggio Company; the Vespa 125 is exhibited in Italian Arts & Design.

Audio Podcast (4 MB, 2m 16s)
Written Transcript (PDF)

Mariano Fortuny y Madrazo: Delphos Dress

October 26, 20067
Audio tour excerpt on fashion designer Mariano Fortuny y Madrazo and his elegant Delphos dress on display in Italian Arts & Design.

Audio Podcast (4 MB, 2m 18s)
Written Transcript (PDF)

Philosophers' Walk

October 20, 2006
Manager Glen Ellis on the history and current use of Philosophers' Walk, a pedestrian pathway and green space, flanking the Museum.

Video Podcast (23 MB, 3m 54s)
Written Transcript (PDF)

Crystalizing Our Future

October 19, 2006
Departmental Assistant Stephanie Gibson on the history of the ROM and its relationship to the Michael Lee-Chin Crystal.

Video Podcast (18 MB, 3m 22s)
Written Transcript (PDF)

Carlos Garaicoa: Exhibition Highlights

October 05, 2006
Technician Liliane Lortie takes a quick tour of the exhibition Carlos Garaicoa.

Video Podcast (15 MB, 2m 32s)
Written Transcript (PDF)

Flightless Birds

October 05, 2006
Technician Oliver Haddrath discusses the genetic relationship of large flightless birds (third episode of three). (Episode 3 of 3)

Video Podcast (10 MB, 1m 44s)
Written Transcript (PDF)

Light

October 05, 2006
Graphic designer Tara Winterhalt on the characteristics and use of light in the Museum building, including the new galleries.

Video Podcast (15 MB, 2m 38s)
Written Transcript (PDF)

DNA Sequencing

September 21, 2006
Technician Oliver Haddrath speaks about the process of sequencing DNA, and introduces the project studying bird origins and the extinct moa of New Zealand. (Episode 2 of 3)

Video Podcast (16 MB, 2m 40s)
Written Transcript (PDF)

The artist: Carlos Garaicoa

September 21, 2006
The artist Carlos Garaicoa on the inspiration and meaning of his work, focusing on De la serie Nuevas arquitecturas (From the Series New Architectures), 2003.

Video Podcast (23 MB, 3m 55s)
Written Transcript (PDF)

Bat Cave

September 06, 2006
Technician Liliane Lortie on the appeal of bats and experiencing the Bat Cave

Video Podcast (14 MB, 2m 25s)
Written Transcript (PDF)

Carlos Garaicoa

September 06, 2006
Managing Director, Institute for Contemporary Culture, Kelvin Browne on the artist Carlos Garaicoa and the exhibtion of his work at the ROM

Video Podcast (4 MB, 9m 06s)
Written Transcript (PDF)

DNA Research

September 06, 2006
Technician Oliver Haddrath introduces DNA work at the Museum (first episode of three)

Video Podcast (20 MB, 3m 22s)
Written Transcript (PDF)

The Space Between

September 06, 2006
Departmental Assistant Stephanie Gibson on hidden and overlooked Museum spaces

Video Podcast (14 MB, 3m 01s)
Written Transcript (PDF)

Education

September 06, 2006
Teacher Jacques Lavoie on the school visits program

Video Podcast (10 MB, 1m 43s)
Written Transcript (PDF)