Alaska State Museum

Mission :

The Alaska State Museums (a state educational agency comprised of the Alaska State Museum and the Sheldon Jackson Museum) identify, collect, preserve and exhibit Alaska's material and natural history and provide public access to services and collections of the Museums. The Alaska State Museums interpret and disseminate knowledge of the history of the state, its people, and its resources, and support others in these efforts. The Museums also assist and advise in the growth, development, and excellence of other museums within Alaska.

Purpose :

The Alaska State Museums' statement of purpose is delineated in Alaska State Statute 14.57.010, revised and adopted in 1974.

To acquire artifacts, natural history specimens, art objects, and other items that pertain to the human and natural history of Alaska by purchase and by gift

To identify, catalog, preserve and display the museums' acquisitions; to acquire and catalog Alaskan photographs and maintain a card catalog of this collection

To accept endowments, grants and gifts

To collect and maintain books, periodicals, pamphlets and other materials pertinent to museum administration, techniques and collections

To assist and advise in the development of local museums

To collect and keep current information concerning museum activities throughout the state

To coordinate the museum activities of the state with those of other agencies; to keep the museum open at reasonable hours for the convenience of visitors

To provide museum services and administer state and other grants-in-aid to museums in the state to supplement and improve their services.