Toronto Museum

of
Anthropology
Womanhood: A Cultural Perspective
on the Evolution of the Female
Identity
Megan Anise Brown
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Description:
The Toronto Museum of Anthropology is a centre focused on gaining a greater understanding of
culture today by exploring the transformation of art and culture over time. We can learn a great deal
about ourselves by analyzing not only who we were in the past, but why we were that way.
Location:
The Toronto Museum of Anthropology is located in the Discovery District downtown Toronto,
Ontario. It is conveniently within walking distance of other museums, such as: The Art Gallery of
Ontario, The Royal Ontario Museum and The Gardiner Museum. This location encourages patrons
to explore all of the surrounding museums and is especially convenient for tourists or pedestrians
travelling on foot.

Address:
100 Queen's Park
Toronto, ON M4S 2C3



Mission Statement:
The Toronto Museum of Anthropology is a museum dedicated to fostering a greater understanding
of human beings by exploring the context of arts and culture. We continue to create an atmosphere
of intrigue and awareness through visual art and new media art.

Vision Statement:
The Toronto Museum of Anthropology will be recognized as a leader in visitor-centered museum
experiences by engaging and fascinating a diverse audience through an array of remarkable art work.
We will be an impressive facility that accommodates educational programming for the betterment of
the larger community.
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Museum Organizational Chart:



Strategic Goals:
1. To raise the profile of our museum and build relationships with the general public and to be
recognized on a national and international stage.

2. Continue expanding and developing the museums collection to reach optimal exhibition
potential by offering our patrons an innovative experience.

3. Offer more artistic classes and educational programming that can accommodate more
people at our facility.

4. Increase annual admissions and membership renewals.


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Objectives:
1. By 2015 we will increase our tourism market by 15% - meaning we have reached and
engaged a broader market beyond our community. We will reach a broader market by
advertising our museum outside of Toronto, as well in Toronto tourism booklets and
brochures. We will have pamphlets available at the Toronto Pearson Air Port and in hotel
lobbies.

2. We will expand our Womens Rights Revolution collection 30 pieces by 2015. Acquisition
will be done by attending private auctions, buying from the National Museum of Rights
located in Vancouver, and scouting certain pieces from America and around the world.

3. We will hire two more educators to manage our artistic classes and educational programming
so that we can accommodate an increase in attendees. Each class with be offered with the
option of taking it every Tuesday for six weeks or every Thursday for six weeks to
accommodate different schedules.

4. Annual admissions and renewed memberships will be increased by 15% because we will
package special offers together, for example: when you sign up for an artistic class you will
receive 15% when you sign up for a membership for the first time.











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Womanhood: A Cultural Perspective on the Evolution of the Female Identity
Womanhood showcases the ever changing ideologies of what is considered feminine and sexually
appealing across various cultures. This exhibition explores various examples of customs and
traditions over time and how they evolved throughout history. Beauty norms are social constructs
that are born out of a greater context; this exhibition explores the history behind each cultural ritual
and how they influenced women both positively and negatively. In our collection we have artifacts
and items from around the world that women use to enhance their image or uphold a standard of
beauty in their culture. We invite our patrons to not only ask themselves what they consider is
beautiful but why they uphold that ideology.

Items in Exhibition:
1. Non woven Dress
North America, 1965

2. Womans Underwear in the 1800s
English, 1800s

3. Traditional Geisha Wigs
Japan, Edo Period

4. Ethiopian Lip Plate
Ethiopia, Africa

5. Male Heels
France, 1701

6. Chinese Footbinding
China, 1644

7. Neck Coils
Burma, early 20
th
Century

8. Corset: Royal Worcester Corset
Company
America, 1864

9. Abaya
Palestinian, 1875

10. Akhenatens Daughter
Ancient Egypt

EXHIBITION, PROGRAM PREPARATION AND
EVALUATION FORM
Toronto Museum of Anthropology
1. 2. 3.

4. 5. 6.

