Sheldon Jackson Museum
About This Museum
People don't just stumble upon the Sheldon Jackson Museum; they make a pilgrimage to it. Tucked away on the campus of what is now Sitka Fine Arts Camp, this unassuming concrete building is a treasure chest of Alaska's cultural soul. Inside, you'll find one of the oldest and most eclectic collections of Indigenous artifacts in the state, all gathered by the museum's namesake Presbyterian missionary in the late 19th century. It feels less like a sterile gallery and more like walking into a series of intimate, powerful stories from communities that have called this land home for generations.
Collection Highlights
The heart of the collection beats with stunning Tlingit clan hats, a fearsome full-size UnangaxΜ (Aleut) kayak suspended from the ceiling, and intricately woven Tsimshian baskets so detailed they look like textile paintings. Don't miss the hauntingly beautiful Yup'ik masks, each with its own spiritual narrative.
Visitor Information
It's a compact museum, so you can have a profoundly rich experience in an hour or two. Just be sure to check their seasonal hours online, as they can change.
Architecture & Building
The building itself is a no-frills, modernist structure from the late 60sβa simple geometric shape that lets the incredible artifacts inside take center stage.
Contact & Location
Address: Sheldon Jackson Museum, 104, College Drive, Sitka, Alaska, 99835, United States
Phone: +1 907-747-8981
Website: Visit Website
