Alaska History Museums

The Alaska State Museum was established on June 6, 1900, and provides its customers knowledge of the history of the state, its people, and its resources. Come experience the life of the Eskimo's, see totem poles and kayaks, and many more artifacts that portray the life of the people and the history of Alaska. Located at 395 Whittier Street in Juneau, AK.

The museum offers over 9000 square feet of exhibits ranging from sculptures and models to native baskets and mummy caves.  There is much to learn about the Aleutian Islands at the Museum of the Aleutians.  Located at 314 Salmon Way in Unalaska, AK.

Alaska Native Heritage Center

Striving to preserve the Native culture and heritage of the Alaskan people, the museum offers village exhibits, bringing to life the ways of the Aleut, Alutiiq, the Yup'ik and Qargi peoples. 

8800 Heritage Center Drive

Anchorage, Alaska 99506.

Anchorage Museum of History & Art

Not only an art museum, the second floor gives visitors 15,000 square feet of Alaska history!.  The exhibits are simply brimming with artifacts and displays devoted to the history of Alaska, the Aleuts, Eskimos and Indians,  Learn about the gold rush, Russian settlement, WWII and the inception of Alaska as part of the United States.  Located at 121 W. 7th Avenue in Anchorage, AK.

Crow Creek Mine

Search for gold nuggets in a well-known gold mine which has produced over 45,000 ounces of gold!  Try your luck, pan for gold and learn what the work of a miner was like during the gold rush days of Alaska.  Location is on Seward Highway about one hour south of Anchorage, Alaska.

Eklutna Historical Park and Museum

16515 Centerfield Drive, Suite 201
Eagle River AK 99577

Oscar Anderson House Museum

Built in 1915 by Oscar Anderson (the city butcher), this was the first permanent frame home in Anchorage.  Tours are available.  Phone for availability.

420 M Street in Anchorage, AK.

(907) 274-2336

Alaska Heritage Museum at Wells Fargo, Anchorage, Alaska

Featuring large collections of Alaskan Native artifacts and Alaskan fine art, the museum also highlights the history of Wells Fargo during the Alaskan Gold Rush.  Located at 301 W. Northern Lights in Anchorage, AK.

Inupiat Heritage Center

Located in Barrow, Alaska which is known as "The Rooftop of the World", the center tells the story and teaches the culture of the Inupiat people of Alaska.  These Eskimo people were excellent whalers and crafters, living in one of the harshest climates on earth. 

Cordova Historical Museum  [Cordova History]

Dedicated to the preservation and display of the history of Cordova, Alaska, the museum is operated by the Cordova Historical Society.  Housed in the Centennial Building at 622 First Street in Cordova, AK.

Sam Fox Museum

Located in Dillingham, Alaska next to the Public Library.

Alaska Museum of Natural History

Exhibits range from the ice age to the polar dinosaurs which roamed the region.  Located at 201 N. Bragaw in Anchorage, AK.

Downtown Fairbanks Walking Tour

A two hour walking tour of downtown Fairbanks, which you can also experience from the comfort of your own home, thanks to their website. See the places and buildings, and learn the history that made the town. Located in Downtown Fairbanks, AK.

Eagle Historical Society & Museums   [History & Photos]

Actually housed in 6 historic buildings, guides lead visitors on a walking tour allowing them to learn more about the past and present of Eagle, Alaska.  Buildings include the 1901 Courthouse, 1900 Mule Barn, 1900 Customs House, 1901 NCO Quarters, 1898 log cabin, and the Waterwagon Shed.  The Archives is stored in the log cabin and is available to the public for research of historic documents and photographs.  Tours begin at the courthouse.  Call for more information.  (907) 547-2325.  Located in Eagle, Alaska.

Museum of the North at University of Alaska

The art exhibits include ivory carvings, Alaska Native arts and artifacts, paintings and sculpture.  Other exhibits help visitors understand the peoples and history of each region of Alaska.

907 Yukon Drive in Fairbanks, AK.

Pioneer Museum & The Big Stampede

Preserved and displayed here are artifacts and photos demonstrating their hard work, daily life, and recreation. The history of Alaska's transportation including dog sleds  and early aviation relics, as well as mining tools are just some of the fun things to experience.

The Big Stampede Show is a highlight of the museum. It is a 45 minute lighted mural show, which depicts the trials and tribulations of the state and the people during the Gold Rush. The museum is located at Pioneer Park in Fairbanks, AK.

