Celebrating the History of Alaska

Alaska attracts numerous visitors each year who want to experience the adventure and natural beauty of the state. Many of them also appreciate the rich culture and history that helped make the state what it is today. The Heritage Library and Museum in Anchorage helps visitors to and residents of Alaska enjoy this rich history. The museum began in 1968 and was started by the National Bank of Alaska. Its mission is to provide "...insight into native Alaskan culture and Alaskan history." While there are a variety of collections on display throughout Alaska, this is one of the largest privately owned within the state. There are artifacts within the exhibit that are more than 2,000 years old and include Native artifacts and ivory carvings, traditional clothing, hand woven Alaskan Native baskets, paintings from many of the state's best known artists, a Bering Sea kayak covered in seal skin, a collection of business tokens, and an exhibit featuring the history of the Wells Fargo bank during the Alaska gold rush. This part of the exhibit also includes a 2/3 scale stagecoach. The onsite library is home to over 2,500 books about Alaska and Alaskan topics. For a better understanding of the state and its history, visit the Alaska Heritage Library and Museum.