Currents of Change

On an island amid towering spruce and hemlock, Sitka National Historical Park preserves the site of a battle between invading Russian traders and indigenous Kiks.ádi Tlingit. Totem poles from Tlingit and Haida areas line the park’s scenic coastal trail, and the restored Russian Bishop’s House is a rare reminder of Russia’s colonial legacy in North America.

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Duration:
13 minutes, 31 seconds

A brief history of the role of Sitka National Historical Park in Russian American History, as told by many voices and perspectives of the people who call this place "home."

A close up of a totem carving
Current Services Available

Please check here for updates to services offered.

A dugout canoe on a trailer on a lawn. Two men and a totem pole near a forest beyond the canoe.
See a Traditional Lingít Work Canoe

A traditional dugout canoe, carved by Tommy Joseph and his apprentice Tim Flanery, is on display in Totem Hall.

Close up photo of a formline frog and raven at the base of the K'alyaan Totem Pole.
The Totem Poles of Sitka NHP

Discover the unusual story of how the park's totem pole collection came to be.

traditional dug out canoes on a rocky shore in front of houses lining the coast
The Tlingit of Shee Atiká

The modern Tlingit culture can trace their heritage in Sitka back over 10,000 years.

A historic photo from the Merrill Collection.
The E. W. Merrill Collection

The park museum collection includes 1167 glass plate negatives by photographer E.W. Merrill, offering a glimpse of early 20th century Sitka.

Historic china on a table with a ranger and tour group in the background
Visit the Russian Bishop's House

Tours of the Russian Bishops House are offered May- September

Last updated: January 23, 2024

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Contact Info

Mailing Address:

103 Monastery St.
Sitka, AK 99835

Phone:

907 747-0110

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