Episode 7 - The Logistics of Curating a Military Museum with Alison Mercer

Host Bryndis Whitson welcomes Alison Mercer, the Senior Curator of the Military Museums in Calgary, Alberta. Alison was the curator of the Cold War exhibit in the Air Force Museum and is currently overseeing its expansion alongside the board. Alison talks about what it’s like to curate museum exhibits, how artefacts are sourced, and the supply chain logistics of transporting a fighter jet down the highway. Alison has a breadth of museum knowledge and fascinating stories to share.

Alison's interest in military history stemmed from her father, who she calls an amateur military historian. She grew up with books and artefacts, took a Canadian Military History course, and sought a posting for an internship with the military museums that turned into a 14+ year career.

Alison describes the Air Force Museum’s set up, including the Great Escape Experience and the Cold War exhibit and how tech combines with experiential experiences in both exhibits. She and Bryndis discuss sourcing everything from display cabinets and lighting to exactly which types of transportation are used to transport major artefacts, how they’re preserved during transfer, and the complex logistics of driving a CF 100 fighter jet down a highway.