Sitka History Museum in Harrigan Centennial Hall, acclaimed as Sitka’s hidden cultural treasure, is a good “first stop” for travelers. After a brief visit, visitors leave the museum with an understanding of Sitka’s important place in Alaska’s development. Creative displays convey local history, introduce Alaska Native cultures, and demonstrate the impact this strategic place has had on the development of today’s Pacific Northwest.
Features include life-size models, such as the ones of Dmitri Maksoutoff, the last general manager of the Russian-America Company, and his wife, who were here when Russian claims to Alaska were transferred to the United States, Oct. 18, 1867.
This summer’s changing gallery highlights the story of salmon fishing in Southeast Alaska. Old ships, diving and underwater treasures, and dynamic art creations are included in this gallery.
This museum also has modern collections storage, office space and the Reis Research Room, which is available for those who wish to delve deeper into Sitka’s history.
“It’s a small museum packed with fascinating stories that bring Sitka’s past to life,” says Sitka Historical Society Executive Director Hal Spackman.
The front of the museum ushers visitors in with a video of modern day Sitka, followed by the first permanent exhibit, which is on Tlingit history.
The second display covers Imperial Russia’s presence in Alaska and the economy, culture and daily life during the 1800s. The next section delves into the Transfer of Alaska and why Russia decided to sell its claims. It includes the Alaska Natives’ perspective of the Transfer. The fourth gallery focuses on Sitka after the transition through the granting of civil rights to Alaska Natives. The final permanent exhibit showcases modern Alaska Native art.
To populate the exhibits, museum staff members constantly review its collection of artifacts, photos and archives. “We ask ourselves if the objects we preserve and display fit our mission to preserve Sitka’s story,” said Nicole Fiorino, museum curator of collections and exhibits. “This year, don’t miss the display highlighting our recently re-vitalized Chilkat robe, a stunning cultural piece woven from mountain goat hair that is still used during significant cultural events.”
“Staff and volunteers continually enter objects into our digital database to make them instantly searchable. Even objects which appear to be easily classified may take museum staffers 15 to 20 minutes to catalog, record its description, condition, donor information and other relevant information,” she said. More difficult ones take hours.
Recently, the Society led community dialogue on how to best portray the impact of colonialism on Alaska Native people. These discussions resulted in the move of Alexander Baranov’s statue from in front of Centennial Hall into the museum, so this influence could be better understood.
The museum is open year around Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., but extends hours during the peak tourist season. More information is at www.sitkahistory.com
Those with questions or an interest in booking a private museum tour may call (907) 738-3766.
