History. Culture. Community.

Welcome to Ketchikan Museums

Ketchikan Museums collect, preserve, interpret and creatively share the history and culture of our region to serve, educate, engage and enrich our community. We invite you to visit both of our museums—the Tongass Historical Museum and Totem Heritage Center!

HOURS

Open Tuesday - Saturday

1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.

The Tongass Historical Museum and Totem Heritage Center are open to the public year round.

To schedule an appointment outside of open hours, call 907-225-5600.

LOCATIONS

Tongass Historical Museum

629 Dock St.
Ketchikan, Alaska 99901
Get Directions
(907) 225-5600

Totem Heritage Center

601 Deermount St.
Ketchikan, Alaska 99901
Get Directions
(907) 225-5900

ADMISSIONS

  • Adults: $6
  • Seniors (65 & older):$5
  • Children (17 & younger): Free
  • Active Military: Free
  • Museum Pass: $9

Pass includes admission to both the Tongass Historical Museum and the Totem Heritage Center

Admission is always free for local residents!

Enjoy the Virtual Exhibit from the comfort of your home! See our new feature exhibit, Into the Wind: Aviation as Southeast Alaska’s Lifeline, and much more.

View Our Virtual Exhibits

Taant’a Kwáan & Sanyaa Kwáan Traditional Lands

The Tongass Historical Museum and Totem Heritage Center are located on the traditional lands of the Taant´a Kwáan and Sanyaa Kwáan of the Tlingit First Nations. We are grateful for the opportunity to live and learn here in mutual respect and appreciation.

Ketchikan’s iconic Chief Johnson totem pole was rededicated in 2017 after a restoration by carver Tommy Joseph.

Ketchikan’s iconic Chief Johnson totem pole was rededicated in 2017 after a restoration by carver Tommy Joseph.

Home to the Tongass Historical Museum, the Centennial Building commemorated the 100 year anniversary of the purchase of Alaska, when it was completed in 1967.
Home to the Tongass Historical Museum, the Centennial Building commemorated the 100 year anniversary of the purchase of Alaska, when it was completed in 1967.

KETCHIKAN MUSEUMS:

Tongass Historical Museum

A collection of Ketchikan’s history and heritage, the Tongass Historical Museum offers insight into our community’s past, present, and future through engaging exhibitions, programs and archives.

The Tongass Historical Museum is centrally located downtown at 629 Dock Street, near the northern Creek Street entrance. The Museum is a quick 10 minute walk or less than 5 minute drive from the cruise ship docks and downtown corridor.

EXPLORE

Built in 1976, the Totem Heritage Center models a traditional clan house.

KETCHIKAN MUSEUMS:

Totem Heritage Center

The Totem Heritage Center preserves and perpetuates the living artistic traditions of the Tlingit, Haida and Tsimshian that gave rise to the original totem poles on display and provides the opportunity to discover, learn and practice Native arts to inspire cultural understanding. The Center is on the National Register of Historic Places for its collection of original, 19th century totem poles.

The Totem Heritage Center is located at 601 Deermount Street. The Center is about a 15 minute walk or 5 minute drive from the cruise ship docks and downtown corridor.

EXPLORE

Built in 1976, the Totem Heritage Center models a traditional clan house.
*Diving Whale* Chilkat Robe by Dorica Jackson, 2018. Purchase has been made possible through the generous support of the Rasmuson Foundation. KM 2019.2.2.1
*Diving Whale* Chilkat Robe by Dorica Jackson, 2018. Purchase has been made possible through the generous support of the Rasmuson Foundation. KM 2019.2.2.1

KETCHIKAN MUSEUMS:

Artifact of the Month

“Artifact” is a dynamic term that can describe a variety of materials: three-dimensional objects, photos, archives, books, fine art, and even oral histories. Essentially, artifacts are the tangible items we create and use every day.

When placed into context, artifacts tell stories about their makers and users, capture moments in time, symbolize values, convey emotions, and reflect cultural changes. We better understand our past by studying artifacts. To highlight our own local unique history, Ketchikan Museums features an “Artifact of the Month” from our exciting collection of artifacts. We hope you enjoy these snapshots back in time!

CLICK HERE TO VIEW PAST ARTIFACTS OF THE MONTH