7. 8. 9.
10.
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Exhibition Development:


Patrons are to experience the exhibition by starting at the left of the room, which is where a detailed
description of Womanhood is posted on the wall. The sequence of the items is crucial in telling a
story. The sequence is as follows:
1) Male Heels 2) Foot Binding 3) Neck Coils 4) Daughter 5) Geisha Wigs 6(Lip Plate 7) Corset
8) 1800s Underwear 8) Abaya 9) Woven Dress
At the end of the exhibition, just to the right of the door hangs a large mirror. The mirror is there
for people to analyze their own imagine and what they consider beautiful according to societys
standards.
o o
3 4 5 6 7 8
2 9
1 10
o MAINT ENTRANCE o
LOAN AGREEMENT
BORROWING INSTITUTION:
Toronto Museum of Anthropology
ADDRESS:
100 Queens St.
Toronto, ON m4S 2C3
TELEPHONE:
1-416-342-4526
CONTACT PERSON:
Megan Anise Brown
LOAN PERIOD:
December 2012 April 2013
EXHIBITION TITLE:
Womanhood
EXHIBITION PERIOD:
January March 2013
OBJECT ITEM NUMBER:
T. 15-1919
DESCRIPTION:
Corset: red sateen with bones covered in
yellow leather, fastened with a spoon busk.
DIMENSIONS: (cm)

N/A

PROVENIENCE:
England
DATE of MATERIAL (Object):
1800s
INSURANCE WILL BE MAINTAINED
BY MUSEUM __ BORROWER __

INSURANCE VALUE (US$)
$5,000.00
CREDIT LINE:
Victoria and Albert Museum

The Borrower acknowledges reading and
agreeing to the conditions on both sides
of this document.
Signature of Borrowing Institution
____________________________________
_____
Title
____________________________________
_____________________

Museum Signature
____________________________________
_______________
Title
____________________________________
___Date_______________
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LOAN AGREEMENT
BORROWING INSTITUTION:
Toronto Museum of Anthropology
ADDRESS:
100 Queens St.
Toronto, ON m4S 2C3
TELEPHONE:
1-416-342-4526
CONTACT PERSON:
Megan Anise Brown
LOAN PERIOD:
December 2012 April 2013
EXHIBITION TITLE:
Womanhood
EXHIBITION PERIOD:
January March 2013
OBJECT ITEM NUMBER:
N/A
DESCRIPTION:
Japanese Geisha hairstyle wigs with hair pieces
DIMENSIONS: (cm)

N/A
PROVENIENCE:
Japan
DATE of MATERIAL (Object):
Edo Period
INSURANCE WILL BE MAINTAINED
BY BORROWER

INSURANCE VALUE (US$)
$70,000.00
HANDLING REQUIREMENTS:
Transfer in cushioned boxes
INSTALLATION REQUIREMENT:
Cannot touch wig, only the stand it is on
CREDIT LINE:
Japanese Hair Museum
The Borrower acknowledges reading and
agreeing to the conditions on both sides
of this document.
Signature of Borrowing Institution
____________________________________
_____
Title
____________________________________
_____________________

Museum Signature
____________________________________
_______________
Title
____________________________________
___Date_______________





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LOAN AGREEMENT
BORROWING INSTITUTION:
Toronto Museum of Anthropology
ADDRESS:
100 Queens St.
Toronto, ON m4S 2C3
TELEPHONE:
1-416-342-4526
CONTACT PERSON:
Megan Anise Brown
LOAN PERIOD:
December 2012 April 2013
EXHIBITION TITLE:
Womanhood
EXHIBITION PERIOD:
January March 2013
OBJECT ITEM NUMBER:
Af1983,10.10
DESCRIPTION:
Lip-plate made of aluminium.

PROVENIENCE:
Kenya
Acquisition Date:
1983
INSURANCE WILL BE MAINTAINED
BY BORROWER

INSURANCE VALUE (US$)
$20,000.00
HANDLING REQUIREMENTS:
Transfer in cushioned box
INSTALLATION REQUIREMENT:
N/A
CREDIT LINE:
The British Museum
The Borrower acknowledges reading and
agreeing to the conditions on both sides
of this document.
Signature of Borrowing Institution
____________________________________
_____
Title
____________________________________
_____________________

Museum Signature
____________________________________
_______________
Title
____________________________________
___Date_______________



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Name of Exhibition:
Womanhood: A Cultural Perspective on the Evolution of the Female Identity
Date exhibition:
January 1 March 31

2013
Person completing template and contact information:
Megan Anise Brown (T): 416.326.4526 (E): brownm@tmanthro.ca

Mission: The Toronto Museum of Anthropology is a museum dedicated to fostering a greater
understanding of human beings by exploring the context of arts and culture. We continue to create
an atmosphere of intrigue and awareness through visual art and new media art.

Goals:
1) Womanhood serves to educate patrons on various ideologies of beauty from around the world.
This exhibition challenges patrons on their own ideology and definition of femininity and
beauty.
2) We hope to inspire new patrons to become memberships by showing them this world class
exhibition as a reflection of what Toronto Museum of Anthropology has to offer.
3) To create engaging and interacting programs for various demographics to enjoy at our museum.

