University of Manitoba - Clayton H. Riddell Faculty of Environment, Earth, and Resources - Department of Geological Sciences - Centenary Projects
Centenary Projects

Our History

In 1910, Dr. R.C. Wallace was appointed Lecturer in Geology and Mineralogy marking the establishment of western Canada’s oldest geoscience department.  Within two decades, the Department of Geology and Mineralogy had grown to three staff members, moved from the downtown campus on Broadway to the Buller Building, established a Geology Club and received significant contributions to the our teaching and research collections.

We have a long and proud history in education and research.  Today, we are recognized worldwide as one of  Canada’s top geoscience units. We have 24 academic staff and call the Wallace building our home. Since our first geology degree in 1922, more than 1000 graduates have passed through our doors. Many of our professors and graduates have excelled in outstanding careers in Canada and around the world.

Department History Wall

To commemorate a century of excellence, we have created a unique display to illustrate the Department’s past and present, to showcase milestones and to build awareness of our many achievements.

The History Wall welcomes visitors to the Department. Through innovative design, dynamic multimedia and compelling photography, this display captures our first century of research, education and vision.

The 5.5 metre display is designed to mimic rock formations embedded with black and white and sepia tone photographs of field trips, research work and teaching. An LCD monitor features a digital multimedia presentation that includes video, photo and text content chronicling our history, alumni of distinction and academic and professional leaders.

Mosaic Map of Manitoba

To commemorate a century of progress in understanding the geology of Manitoba, a vibrant new mosaic map of Manitoba will feature the major geological terrains, their structure and the rocks that typify these areas.

This 2.5 x 1.5 metre map will occupy the main hallway of the Wallace Building. Its central location will increase appreciation of the geology of Manitoba.  The map will consist of about two dozen tightly fitting polished pieces of Tyndall stone, Lac du Bonnet granite and other “hallmark” rocks that represent established tectonic and stratigraphic units in the geologic collage that is Manitoba.

Geoscape Park

The largest and most ambitious project celebrating the Department’s Centenary is the construction of a rock garden around the Wallace Building. The Geoscape Park will be designed to serve the teaching and outreach functions of the Department by showcasing the geology of Manitoba and the industrial and environmental importance of the geological sciences. It will transform the grounds around the Wallace Building into an attractive facility that will create a link between the outdoors and the Ed Leith Cretaceous Menagerie and R.B. Ferguson Museum of Mineralogy. The Geoscape Park will be a longer term project than the other Centenary projects and will involve a major fundraising campaign which will commence in 2010.

 

 

Department History:  An Abridged Version