University of Alaska Museum of the North

[Exhibitions]

The museum is focused on the early exploration of the Northwest, the early culture and history of northern Alaska and the arts of her native peoples.  Located at 907 Yukon Drive in Fairbanks, AK.

Wickersham House Museum

Built by Judge James Wickersham who bought the lot April of 1904, the museum shows the house as it might have been when he resided there, and helps build a better understanding of Wickersham's influence on the still growing town. Authentic furnishings, historical artifacts and old photographs are among the many things you will see when you visit the Wickersham house. Located in Alaskaland Pioneer Park in Fairbanks, AK.

Sheldon Museum and Cultural Center   [History Nuggets]

The museum is focused on the history of the Chilkat Valley.  Visitors to the museum will find artifacts and memorabilia of interest to young and old.  The museum also operates a library and archives full of historical documents, manuscripts and photographs.  Located in Haines, Alaska.

Juneau History

Juneau Douglas City Museum  [Historic Photo Gallery]

The mission of the Juneau-Douglas City Museum is to foster among its diverse audiences an awareness of Juneau's cultural heritage, values and community memory. Also offered is a 1 hour walking tour of Downtown Juneau, as well as a museum gift shop. Located at 155 South Seward Street in Juneau, Alaska.

Last Chance Mining Museum

PO Box 21264
Juneau AK 99802
(907) 586-5338

St. Nicholas Orthodox Church
326 5th Street
Juneau, AK 99802

Tom Pittman Geology and Mining Museum

Located inside the John Rishel Mineral Information Center, the museum contains fossils, mineral specimens, and mining artifacts from the gold mining era of Juneau. 

100 Savikko Road, Mayflower Island, Doublas, AK.

Wickersham House State Historic Site   [History]

This site tells the history behind Judge James Wickersham's house.

Chugach Museum and Institute of History and Art

Located at 3800 Centerpoint Drive, Suite 601 in Anchorage, Alaska 99503

Hope and Sunrise Historical and Mining Museum

The original Canyon Creek mine buildings as well as historical photos and artifacts that display the town of Hope during the gold-rush of 1896 can all be seen at the Sunrise historical museum. There is also a gift shop on the grounds. Located inside the Kenai Mountains - Turnagain Arm National Heritage Area.

K'beq Interpretive Site: Kenaitze Indian Tribe

This is an interactive tour that leads you through nature and tells the story of the history of the Kenaitze Indian Tribe. Located at Mile 52.6 Kenai Spur Hwy in Cooper Landing, AK.

Kenai Visitors & Cultural Center (Facebook)

The Kenai Visitors & Cultural Center hosts original and travelling art shows, offers a variety of different history and culture programs, and holds an extensive collection of historical artifacts. There are Russian and Aleut cultural exhibits, and mining and oil displays. And learn the natural history of Kenai through animal and fish displays. Located at 11471 Kenai Spur Hwy.

Pratt Museum

Surrounded by active volcanoes, mountains and glaciers, the Pratt Museum has indoor art, homestead, natural history and wildlife dioramas and exhibits. There is an aquarium and outside features the Harrington Homestead cabin, nature trails and botanical gardens. Don't forget to check out the museum store! Location is 3779 Bartlett Street in Homer, Alaska.

Soldotna Historical Society & Museum

This historical museum is located near the Soldotna Visitor Information Center. On the Centennial Park Road campground turnoff. Originally furnished cabins, and historical pictures and artifacts showing the peninsulas progress can be found on display here.

Southeast Alaska Discovery Center 

Offers supervised activities and interpretive historical programs for educational groups, communities and families. Arts and crafts, history exhibits.

Tongass Historical Museum

There are extensive photograph collections and historical archives available for research. Many displays and permanent exhibits provide insight to the culture of Ketchikan and Southeast Alaska. The Tongass Historical museum is located at 629 Dock Street in Ketchikan Alaska.

Totem Bight State Historical Park

Re-stored and re-carved totem poles and views of the rainforest and rocky coastline from the deck are only a few reasons to visit this historical park. By WWII the community house and 15 totems were erected. It is a model native village with handmade tools, some are original, some of reproduced. Located at 9883 N. Tongass Highway in Ketchikan, Alaska.

Totem Heritage Center

Come see totem poles and historical museum exhibits. They also offer nationally accredited Native Arts programs. Located at 629 Dock Street in Ketchikan, Alaska.