Conservation Issues:
We have the right equipment and materials used to facilitate our high maintenance collection
because the Toronto Museum of Anthropology was intentionally architecturally designed to
integrate fine art conservation means and methods in order to host world class exhibitions. Our
facility accommodates storage for a large collection, can host numerous exhibition rooms, has space
for special programming and can hold a large operating staff.
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Security:
The Toronto Museum of Anthropology is fully equipped with the latest security technology, along
with a team of security guards. It is very important that our collection is safe and patrons are
protected, but at the same time we want to have a relaxed and inviting atmosphere, the balance was
quite challenging for us. We overcame this obstacle by developing security solutions that optimize a
patrons participation, while safeguarding our invaluable collection.

This illustration indicates the various forms of security our museum installed: monitored infrared
motion detectors, proximity alarms, and barriers such as signs and warning indicators.
Technology:
We will promote this exhibition on our website and blog. As well we will promote this exhibition on
various websites and newspapers with above the fold advertisements. Our members received a
personalized invitation with details pertaining to the exhibition and programming.
www.torontomuseumofanthropology.com and www.moftanthopology.com/blog



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Target Groups:
This is a world class museum which brings in visitors from around the world. Locals and tourists
come to this museum because it is conveniently located in the art district downtown Toronto.
Although the museum itself has many great exhibitions for all demographics, this exhibit targets a
mature audience because it deals with adult situations. This exhibition appeals to many people with
varying interests because it has many perspectives, to name a few: history, culture, feminism, societal
norms, gender roles and geography.

Objectives for the visitor experience:
- To create a space of critical thinking and analysis for patrons, especially regarding their
personal views on what is feminine and beautiful, and why it is that way.
- To offer a place in our community for people to come and interact with each other and have
a an open dialog about this interesting and imperative matter
- To invite patrons to explore our world class gallery and give them a reason to be a proud
member of our community
- To benefit a large demographic for the betterment of our community and future

PROGRAMMING:
Name of programs:
1) Name That Place: A program for elementary students. It is an ongoing station that has
coloring tools and booklets for kids to explore. The booklets have various activities which
helps young children gain world geography skills and a better understanding of foreign
cultures. An activity example:
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1. How many continents are there?
2. How many continents have land along the
equator?
3. How many continents have land south of the
equator?
4. How many continents have land north of the
equator?
5. How many continents start with the letter "A"?

6. How many continents end with the letter "a"?

7. How many continents border the Pacific Ocean?

8. How many continents border the Atlantic
Ocean?
9. How many continents border the Arctic Ocean?

10. How many continents border the Indian
Ocean?

2) A Night At The Museum: TMoA invites Anthropologists and authors Nancy Johnson
Black and Frances E. Macia to a lively discussion regarding the cultural identities among
woman in the 21
st
century. This will be a catered event with food and appetizers. Moderator:
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Jared Bland, editor for The Globe and Mail. Tickets are $40.00 a piece. The event is held
on March 2, 2013 at 7:00 pm.


3) Photo Booth: We will offer a chest of replica traditional womens clothing from around the
world. This will appeal to a highschool/university demographic. Patrons can get their photo
taken in these outfits and buy a photograph for $20.00 they will receive a digital copy as
well that they can upload to social media use hashtag TMoAWomanhood.

Date of Programs:
1) Name That Place is an ongoing childrens program. Starting January 1
st
March 31
st

2) A Night At The Museum: March 2nd from 7:00 10:00pm
3) Photo Booth: Ongoing between January 1
st
and March 31
st


Goals and Objectives:
1) Name That Place:
- To teach young children about world geography and exploration. Promote thinking about
being a part of a larger community.
- To inspire and excite youth about visiting museums so that one day they grow up and
become members
- To have a minimum of 40 children a day each do an activity booklet
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2) A Night At The Museum:
- An evening held for adults to entertain and enlighten with an exchange of ideas and
information.
- Sell at least 300 tickets to this event at $40.00 a piece bringing in $12,000.00
- Offer membership discount with ticket purchase, which will help achieve our membership
quota for March.

