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| The Museum features
artifacts dating from eighteenth century Russian America (now Alaska)
until the present day. Among the objects on display are recently
restored processional banners (possibly dating to 1794); rare icons
believed to have been painted in the Sitka school of iconography (19th
century); personal objects of St. Innocent (Veniaminov); a kayak frame
used by missionaries traveling along the Nushagak River and beaded
priest's vestments designed and sewn by the Tlingit artist, Emma Marks.
Orthodox missionaries arrived in Russian America in 1794 baptizing the Native people throughout the territory. Alaska is considered "the Cradle of Orthodoxy in North America" and the Orthodox Church recognizes five saints who labored here during the Church’s early presence. The Russian Orthodox Church is the longest surviving institution in Alaska’s history. Scattered across the state, there are currently 97 Orthodox parishes, many established during the Russian American era. A large number of the artifacts in the Museum’s collection were retrieved from old churches, which have been restored or rebuilt.
The Museum, Shop and ‘Cupola Coffee’ hours are weekdays, 7:00AM – 5:00PM, Saturdays, 9:00AM – 4:00PM, Sundays 1:00PM - 4:00PM (May 15 - Sept. 15); closed (Sept. 16 –May 14). ‘Cupola Coffee’ offers Kaladi Brothers coffee, our own blends roasted in Kodiak, Alaska (Bishop’s, Troika & Borodino) along with a variety of delicious pastries and other drinks. Visitors can find Russian gift items including Lomonosov porcelain, exquisite lacquer boxes, icons, Orthodox music CDs and many traditional Russian crafts in the Museum Shop. Museum admission is free, donations are gratefully accepted. |
