Facilities
Caring for the objects of Alutiiq heritage is a central part of the Alutiiq Museum’s mission. Our facilities include a laboratory where objects can be cleaned, conserved, and studied, a climate-controlled collections room with compacting storage, a quiet space for the care of sensitive objects, and a library with seating and computer access. Our facilities meet or exceed federal standards for collection care.
Amanda Lancaster trains Hannah Wolfe-MacPike to clean delicate skin objects.
A slate ulu knife found on a Kodiak beach.
Caring for Artifacts of Uncertain Origin
The Alutiiq Museum has a memorandum of understanding with Kodiak’s major landowners that allows us to care for archaeological finds whose origins and ownership are unknown. Under the agreement, the museum may hold these objects in trust for the public, ensuring that they are respectfully treated and used for educational purposes.
Fisherman, a doll made of deer hide, wood, fish skin, glass beads and wool, by June Pardue, 2010, purchased with support from Rasmuson Foundation. AM705.
Selecting Artwork
The Alutiiq Museum does not have a collection acquisition fund, but we occasionally purchase works of contemporary art when grants are available. To fairly review the pieces offered to the museum for purchase, we developed art evaluation criteria. These guidelines encourage artistic excellence, promote the recognition and perpetuation of Alutiiq traditions, foster professionalism, and ensure impartiality in the selection process. They may also be helpful to artists who would like their work considered for addition to the museum’s permanent collection.