Yes! If you have an artifact that you think would be of value to the collection, please contact our Collections Department at 907-225-5600. Staff will discuss the procedure and work with the Collections committee to assess if your artifact is appropriate for the collection.
The Museum is fortunate to care take a large collection of historic photographs, many of which can be reproduced for a variety of projects. If you know the image you are searching for or if need assistance searching for images, please complete a Research / Photo Request form.
Please note the Collections Staff receive a large amount of research and photo requests and is working hard to address them as quickly as possible. Expect there can be a wait time until we can address your request.
Fill out a Research / Photo Request form or contact the Collections staff at 225-5600.
The Museum has a variety of resources to assist researchers. They include:
- Ketchikan Telephone Directories
- Alaska Yukon Polk’s Gazateer Directories
- Ketchikan school yearbooks (1912 to present)
- Research library
- Archival materials including City Tax records from 1909-1955
- Limited Burial records
- Large historic photograph collection
- General research files including obituaries and a variety of other local interest topics
Best of all, our skilled Museum staff is here to assist with your research questions!
Fill out a Tour Request Form or contact the Program staff at 225-5900.
Call us at 225-5600 to be added to the mailing list or subscribe here.
Yes! We recommend that you do not use a flash for a better picture.
Neither facility has a café or gift shop. There are several locally owned businesses within walking distance to meet those needs.
Yes, on a case by case basis for events or meetings that are in line with the Museum’s mission. Please contact us to discuss your event needs.
The Museum appreciates our invaluable volunteers and welcomes additional volunteers. Please contact staff in the Collections department (225-5600) or Programs department (225-5900) to learn how to get involved.
The Ketchikan Museums are owned and operated by the City of Ketchikan and does not have a membership base. Our partner, the Tongass Historical Society, is a non-profit organization and operates through their membership base.
Yes! The free downtown shuttle stops by the Totem Heritage Center every 20-25 minutes, May through September, during open hours.
Yes! It’s a 10-15 minute walk along the creek for most visitors. The walk is slightly longer if you walk south on Stedman Street and then uphill on Deermount Street.
Most visitors take 30-60 minutes at the Center, depending upon personal interest. School field trips and scheduled tours last 50-90 minutes.
Believe it or not, that’s a common question! We are often asked to identify the animals carved into the totem poles. There is information about the crest animals on the self-guided tour or feel free to ask our staff for more information. Crest animals represent animals found today in Southeast Alaska, so no, that’s not a T-Rex.
Absolutely! Many of the totem poles that you see around Ketchikan and Saxman are contemporary poles.
Neither facility has a gift shop as there are many locally owned shops in Ketchikan that sell authentic Native art. Refer to the Ketchikan Walking Tour map for details or ask one of our staff for directions.
Admission to the Totem Heritage Center is $5 per person (kids under 12 are free). Mastercard and Visa are accepted.
The Center is open daily 8:00am to 5:00pm, May through September. Winter hours are 1pm to 5pm, Monday through Friday and by appointment.
The totem poles are estimated to be 150-175 years old.
The Alaska State Museum and the Alaska Native Brotherhood, with the permission of Native elders, carried out the retrieval of the totem poles. Elders also provided valuable cultural and historical information about the poles. The Smithsonian Institution and the U.S. Forest Service provided technical assistance.
Yes! It’s a quick 5-10 minute walk or visitors can take the free downtown shuttle.
Most visitors take 30-60 minutes. School field trips and scheduled tours last 50-90 minutes.
Admission to the Tongass Historical Museum is $3 per person (kids under 12 are free). The museum does not accept credit cards for admission.
The Museum is open daily 8:00am to 5:00pm, May through September. Winter hours are Tuesday through Friday, 1:00pm to 5:00pm, Saturdays 10:00am to 5:00pm and by appointment.
The Museum shares the story of Ketchikan’s unique past. Check out our Exhibits page to learn more.
Neither facility has a gift shop. There are several locally owned shops within walking distance where visitors can buy Ketchikan products and souvenirs.
The City-operated Museum focuses on the history of the Ketchikan area while the federally-operated Southeast Alaska Discovery Center showcases the natural history of the Tongass National Forest in addition to historic and cultural uses.
The Tongass Historical Museum features an interactive kiosk sharing the Ketchikan Story Project. Learn more about these stories here. The Museum offers two to three new seasonal exhibits annually, which incorporate multi-media and interactive opportunities for the visitor.
The Tongass Historical Musem is a history museum that showcases our region's unique past.
While the museum does not provide WIFI, visitors can access the internet at numerous local businesses within walking distance.
The Tongass Historical Museum no longer shares the Centennial Building with the library. The Ketchikan Public Library is now located at 1110 Copper Ridge Lane.