100 Shore Avenue

Kotzebue, AK

Alutiiq Museum & Archaeological Repository

Located at 215 Mission Road, Suite 101 in Kodiak, Alaska.

Barinov Museum  

[Kodiak Island History & Culture]

Learn about the history of Kodiak through exhibits of Alutiq culture, Russian influence, WWII, historical artifacts, documents, photographs and more.  Housed in the picturesque Erskine House, a 200 year old building, the museum is operated by the Kodiak Historical Society.  Location is 101 Marine Way in Kodiak, Alaska.

Kodiak Military History Museum

The building is made of concrete that is several feet thick, and covered in soil. It was completed in December of 1943. Originally had power, water and sewer. The Kodiak Military museum will take you a step back in time, and show the historical side of Kodiak's military. Location is 1417B Mill Bay Road in Kodiak, AK.

Kodiak Walking Tour

Take a walk around Kodiak, and experience the history first hand. You could visit the wildlife refuge, or see the old Russian well, or you could take a walk on the pier.

Colony House Museum 

This 1936 Colony House has been restored and preserved to it's original appearance.  The first owners of this Matanuska Colony home were Oscar and Irene Beylund.  A film documentary is being made about the migration of 204 families to the Matanuska Valley.  Located in the Palmer Historic District at 316 E. Elmwood Avenue in Palmer, AK.

Dorothy Page Museum

Traveling exhibits, as well as local history and historical homes and building can be seen here. Located at 323 N. Main St. in Wasilla, Alaska.

Independence Mine State Historical Park

Here you can take a guided tour, or explore the mine on foot all by yourself. The area is said to have a large moose population as well as caribou, bears and wolves. The visitor center houses interpretive displays and a hard rock mining exhibit. Located at Mile 0.7 Bogard Road HC 32 Box 6706 in Wasilla, Alaska.

Knik Museum and Mushers Hall of Fame 

Housed inside what was once a pool hall and roadhouse, the building now contains a small museum dedicated to the history of Knik and the Sled Dog Musher's Hall of Fame is located on the second floor.  Operated by the Wasilla-Knik-Willow Creek Historical Society, the museum is located at 13.9 Knik Road in Wasilla, AK. The museum doesn't have a web presence at this time. 

Trapper Creek Museum   [Photos]

A housed original log cabin featuring historical artifacts and pictures that tells a story of the lives of the Alaskan homesteaders, gold rush miners, and pioneers. Also in the cabin is a museum store that has antique collectables and crafts. The museum is located at Mile 115 on the Parks Highway.

Carrie M. McLain Memorial Museum   [History & Photos]

Fun and educations exhibits will tell you why there is No place like Nome!! Learn all about the formation of the Nome Kennel Club, and the history of the dog sleds, and the first race. Discover how the Nome Eskimo lived and thrived. There is an extensive archive of historical photographs available for research, purchase or public use. The museum is located at 233 Front Street in Nome, Alaska.

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Duncan Cottage Museum (need a link for this museum)

Built in 1891 for Anglican missionary William Duncan, this house museum contains original furnishings, artifacts and personal belongings of Mr. Duncan as well as Canadian telephones, old sewing machines, historical medical supplies and equipment from the 1800's.  Finish your visit, with a look at his gravesite and the memorial church. Located in Metlakatla, Alaska.

Tribal Long House (need a link for this museum)

Come dance, sing and share stories and experiences as you learn with and about the local Indian tribes.

Sitka Historical Museum

Here you can experience Sitka as it was in 1867. The Russian, Tlingit and American history of Sitka is portrayed here as well as exhibits of WWII and the Alaska Purchase. Located at 330 Harbor Drive in Sitka, AK.

Russian Bishop's House  Virtual Tour] 

Just one of the few remaining examples of Russian Colonial Architecture left in the area, this house was completed in 1842, and served as the center of the Russian Orthodox Church authority. In 1969 the church closed the house because the roof and walls were leaking and the building was in danger of collapse. The house has since been restored and turned into a museum so that residents and visitors could see and understand and feel what it might have been like to live in Sitka during the Russian-American period. Location is 103 Monastery Street in Sitka, Alaska.

Sheldon Jackson Museum

Said to be the oldest museum in Alaska, the museum features early Native American artifacts, including items made by the Eskimos, Tlingits,  Athabaskans, and Aleuts.  See some of the exhibits.  Demonstrations of the many arts of these Native Americans are also on display and items may be purchased.  Located at 104 College Drive in Sitka, AK.

Sitka National Historic Park

Established in 1910 in memory of the Battle of Sitka in 1804, all that remains is the Tlingit Fort and Battlefield and a few historical artifacts.

Southeast Alaska Indian Cultural Center

Inspired to share the native culture of Southeast Alaska with the community and its visitors, here you can watch the natives in action as they paint, and do bead work. Talk to them and ask them questions, that is what it's all about. There are courses in beading and weaving available for anyone interested to learn. Located at 106 Metlakatla Street in Sitka, Alaska.

Klondike Gold Rush National Park   [History & Photos]

Offers a variety of things to do and see. Historical 1910 saloon, a ranger presentation and short films on the history of Skagway, and the race for gold. Or take a hike on the 33 ft long Chilkoot Trail, established by the Tlingit people originally as a trade route. Located  in Skagway, Alaska.

Skagway Museum & Archives 

under construction

Big Delta State Historical Park

Home to Rika's Roadhouse and Landing, this historical park marks the crossroads for early travelers, traders and military excursions during the early 20th century.  Early travelers (1909-1947) of the Valdez to Fairbanks Trail stayed in Rika's Roadhouse.  Tours of the grounds and buildings are featured along with a gift shop and the Packhouse Pavilion.  Located 8 miles north of Delta Junction on the Richardson Highway at Mile Marker 274.5.

Sullivan Roadhouse Historical Museum

The oldest remaining original roadhouse in interior Alaska which houses a lot of historical artifacts, photograph and personal belongings of the two men who built it in 1904. Located in Delta Junction, Alaska.

George I Ashby Memorial Museum

Two rustic log cabins which contain collections of photographs, historical artifacts, documents and items from the 1898 Gold Rush and The Kennicott Copper Mine, as well as cultural native items. Located at the Copper Center Lodge in Copper Center, Alaska.

Valdez Museum & Historical Archives  

[Gold Rush]  [City of Valdez History]

The museum is devoted to preserving and bringing to life the history of the Valdez community which includes the Copper River Valley and Prince William Sound.  Exhibits cover the earliest days when Native Alaskans lived in the area, the gold rush days, the importance of oil and more.  Located at 217 Egan Drive in downtown Valdez.

Chief Shakes Island and Tribal House

Replica of the original Shakes Tribal House, there are original items dating back 200 years along with photographs and historical items that tell the story of the local natives.

Clausen Memorial Museum

Constisting of approximately 45,000 photos, 5,000 historical artifacts and roughly 200 archival collections, the Clausen Memorial Museum depicts the history of Petersburg and the surrounding areas. Located at 203 Fram Street in Petersburg, Alaska.

Kennecott Historic Mining Town

[Kennecott Photo Gallery]  [Getting There]

This 20th century copper mining town is now considered a National Historic Landmark.  Step back in time as you walk the streets of this deserted Alaskan mining town.

Tribal House of the Bear

Built in 1940 by the CCC using local artisans and labor, the Tribal House of the Bear located on Shakes Island in Wrangell exemplifies the historic architecture of the Tlingit Nation and is a replica of the original house which stood on the site in the 1800s.  Located in Wrangell, AK.  Contact at 907 874-3097.

Wrangell Museum

Turn of the century spruceroot and cedarbark baskets. Chinese, Japanese and Russian influences on Wrangell are portrayed here. Extensive photographs depicting the Gold Rush era, as well as trappng, fishing and forest history. Located in Wrangell, Alaska.

Anvik Historical Society and Museum

Operated by the Anvik Historical Society, the museum features local Athabacan artifacts from the mid-19th century to present day.  The collection includes photographs and artifacts from the Anvik Episcopal Mission and other historical items related to the history of the Anvik area.  Located in Anvik, AK.

Alfred Starr Cultural Center & Museum

The museum is home to historical artifacts and cultural displays related to the culture of the local Athabascan.

BOX 270, NENANA AK 99760

Phone: 907-832-5520

Circle Mining District Historical Museum

[Photos]

The museum was built to house artifacts of the historic gold mining area.  Historical artifacts and displays were donated by local residents of Central and Circle Hot Springs.  Located in Central, Alaska.

Museum Index for Other States

Alaska Census Records