Join us for our family day this Saturday, August 19, 12 pm -4 pm
Museum walk open house, March 31, 2017
On Friday, March 31st Sitka will hold a Museum Walk as part of the observance of the 150th anniversary of the Alaska Treaty of Cession!
At the Sitka Maritime Heritage Society we will have model boats to build, using cleverly pre-cut parts and hot glue and paint. We will also have knots and rope work to try, and, a model of a boat hull to practice your caulking (pronounced corking - when you pound cotton into the seams to firm up a wood boat hull).
Activities are best for age 5 and up, but we will also have cookies, coffee and tea and cocoa, as well as artifacts and information about our rich maritime heritage.
We will have two shuttle buses so you don't have to actually walk from museum to museum: the Japonski Island Boathouse, the Sitka History Museum at Centennial Hall, St. Michael's Cathedral, the Sitka National Historical Park, the Russian Bishop's House, and the Sheldon Jackson Museum.
Event is 6-8 p.m. Friday March 31st, with suggested parking at Harrigan Centennial Hall.
At the Sitka Maritime Heritage Society we will have model boats to build, using cleverly pre-cut parts and hot glue and paint. We will also have knots and rope work to try, and, a model of a boat hull to practice your caulking (pronounced corking - when you pound cotton into the seams to firm up a wood boat hull).
Activities are best for age 5 and up, but we will also have cookies, coffee and tea and cocoa, as well as artifacts and information about our rich maritime heritage.
We will have two shuttle buses so you don't have to actually walk from museum to museum: the Japonski Island Boathouse, the Sitka History Museum at Centennial Hall, St. Michael's Cathedral, the Sitka National Historical Park, the Russian Bishop's House, and the Sheldon Jackson Museum.
Event is 6-8 p.m. Friday March 31st, with suggested parking at Harrigan Centennial Hall.
150 Years of American Alaska
March 30 2017 is the 150th anniversary of the signing of the Alaska Treaty of Cession, which transferred Russian possessions in Alaska to the United States of America. The treaty was signed by Secretary of State William H. Seward and Russian minister Edouard de Stoeckl in the early hours of the morning of March 30, 1867.
This momentous acquisition had little impact on the United States until decades later, with the development first of gold mining, then of salmon fisheries late in the century.
But the impact on Alaska Native people was immediate and far-reaching. Neither the Russian nor the American governments recognized indigenous ownership of Alaska. Dispossession, racial bias that denied Native people citizenship, civil rights, cultural integrity and respect, and the resulting poverty that worsened the impact of disease, are a part of American history we have to acknowledge in order to move forward.
As we learn more about our past we also celebrate the culture, traditions, ingenuity, and humor of Alaska's people throughout time.
This momentous acquisition had little impact on the United States until decades later, with the development first of gold mining, then of salmon fisheries late in the century.
But the impact on Alaska Native people was immediate and far-reaching. Neither the Russian nor the American governments recognized indigenous ownership of Alaska. Dispossession, racial bias that denied Native people citizenship, civil rights, cultural integrity and respect, and the resulting poverty that worsened the impact of disease, are a part of American history we have to acknowledge in order to move forward.
As we learn more about our past we also celebrate the culture, traditions, ingenuity, and humor of Alaska's people throughout time.
2017 Annual Meeting
Local Knowledge: Places, Names and Stories
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On Wednesday, March 15th at Sitka's Alaska Native Brotherhood Hall, we held “Local Knowledge: Places, Names and Stories,” the Sitka Maritime Heritage Society's 2017 Annual Meeting.
The event was well attended, by what Eric Jordan said later was "the best audience, ever." Sitka people want to know more, and to share what we know about this place. Charts, sticky notes and pens resulted in the collection of a bit of local lore which we will share later on this site.
We also were fortunate to have been able to borrow the large Tlingit place name maps from the Sitka Tribe of Alaska, and we had the various place name books for our area.
