North America’s northernmost state – Alaska is known for its rugged terrain, stunning fjords, and stunningly beautiful glaciers. But aside from its natural beauty, Alaska is also home to a rich and diverse Native culture that has been preserved and celebrated through the ages.
One of the best ways to get an in-depth understanding and appreciation of Alaska’s incredibly diverse Native culture is by exploring the various Native museums located throughout the state.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at some of the best Native museums in Alaska, what you can expect to see, and what makes them such a unique and fascinating destination.
What to Expect at an Alaska Native Museum
Alaska’s Native museums offer visitors a chance to learn about the state’s rich history and culture of its Indigenous peoples through exhibits, interactive displays, and traditional artifacts. Visitors can experience Alaska’s history through the eyes of its Indigenous people and, in doing so, gain a deeper appreciation for their traditions, history, and way of life.
The exhibits tell the story of the many Alaska Native cultures, highlighting their unique histories, beliefs, traditions, and customs. Some museums include interactive displays, artifact collections, multimedia presentations, and traditional storytelling.
Alaska’s Best Native Museums
Here are some of the best Native museums in Alaska, each with its own unique focus, traditions, and exhibits.
Alaska Native Heritage Center
The Alaska Native Heritage Center (ANHC) in Anchorage is a cultural and educational facility that celebrates the rich history and traditions of Alaska’s Indigenous cultures. The center is spread over 26 acres of land and features a variety of traditional Native dwellings and structures.
Visitors can explore six interpretive galleries featuring authentic artifacts from Alaska’s Indigenous communities and can watch demonstrations of traditional arts, music, and dance. The Heritage Center also offers visitors the opportunity to participate in cultural workshops and Native games.
Ilanka Cultural Center
The Ilanka Cultural Center in Unalaska is a cultural museum that celebrates the history and traditions of the Unangan people. The museum boasts an impressive collection of artifacts, including traditional clothing, hunting, and fishing equipment, and artwork.
Visitors to the museum can also learn about the Unangan language, history, and folklore through interactive displays, exhibits, and videos. The museum is surrounded by the stunning natural landscape of Unalaska, making it a beautiful destination to explore Alaska’s Native culture.
Sheldon Jackson Museum
The Sheldon Jackson Museum in Sitka is a unique cultural destination with a vast collection of Alaska Native artifacts, including ivory carvings, woven baskets, and traditional clothing. The museum was founded in 1887 and is housed in the historic building of the former Sheldon Jackson College.
The museum has around 6,000 objects and includes works from various Alaska Native cultures, including Tlingit, Haida, and Inupiaq. Visitors can also join guided tours and watch featured artist events to get a better understanding of the traditional Native heritage.
Alaska State Museum
The Alaska State Museum in Juneau is a treasure trove of artifacts and exhibits celebrating Alaska’s Native cultures. The museum has a vast collection of Native crafts, artwork, and historical artifacts, many of which have significant cultural and historic value.
Visitors can explore the museum’s exhibits, including the Native Peoples Gallery, a collection of Native artifacts, where visitors can learn about the traditional practices of Alaska’s Indigenous people. Visitors can also see an Inupiaq whale hunting boat, which is one of only several remaining in Alaska, and learn about the people who once operated it.
Final Thoughts
Alaska’s Native museums offer visitors an opportunity to learn about the rich history and traditions of the state’s Indigenous cultures. Visitors can explore a diverse range of exhibits, artifacts, and interactive displays to learn about the customs and traditions of Alaska’s Indigenous people.
Whether you’re interested in traditional crafts, hunting and fishing, or language and folklore, Alaska’s Native museums are the perfect destination to explore. Visiting Native museums is an essential part of appreciating Alaska’s cultural landscape, so be sure to add them to your itinerary when traveling to Alaska!