Totem Heritage Center
About This Museum
Stepping into the Totem Heritage Center feels like walking into a quiet, sacred grove. The air is cool and still, filled with the scent of aged cedar, and you're immediately surrounded by towering totem poles that were rescued from abandoned Tlingit and Haida villages. It's incredible to stand so close to these massive carvings, some over a century old, and see the rain-worn faces of eagles, bears, and ravens looking back at you. What really brings it all together is seeing how these ancient traditions are kept vibrantly alive through contemporary Native art displayed alongside the historic poles.
Collection Highlights
The heart of the place is its collection of original 19th-century totem poles, preserved right where they were found. You'll also find beautiful displays of modern Tlingit and Haida artwork, from intricate beadwork to stunning formline paintings, showing the unbroken line of artistic skill.
Visitor Information
It's tucked away just off Deermount Street in Ketchikanβa perfect spot to duck into on a rainy Alaska day. Definitely check their website for opening times before you go, as they can be seasonal.
Architecture & Building
The building itself is a simple, unassuming structure that feels more like a longhouse or a caretaker's lodge, letting the incredible art inside take center stage.
Contact & Location
Address: Totem Heritage Center, 601, Deermount Street, Ketchikan, Ketchikan Gateway Borough, Alaska, 99901, United States
Phone: +1 907-225-5900
Website: Visit Website