CMS Course Descriptions

Artifacts

Format: Online

July 14—September 19, 2025

Registration opens: May 26, 2025 

This is the first of two courses which deals with the subject of preventive conservation.

The artifact is examined and described in terms of material, manufacture, and condition. Types and causes of deterioration are also identified. Consideration of the environment focuses on phenomena that present themselves as potential hazards to the artifact.

Core topics: Introduction to preventive conservation; introduction to the materials (Cellulosic, Proteinaceous, Inorganic); agents of deterioration (light, relative humidity, pollutants, pests, physical forces, dissociation); how to write a condition report; artifact handling,  and artifact labelling.

Artifacts is the prerequisite course for Care of Collections.

Care of Collections

Format: Online

January 12 – March 20, 2026

Registration opens: November 2025. Please note that completion of CMS Artifacts is a prerequisite for this course.

This course is the second of two courses on the subject of preventive conservation.

Participants will acquire the principles and techniques needed to prevent damage to artifacts during storage, display, handling, packing, and shipping. Differentiation between preventive conservation and treatment conservation will be examined, with practical suggestions for dealing with damaged artifacts provided.

Core topics: Preventive Conservation/Treatment Conservation/Restoration; safe storage methods; disaster planning; handling collections; safe exhibition methods; packing & shipping artifacts; stable and unstable materials for exhibits and storage; conservation resources; how to hire a conservator; role of the conservator vs. the non-conservator when caring for collections; basic cleaning of paper, textiles, ceramics, wood, glass, leather, fire detection and prevention.

Prerequisite: Artifacts

Collections Management

Format: Online

September 22 – November 28, 2025

Registration opens: July 28, 2025

Participants will gain information and skills required to manage acquisitions, disposals, and loans, and to create and maintain the body of documentation which is the infrastructure of the collections.

Core topics: Purpose of Collections Management (public trust, activities in collections management, collections policy); planning for collections growth; loans; acquisitions; repatriation; deaccessioning; access & security; fine arts insurance; risk management; appraisals/tax receipts; record keeping including computerized collections data management.

Education Programs

Format: Online

August 25 – October 31, 2025

Registration opens: June 30, 2025

The Education Programs course provides a learner-centered approach to the planning and design of engaging and relevant learning experiences for diverse audiences. Students will engage in hands-on and collaborative learning activities, connecting theory to practice while designing programming that responds to emerging trends and shifts in the museum field.

Core topics include: philosophies of learning and education, interpretation best practices, design thinking, programming for diverse learners and audiences, evaluation, creative ways to engage new audiences, digital learning and education policy and standards. Students will demonstrate their knowledge and understanding of museum education through the creation of a comprehensive program plan as the culminating course assignment.

Exhibit Planning and Design

Format: Online

May 5 – July 11, 2025

Registration opens: March 10, 2025

Learn to create vibrant, attractive and accessible exhibits that welcome and engage visitors of all ages. Participants will work through all of the stages in developing a museum exhibit, from initial concept all the way to summative evaluation. Throughout the course the focus is on proven, practical and cost-effective techniques and ideas.

Core topics include: the nature of exhibits; the audience; the big idea and exhibit brief; interpretive planning; writing text; budgets; curatorship; design; fabrication and evaluation.

Museums and the Community

Format: Online

October 6 – December 12, 2025

Registration opens: August 25, 2025

Participants will gain the knowledge and skills required to coordinate the objectives and activities of the museum with the specific needs of its communities.  The course is designed to look at a wide range of issues facing museums in their search for audiences and support.  Emphasis will be placed on finding practical solutions and sharing ideas. 

Core topics: relationships between Canadian museums and their communities in a rapidly-changing social, political and cultural environment re: programming, mission statements, audience development, marketing and fundraising; tools and practical solutions to negotiate support from potential sponsors and to communicate effectively with target audiences.

Museums in Context

Format: Online

July 7 – September 12, 2025

Registration opens: May 12, 2025

Have you ever wondered how Ontario museums have arrived at this moment in time? How did museums even begin in Ontario, Canada, and beyond? How and why have they evolved in this way? How has this evolution impacted the museum profession – what kinds of jobs, requiring what kind of training, and receiving what kind of remuneration? Who fills those jobs and why – how diverse, or not, is the profession? What expectations must museum workers satisfy in terms of ethical and professional behaviour? Last, what are the forces that are shaping and will continue to shape museums’ change over time? “Museums in Context” will help you begin to answer these questions, and many others, through a range of readings, videos, and online discussion forums.

The course will provide you with an opportunity to:

• explore the historical origins of museums, and the emerging and evolving roles of museums in society;

• become familiar with the various contexts in which museum work takes place and the range of issues developing within each;

• access and apply a variety of resources that support museum work in Ontario and in Canada;

• develop a network of colleagues; and

• forge links between the ongoing debates in the field and your own professional practice

Museums in Historic Buildings (Facilities Management)

Format: In-Person

April 14 – 16, 2025

Please note that this course will take place onsite at Todmorden Mills Heritage Site (67 Pottery Road, Toronto, ON).

Registration opens: March 6, 2025

Participants will acquire the knowledge and techniques required to manage a museum within the context of an historic building, and to care for the historic building as an artifact.

The objective of this course is to familiarize participants with the activities and concerns involved in the careful conservation of the historic building, particularly as they relate to the building’s use as a museum.

Core topics: researching a building, the historic building as artifact, planning museum space & system needs, realizing a capital project, museum as a public facility, maintenance of building and grounds, programming the historic building.

Organization and Management of Museums

Format: Online

June 2 – August 8, 2025

Registration opens: April 7, 2025

Participants will acquire a broad understanding of how museums and galleries are managed in Canada and of contemporary issues facing community museums. Through readings, case studies, and discussions, course participants will develop an understanding of key concepts in museum management, including: 

• Strategic Planning and Management

• Governance and Management

• Ethics

• Administration (Policies / Finances / Human Resources)