River of Death and Discovery Dinosaur Museum Society

The River of Death and Discovery Dinosaur Museum Society is a non-profit organization established in 2010. The society was formed with the purpose of operating a dinosaur museum, which would serve as a world-class center for learning, discovery, and science.

History

Initially, the society aimed to open a museum named the River of Death and Discovery Dinosaur Museum. However, in 2011, the name was changed to the Philip J. Currie Dinosaur Museum to reflect the significant support and recognition of Canadian paleontologist Philip J. Currie, and concerns over the original name[2]. This change also reflected a desire to shift the focus towards a more positive and educational experience while still honoring the historical and scientific significance of the area.

Purpose and Activities

The society's primary mission is to manage a dinosaur museum facility that showcases the rich paleontological history of the region. The museum is located near the Pipestone Creek bonebed, one of the most significant dinosaur fossil sites in the world. The bonebed contains thousands of fossils, including those of Pachyrhinosaurus, hadrosaurs, tyrannosaurs, nodosaurs, plesiosaurs, and pterosaurs[2][4].

Funding and Development

The museum project received substantial funding from local and provincial sources, including the County of Grande Prairie, the City of Grande Prairie, the Municipal District of Greenview, and the Government of Alberta. Private donations also contributed to the CA$26-million project[2]. The museum was designed by Teeple Architects of Toronto, aiming for a LEED-certified building. The society works closely with scientists to create a dynamic visitor experience, incorporating viewing galleries where visitors can observe scientists working in laboratories[4].

Operations

The society operates under a set of bylaws that outline its organizational structure, membership rights, and governance procedures. The bylaws include provisions for annual general meetings, voting processes, and member responsibilities within the society[5]. The society is not liable for individual member debts and ensures members are informed about important gatherings through formal notices[5].

References

• River of Death and Discovery Dinosaur Museum Society
• Philip J. Currie Dinosaur Museum
• River of Death and Discovery Dinosaur Museum / Teeple Architects
• Bylaws of River of Death and Discovery Dinosaur Museum Society