Totem Heritage Center, Alaska, United States
4.5 (544 reviews) Saturday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent Ranking #7 in Ketchikan Historic Sites • History Museums
Excellent museum---well worth a visit!
The Totem Heritage Center was established in 1976 to house and preserve endangered 19th century totem poles retrieved from uninhabited Tlingit and Haida village sites near Ketchikan and to preserve and promote Native artistic and cultural traditions through traditional classes. The Center is home to 33 authentic poles, numerous historic images, and Native art works. Educational and interpretive tours are available.
Address
601 Deermount St, Ketchikan, AK 99901-6611
Mobile
Website
http://www.ketchikanmuseums.com
Working hours
Monday : 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday : 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday : 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday : 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday : 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday : 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday : 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Current local date and time now
Saturday, May 11, 2024, 3:43
User Ratings
4.5 based on (544 reviews)
Reviews
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4thetravelorganizer 5:00 PM Jun 12, 2022
Totem Poles were never meant to be museum exhibits; saved here for posterity
The Totem Heritage Center is built in the shape of a traditional native clan house. Here we learned that these poles can’t be read like a book; they were carved to honor important people or recall significant events in the life of the families or clan which erected them. Totem poles were never intended to be permanent museum displays; they were raised, allowed to weather and decay, finally returning to earth…again, completing the circle of life. They are preserved here to honor the rich culture that created them. The Ketchikan Story Project offers a thorough explanation of the Chief Johnson Totem Pole, one of the most photographed in the world. A replica stands less than a football field away from the Tongass Historical Museum at the intersection of Mill and Dock Streets. Admission structure here is the same as for the Tongass Historical Museum, except that you can purchase a “Museum Pass” which gives you entry to both for $9.
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4carincher 5:00 PM Sep 18, 2022
Very interesting, good information
Very nice and informative, very interesting. Just kind of small. But worth visiting to understand all about the totems, what they mean and why they are built, and all the struggles the native tribes passed through the years up to today. From that museum you have a path to go along the river to the salmon ladder and end in Creek street, no need for tours or taxi, you can just walk from downtown.
