Sitka Historical Museum, Sitka

The Sitka Historical Museum offers visitors a captivating journey through the city's rich and diverse history. One of its main attractions is a large-scale model of Sitka from 1867, the year when the Russians transferred the territory to the United States. This intricate model provides a fascinating glimpse into the layout and architecture of Sitka during this pivotal period in its history. Visitors can explore the streets, buildings, and landmarks of the town as it appeared over a century ago.

In addition to the model, the museum features exhibits that delve into various aspects of Sitka's past. Visitors can learn about traditional Tlingit lifestyles through displays showcasing artifacts such as tightly woven cedar and spruce root baskets. These exhibits shed light on the indigenous culture and heritage of the Tlingit people, highlighting their enduring connection to the land and sea. The museum also offers insights into Sitka's role during World War II, including stories of town blackouts and the military buildup that occurred in the area.

One of the unique aspects of the Sitka Historical Museum is its comprehensive approach to Sitka's history, encompassing the Tlingit, Russian, and American influences that have shaped the city over time. Highlights of the museum include a display on the Sheldon Jackson Campus, which traces the history of the school from its origins as a missionary school to its evolution into a college. Additionally, visitors can marvel at a Chilkat Blanket, a Tlingit robe woven from mountain goat fur and used by the "Killer Whale Clan" during ceremonies.