RESOURCES AVAILABLE AT THE ALASKA MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY

Collections

The Alaska Museum of Natural History’s collections function to enrich the knowledge of the general public regarding the unique and spectacular natural history of Alaska. The Museum’s collections consist of Alaska Native artifacts, natural history specimens relating to geology, biology, and paleontology, and contemporary and historical fine art, documents, and maps. The collections are used for research, exhibition, and education.

The Museum’s collections can be generally divided into three main categories:

1.Alaska Native artifacts
2.Alaska historical objects and documents
3.Natural history specimens

The collection of Alaska Native artifacts is a growing collection that represents contemporary and historical cultures and cultural practices of Alaska Natives. Contemporary items include baskets, carvings, sculptures, and textiles. The historical items include tools and personal items, many of which were recovered by archaeological means.

The collection of historical objects and documents represents the history of the State of Alaska. The collection consists of a small assemblage of personal items, tools, and historical maps and manuscripts.

Natural history specimens make up the largest portion of the Museum’s holdings. The Museum maintains a comprehensive collection of contemporary Alaskan rocks and minerals along with other geological samples from around the world. The Museum also houses an impressive collection of plant, invertebrate, and vertebrate fossils. The biological collection consists of items such as skulls, bird nests, and other contemporary plant and animal remains.

Library

The Museum also maintains a small library that is open to the public. The book collection contains scientific books that range in subject matter from Astronomy to Zoology, from Alaska to outer space. Videos are also available on a variety of scientific topics. Contemporary topographic maps of various regions of Alaska are also available for public use.

Questions & Access

If you would like information on donating to, loaning to, or borrowing from the Museum’s collections and/or library, please contact the museum at 907-274-2400.

Since education is the main mission of the Museum, interested persons who would like to view and/or research the collections held in storage are welcome at the Museum. Please also direct any requests to access collections to the museum at 907-274-2400.