Last updated: 1/18/2015
Sitka, Alaska
Address
330 Harbor DriveSitka, AK 99835
phone: 907-747-6455
fax: 907-747-6588
e-mail: halspackman@sitkahistory.org
web: www.sitkahistory.org/

Hours

In the off-season Tuesday through Saturday, with special hours scheduled to accommodate school classes, Elderhostel and ferry stopover hours, and by special appointment
Monday - Friday
9 AM - 5 PM
Saturday
10 AM - 4 PM

Admissions

Free Admission October 1 - April 30

$3 Donations Accepted.

Staff

Hal Spackman
phone: 907-747-6455
Kristy Griffin,
phone:
Description

The Sitka Historical Museum is a history museum in Sitka, Alaska with a focus on interpreting Sitka and Southeast Alaska’s history. Known as the only museum in Sitka that contains elements of all of Sitka’s history, the Sitka Historical Museum has exhibits, photographs, artifacts, and archives related to Sitka’s Tlingit, Russian, and American history, and particularly, the period surrounding and following Alaska’s 1867 transfer from Russia. The breadth of history interpreted makes the Museum a great first stop for travelers to orient themselves to Sitka.

Museum staff can provide answers to historical questions, interpret artifacts and relay tales of the unique individuals who have made Sitka a very special destination for the visitor.

Mission

The mission of the Sitka Historical Society is to preserve and promote the events, stories and artifacts of the human history of the Sitka area for the inspiration, education and benefit of the public and future generations.

History

The Sitka Historical Society is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization. At the time of its founding, the Society did not have a dedicated space to store and exhibit its collections, but in 1967, with the major support of the City and Borough of Sitka and volunteers, including long-time Sitka resident, Isabel Miller, the collections were moved to their new home in Harrigan Centennial Hall the Museum opened its doors to the public and we've been here ever since!

Artifact Collections
Overview of Collections

The Sitka Historical Society’s unique mission to tell the human history of Sitka and the surrounding area is reflected by the breadth and variety of its collection and archives. The historical society’s collection was initially developed in the 1950s when a group of dedicated volunteers founded the society. Isabel Miller, Joe Ashby, and other founding members worked to collect items of historical interest, met regularly, and organized to secure a formal museum space in Centennial Harrigan Hall in downtown Sitka in 1967. Continuing to build upon their pioneering work, the Sitka Historical Society has amassed one of the most diverse and largest collections in Sitka comprised of over 8,000 three-dimensional artifacts, several hundred paintings, prints, and examples of fine art, a spectacular collection of nearly 25,000 historic photographs, and more than 100,000 archival documents, all ranging from the 1740s until the present day.

Governance

The Sitka Historical Museum is operated by the Sitka Historical Society, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization and is located in Harrigan Centennial Hall at 330 Harbor Drive in downtown historic Sitka.

Library
Access: Staff Only, Members
Appointment required: Yes
Publications
Research

Distinguished research library of extensive manuscripts and photographs are of international importance and an important cultural asset. Access to research collections is by appointment only.

Services

The museum also has a small gift shop featuring a choice selection of historical books about Sitka, locally created Tlingit art, and a great variety of reasonably priced gifts, including hand-made wooden Russian Matryoshka nesting dolls.

Gift Shop
Exhibitions
Museum Events
DISCLAIMER
This information, including business hours, addresses and contact information is provided for general reference purposes only. No representation is made or warranty is given as to its content or the reliability thereof. User assumes all risk of use. Stories USA, Inc. and its content suppliers assume no responsibility for any loss or delay resulting from such use. Please call ahead to verify the dates, the location and directions.

MUSEUM CONFERENCES

Museum Trustee Association Spring Forum 2024

April 10 - 14, 2024

Atlanta, Georgia

Texas Association of Museums 2024 Lubock Annual Conference

April 14 - 17, 2024

Lubbock, Texas

2024 Colorado-Wyoming ANNUAL MEETING

May 1 - 4, 2024

Worland, Wyoming

West Virginia Association of Museums 2024 Conference

June 6 - 8, 2024

Shepherdstown, West Virginia

RECENT UPDATES

Museums

03/07 The Mariners' Museum and Park

Newport News, Virginia

Museum Vendors

02/18 Tessellate

New York City, New York

10/30 Museum Fabrication Group, LLC

Denton, Texas

03/07 ConservArt Inc.

Boca Raton, Florida