Sitka National Historical Park

Sitka National Historical Park (previously known as Indian River Park and Totem Park) is a national historical park located in Sitka, Alaska. On October 18, 1972, it was renamed a national historical park after being designated a national monument.  In various forms, the park has attempted to commemorate the Tlingit and Russian experiences in Alaska.

History

The site of Alaska's first federally designated cultural and historic park, Shis'k Noow (Tlingit for "Sapling Fort"), was set aside for public use by President Benjamin Harrison on June 21, 1890. The site, near the mouth of the Indian River, was the site of an armed conflict in 1804 between native Tlingit people and Russian fur hunters (accompanied by Aleut allies), known today as the Battle of Sitka.

From 1903 to 1905, District Governor John G. Brady set out to collect Native totem poles from all over Alaska for display at the park; the majority of the poles came from Haida villages on Prince of Wales Island, while others had previously been on display elsewhere.Others had previously been on display at the 1904 Louisiana Purchase Exposition.  Soon after, a group of influential Sitkans concerned about vandalism and the park's general state petitioned the federal government to designate the site as a national monument. In 1969, the Alaska Native Brotherhood took over the demonstration programme and focused on Southeast Alaska Native cultural arts in a groundbreaking arrangement; the Southeast Alaska Indian Cultural Center celebrated its 30th anniversary in January 2000.  Many of the collection's remarkable Tlingit artefacts were loaned or donated by local clans under agreements designed to ensure continued, traditional use. 

Opening hours

Monday: 9 a.m.-4 p.m.

Tuesday 9AM–4PM

Wednesday 9AM–4PM

Thursday 9AM–4PM

Friday 9AM–4PM

Saturday 9AM–4PM

Sunday 9AM–4PM