Alutiiq Museum Receives National Award

"This national honor is a tribute to the power of museums to engage children, families, and communities, in towns and cities all across America."

- First Lady Hillary Rodham Clinton

Executive Director Dr. Sven Haakanson, Jr. and Deputy Director Amy F. Steffian
accept the award from First Lady Hillary Rodham Clinton.

Sven Haakanson, Jr. being congratulated by President Clinton.

The Alutiiq Museum was singled out for three of its unique educational programs; Community Archaeology - an annual investigation of prehistoric archaeological sites which engages the Kodiak community in the exploration of Native heritage and the preservation of threatened archaeological sites; the Alutiiq Word of the Week - cultural lessons that share Alutiiq language and traditions through weekly radio, newspaper, fax and e-mail broadcasts; and the Rural School Art Show - an annual exhibition of art with a Native Alaskan theme produced by students from nine remote village schools with help from the Kodiak school district. The exhibit encourages young artists to explore, maintain, and interpret the creative traditions of their ancestors.

Director Haakanson and Deputy Director Steffian with President Clinton.

The Museum was one of more than 90 institutions nominated for the award. Nominees were rigorously evaluated by the National Museum Service Board, an advisory panel of presidentially appointed and Senate confirmed members that assisted in selecting the winners. First Lady Hillary Rodham Clinton presented the award to three winning museums at a private White House ceremony. Executive Director Dr. Sven Haakanson Jr., and Deputy Director, Amy F. Steffian, accepted the award on behalf of the Alutiiq Museum.

Community Archeaology

Rural School Art Show

Alutiiq Word of the Week