Additions
A whalebone club from the Uyak Bay area, gift of Sven Haakanson Jr, AM1022.
The Alutiiq Museum adds objects to its collections through donations and loans. We recognize that artifacts, photos, and documents have great meaning to their owners. We are committed to serving as a community repository—whether items are gifted or loaned. For assistance with a donation or a loan, please contact our Curator of Collection Amanda Lancaster, 844-425-8844.
Roger and Donna King with a bentwood quiver and arrow given to the museum on behalf of their family—Father Cecil ‘Sisiniï’ and Zoya Petellin King and their descendants.
Donations
When a donor comes to us with a potential gift, we consider many things. Does it reflect Alutiiq heritage? What stories can it tell? Does the donor have the legal right to give this piece to the museum? Can we care for the object? Do we have room to store it? Accepting an object means agreeing to provide it with exceptional care, so we consider every offer very carefully.
To assist with this process, our Board of Directors appoints a volunteer Collections Advisory Committee. These knowledgeable volunteers help to evaluate the items offered to the museum and make recommendations to the board for a final review. Items approved by the board are added to the collection.
Decorated gut skin sewing bag, made by Evdokia Nekrasoff of Afognak Village in the 1920s for Laura Olsen as a wedding gift. On loan from Tom and Lila Schwantes, AM 443.
Loans
The Alutiiq Museum also accepts collections for long-term loan from Alutiiq tribes and corporations, government agencies, organizations, and individuals. All loaned collections must reflect Alutiiq heritage. Like donations, each long-term loan is reviewed by the museum’s Collections Advisory Committee and then considered by our board for final approval.
In some instances, curation fees may be charged for loaned collections. The museum will assess the size and nature of the collection, the cost of its care, and the loan requirements in considering whether curation fees are appropriate.
Natalie Wadle caring for baskets in the museum’s laboratory.
Researchers who wish to curate collections at the museum should contact Amanda Lancaster far in advance of their project to discuss the proposed collection and its care.
To prepare collections for storage at the Alutiiq Museum, please follow our curatorial guidelines to ensure that incoming materials are ready to be placed in our vault. It is also possible to contract the museum to complete collection processing.
Additional information on storing collections with the museum can be found in our collections policies.