Sitka’s Sheldon Jackson Museum: Alaska’s Best Indigenous Artifact Collection

There’s nothing quite like a cool museum on a misty day, and the Sheldon Jackson Museum in Sitka is just that. Located in the first concrete building in Alaska, this museum houses one of the most in depth collections of Alaska Native art, tools, artifacts and stories. While there are some wonderful examples of Tlingit culture at the Sheldon Jackson Museum, it also has exhibits from Yupik, Athabascan and more indigenous cultures from around the state. It’s really interesting.

Have you gotten to visit the Sheldon Jackson Museum before, or maybe you’ve been to the Alaska State Museum in Juneau or the Haines Sheldon Museum? You’ll see when you visit that the artistry is as much the story being told as the daily way of life. That’s what stands out to me about the Sheldon Jackson Museum. Read on, and if you have any questions about visiting or need more recommendations for things to do in Sitka, please leave a comment or send us a note. We’re always happy to share more and help you plan a unique Alaska trip!

Why Visit the Sheldon Jackson Museum

When we visit museums and Alaska Native cultural sites we always look for the story being told. At the Sheldon Jackson Museum the predominant artifacts and exhibits are around the Tlingit peoples of Southeast Alaska, but there are pieces and stories from other regions of Alaska too, helping you put together the full picture of the many nations that have been here for thousands of years. Tlingit, Yupik, Athabascan and more, you’ll be able to see like objects and art spanning from the Arctic Circle to Haida Gwai.

What stands out to me most in considering the exhibits at the Sheldon Jackson Museum are the specific stories of interaction between the Alaska Native people and the settlers. That’s not the focus of the museum, per se, but with the artifacts and photographs, it’s what I was most interested in. Also, stories of tribal interactions and customs are a large part of the storytelling at the Sheldon Jackson Museum, so as you go through, you’ll see how the trading, the war and peace times, and even the interactions with Russians shaped the history of Alaska.

At first glance, the Sheldon Jackson Museum might seem small and like just a blip on your time in Sitka, but it’s actually an extensive archive that’s been carefully curated from Jackson’s personal collection and other sources. The building may look small, but the display cases and specimen drawers are brimming with history and there is a ton of information to take in. I think you’ll find that a visit to the Sheldon Jackson Museum is a more broad history lesson with physical examples than you might expect. It’s excellent.

Tips for Visiting the Sheldon Jackson Museum in Sitka

Located on Sitka’s arts campus, the Sheldon Jackson Museum is an easy addition to a day on foot as you explore town. It’s very near the Sitka Sound Science Center and Sitka National Historical Park, so you can pair a visit with any of these sites. I mentioned that the Sheldon Jackson Museum looks rather small, but it’s extensive. I would allow a full 90 minutes to enjoy the exhibits if you’re really interested in Alaska Native culture or history. There’s a lot to take in and as you go through you’ll see that different display cases have artifacts that tie back to other pieces. You’ll be able to put things together mentally as you go.

The way the Sheldon Jackson Museum is set up, it’s actually octagonal, so you’ll move through in a circle, and it has layers. I recommend starting with the outer displays to the right and going counter-clockwise, and when you complete a loop, do the next layer of exhibits. For the middle set of display cases and placards, like items are in the same case, so you’ll want to go around each one fully versus walking past just one side. For example, a case may have carvings from the Tlingit people on one side and then as you move around you’ll see similar examples from the Dena’ina and Inuit peoples… and then you move onto the next case. Basically, pay attention to the subject matter of each case so that you can get the full picture.

If you’re visiting the Sheldon Jackson Museum with kids, it’s a good idea to look at map of Alaska’s indigenous populations and their historic ranges/ancestral lands. When you understand where each nation lives and how the environment varies as you move through the interior and up into the Arctic Circle, the tools, art and clothing makes more sense. It’s a great idea for adults too to get acquainted with the placement of the 244 different indigenous languages, tribes and bands of peoples who’ve called Alaska home for immeasurable years.

Need to Know When Visiting the Sheldon Jackson Museum

The Sheldon Jackson Museum is just that, a museum, so you don’t need to be too prepared with gear or plans, but if you want to photograph some of the pieces in the collection, you are allowed to bring a camera. There may be some pieces or exhibits that are not a part of the Sheldon Jackson Museum’s collection, and those are often marked with a request to not photograph them. I found that with the low light and tight spaces, using my camera phone was actually more effective for photos than my regular camera.

There is no food or drink allowed in the Sheldon Jackson Museum space, so be sure that you’ve had a snack before you enter. There are benches outside and the Sitka arts campus is very nice if it’s dry out and you want to enjoy a sit on the lawn. Also, a block down on the water is Ludvig’s Chowder Cart, so if you haven’t planned a lunch yet and it’s open, pop by for some of Sitka’s best chowder.

Parking at Sitka’s Sheldon Jackson Museum

Most people visiting Sitka will not have a car with them, even if you’re planning to be here for several days. If you do have a vehicle, there is parking near the Sheldon Jackson Museum within the Sitka Arts Campus. For the rest of us, if you’re good for walking it’s very easy to walk along the Crescent Harbor marina to the Sheldon Jackson Museum. Taxis are available as well if you need them. For an easy walking plan, head from the main marina area by the Russian Bishop’s House and along the park to the Sitka Arts Campus, visit the Sheldon Jackson Museum, then see what exhibition is going on in the arts buildings. After that head down to the Sitka Sound Science Center and hatchery, and then continue over to Sitka National Historical Park. If you have more time, it’s an easy walk up (about 15 minutes) to the Alaska Raptor Center. That’ll give you a full day of sightseeing in Sitka.

Things to Do in Sitka

I think Sitka is a really cool city. It’s much less visited than Ketchikan or Juneau and has so much to do and see all within walking distance of the primary marina downtown. It’s full of Tlingit culture and Russian imperial history, and there are some wonderful wildlife education and viewing opportunities. I think Sitka is a really good three day visit, but then if you’re also planning some fishing or hiking days you can easily make it a five day town.

Something that really stands out to me about visiting Sitka is how accessible history all in its central hub. You’ve got several museums, Sitka National Historical Part and more all within walking distance of each other. If you’re into science and wildlife, you’ve got several places to visit that are all about Alaska’s habitats and the science of its keystone species. Sitka is so cool.

Where to Stay in Sitka

There are three ways to enjoy Sitka as a visitor: on a day visit from a cruise ship, staying in a cozy spot downtown, or enjoying one of the remote lodges. Everyone has a different plan for how they want to experience Sitka and Southeast Alaska, and everyone’s budget is different, so book what’s right for you. Here are some recommendation for Sitka:

You can also checkout lodging options in the map below: