| What is it? |
The Totem Heritage Center preserves the world’s largest collection of unrestored 19th century totem poles! |
| What makes it historical? |
Ketchikan comes from the Tlingit word Kitch-xaan, which roughly translates to “fish stream!” Many tribes from across southern Alaska were relocated to this area in the late 1800s by missionaries, and for this reason, almost a century later, many of the totem poles they left behind came here too. That’s because, during the 1960s, more folks started to appreciate and take interest in Native American art and traditions. So a field survey set out in 1969 to find out just how many totem poles were still around!
Of the hundreds of totem poles that had been reported by earlier explorers, only about 44 could be salvaged from old Haida and Tlingit villages like Kasaan. They were brought here to Ketchikan for stabilization and preservation. This Heritage Center is also a living cultural center where the next generation can learn the techniques of the older one! |
| How can I Help the Helpers? |
HERE’S HOW:
- Pay the entrance fee to help maintain trails, signs, structures, and other visitor services!
- Volunteer with the CIRI Foundation!
- Donate to the CIRI Foundation!
- Be a responsible visitor! Please respect the signs and pathways, and treat all structures and artifacts with respect. They’ve endured a lot to survive into the present. They’ll need our help to make it into the future!
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| Where is this place? |
601 Deermount St
Ketchikan, AK 99901
From Anchorage: ~1676mi (2698km) — 28hrs
From Fairbanks: ~1560mi (2511km) — 26hrs
From Juneau: ~298mi (480km) — 5hrs
From Nome: ~1307mi (2104km) — 9hrs |
| When should I go? |
The Totem Heritage Center is open daily from 8:00 AM until 5:00 PM between May and September! Between April and October, it’s open on weekdays from 1:00 PM until 5:00 PM! |
