Hammer Museum
About This Museum
Believe it or not, there's a museum in Haines dedicated entirely to the history of the hammer, and it’s one of the most curiously specific places you'll ever visit. Tucked away on Main Street, this little treasure trove packs a surprising punch, tracing the story of this fundamental tool across centuries and continents. You'll find everything from massive blacksmiths' sledges to delicate jewelers' hammers, each with its own tale. It’s a quiet, unassuming spot that makes you see the ordinary in an extraordinary new light.
Collection Highlights
Look for the ornate 18th-century French gilding hammer, a stark contrast to the brutal-looking stone mauls used by the Tlingit people for centuries. One of my favorite sections is the display of trade hammers, showing how this simple tool shaped industries from coopering to cobbling.
Visitor Information
Just a heads up, they're only open from May through September, so plan your summer visit accordingly. It's a small operation, so popping in feels more like chatting with a knowledgeable neighbor than touring a formal museum.
Architecture & Building
It's housed in a modest, weathered clapboard building that looks like it's always been part of the Haines streetscape—the kind of place you might walk right past if you didn't know it was there.
Contact & Location
Address: Hammer Museum, 108, Main Street, Port Chilkoot, Haines Borough, Alaska, 99827, United States
Phone: +1 907-766-2374
Website: Visit Website