3) Photo Booth:
- To engage young adults with an experience that is more than just looking at artifacts, but
rather uses all senses for a satisfying experience.
- University students need a break from read and memorizing hard facts, this is a fun way to
have an educational experience without reminding them too much of their text books

Target groups:
1) Name That Place: Young school children between the ages of 5 and 12. The might come
in with their parents or with their school mates. They can take their booklet home with them
or finish them in the classroom.
2) A Night At The Museum: Middles Aged professions, both members and non-members.
This event will likely bring in professors and instructors that are in a similar field of study.
We hope this event will encourage nonmembers to purchase a membership. Ticket sales for
this event include a 10% discount if they sign up for membership at the same time.
3) Photo Booth: This event targets young adults: ages 18 24, mostly university students.
They probably cannot afford a membership, but will be offered a special student discount.




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Web Presence and Marketing:
1) Name That Place: Will be promoted in day cares and elementary classrooms. Schools will
be given a museum program that showcases this ongoing exhibition and what it has to offer
young children.
2) A Night At The Museum: This event will be advertised online at the University of
Torontos website, as well alumni will receive and email regarding this event. Parents of
children that attend Name That Place will receive an invitation in the mail after they
update mailing information on the signup sheet for youth program. Members will
automatically be send an invitation in the mail.

3) Photo Booth: This program will be advertised via Instagram, Facebook and Twitter. We will
have posters around various universities, colleges and libraries in the city. We will also
update our blog with a post that informs young adults about this program.

EVALUATION/IMPACT:
Evaluation Tools/Methods/Strategies:

Throughout the exhibition and programming we will evaluate their success by various means, such
as: observation, questionnaires and membership increases.
At the end of this exhibition and programming we will hold a meeting that includes all staff, which
allows everyone to have their turn giving constructive feedback. Having a meeting that includes
everyone allows us to not miss any areas of improvement or recognition, as well; it is an inclusive
environment for stass.

Program success indicators

We will know that this program was a success by achieving our objectives, such as: increased
memberships, minimum expectation of children at the Name That Place program daily, positive
feedback, and high level of attendance.

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Quantitative Outputs:
- A Night of the Museum sold out all 300 tickets
- We ran out of our Name That Place booklets; we printed 1000 and were short approximately
200.
- Gender and Anthropology book was our Gift Shops top selling item all three months

Qualitative indicators:
- Very positive feedback from patrons, a few examples:
This was an eye opening exhibition that had me reevaluate my own ideologies of what is
feminine and why.
My son loved the Name That Place program!
- Cultural appropriation was taken more seriously among our guests; they questioned why they
picked certain characteristics from a culture and not others.





Total Attendance:
Exhibition (January March): 5000
Name That Place: 1000
A Night at the Museum: 300
Photo Booth: = 2,500
Critical Assessment of the program/event:
The programming for Womanhood would have been near impossible without volunteers. From
manning Name That Place activity stations for children, to coat check and bartending at A Night at
the Museum, they were a crucial part of our success. These were large events that ran swimmingly
because we had enough support staff and dedicated volunteers to make it happen. Overall, there
were no issues with managing the team or delegating work that needed to be done.
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The programs were a great success because of many factors:

- Weather conditions cooperated for the majority of time the programs ran, especially for the
onetime event A Night at the Museum
- We had more than enough volunteers dedicate their time and support, as well they were all
properly trained in specific positions for optimal results
- We marketed and promoted the programs strategically to target the exact demographics for
each specific event and listened to previous program feedback they had offered us
- They were well received and supported by the arts community and beyond. We received a
lot of positive feedback from both members and non members. In fact, out of the non-
member patrons that visited Womanhood, we saw a 10% membership increase

Recommendations for future Events:
- Offer a variety of entertainment along with a lecture night, we are already offering drinks and
appetizers, there could be a four string quartet in the lobby or something themed with the
showing exhibition.
- We should offer a Q&A period when the guest speakers are done , this will encourage
participation and engagement from the audience
- Have more interactive activities for the children because some lost interest in the workbooks
and became rambunctious.










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Museum Websites:

http://www.vam.ac.uk/users/node/6378

http://www.metmuseum.org/collections/search-the-collections/158007

http://geishaofjapan.com/travel/kyoto-hair-museum/

http://www.britishmuseum.org/research/collection_online/collection_object_details.aspx?objectId
=581014&partId=1

http://web.prm.ox.ac.uk/bodyarts/index.php/permanent-body-arts/reshaping-and-piercing/151-
neck-coils.html

http://metmuseum.org/Collections/search-the-
collections/86272?rpp=20&pg=1&rndkey=20131101&ao=on&ft=*&deptids=8&pos=17

http://www.ancient-egypt.co.uk/index.htm

http://collections.museums.ualberta.ca/cltx/details_item.aspx?key=189708

http://www.batashoemuseum.ca/index.html

http://mcclungmuseum.utk.edu/exhibits/foot-binding/