Tlingit elder Herman Davis stole the show. He and Eric Jordan talked about maybe founding a comedy act. Not only is he knowledgeable and gracious, he's funny. I have seen humor listed as a value in Tlingit culture - I believe it! Tlingit elder Ethel Makinen was also an honored panelist, she is also a Tlingit speaker. Both introduced their remarks in the Tlingit language, which alone is a rich connection to this place. Roby Littlefield assisted, and contributed as well, to telling about a remarkable project, begun in the 1970s by Isabella Brady, to record Tlingit place names. Ethel Makinen's father, Charlie Joseph, the inspiration of Sitka's Native Education Program for children, had a remarkable memory for place names. Ethel Makinen was part of that project starting in the 1970s, and has contributed so much to culture programs in our community since then!
The place name project has resulted in a limited edition book of Sitka place names, but also a book including place names all over southeast Alaska, Haa Leelk'w Has Aani Saax'u / Our Grandparents' Names on the Land published recently by the University of Washington Press. Here is a description on the press's website, and you can get the book at Sitka's Old Harbor Books and other fine stores.
We learned about some Tlingit place names and stories, and learned to pronounce the word Tlingit (it's tlin - git, an n and a g, not a ng sound), and herring (yaaw), and herring eggs (gáax'w), after hearing about how herring used to spawn right in the channel in town, and that the amount of herring spawn is much smaller than it used to be. Then our new executive director, Jenya Anichenko, contributed a story that made a full circle - from a Russian ship that hit a rock for which it was named - Alexander Rock, named for the ship Crown Prince Alexander - and how an earlier scrape and near wreck of the ship, in California, in which the captain perished, led the crew to commission an icon of St. Herman, patron saint of Alaska, for St. Michael's Cathedral, where you can see it today.
We heard how Nakwasina Sound, just north of Sitka, once had so many smokehouses, putting up dog salmon, that a layer of smoke would hang over the entire bay. Fred Hope, whose father was boatbuilder and political leader Andrew Hope, told how after a season of commercial seining his family would go to Juneau to buy clothes and supplies for the year. Then on the way home, they would stop at Nakwasina and buy dried dog salmon from a family there. And, how all the smokehouses were removed by the Forest Service, and people not allowed to do that any more.
More stories followed from the floor, including observations on patterns of place naming by English, Spanish, and Russian explorers - respectively naming things for patrons, saints' days, and rocks they hit - how Piehle's Passage is misspelled, and why the Keyhole is called that instead of its original name - Pihl's Passage. And the quote of the night: when Jerry Dzugan, his first time through Piehle's Passage, a rocky area off Chichagof Island where knowledgeable skippers thread a safe route, asked skipper Chuck Johnstone how he knew where all the rocks were: he said, "I don't! I just know where they ain't!" Words of wisdom, indeed.
We had stories of contemporary boats scraping on rocks, including a notorious rock in Kalinin Bay (an ancient and favorite anchorage on Kruzof Island), and the dramatic story of pulling the fishing vessel Polaris off a rock where she'd been stranded outside Port Alexander. The memorable quote there was the big party to celebrate getting the boat safely off. "I guess there'd been a big party the night she ran aground, too . . . ."
Our annual meetings are always informative, as we get to learn more about this place in which we live but also about our fellow residents.
The event was well attended, by what Eric Jordan said later was "the best audience, ever." Sitka people want to know more, and to share what we know about this place. Charts, sticky notes and pens resulted in the collection of a bit of local lore which we will share later on this site.
We also were fortunate to have been able to borrow the large Tlingit place name maps from the Sitka Tribe of Alaska, and we had the various place name books for our area.
Tlingit elder Herman Davis stole the show. He and Eric Jordan talked about maybe founding a comedy act. Not only is he knowledgeable and gracious, he's funny. I have seen humor listed as a value in Tlingit culture - I believe it! Tlingit elder Ethel Makinen was also an honored panelist, she is also a Tlingit speaker. Both introduced their remarks in the Tlingit language, which alone is a rich connection to this place. Roby Littlefield assisted, and contributed as well, to telling about a remarkable project, begun in the 1970s by Isabella Brady, to record Tlingit place names. Ethel Makinen's father, Charlie Joseph, the inspiration of Sitka's Native Education Program for children, had a remarkable memory for place names. Ethel Makinen was part of that project starting in the 1970s, and has contributed so much to culture programs in our community since then!
The place name project has resulted in a limited edition book of Sitka place names, but also a book including place names all over southeast Alaska, Haa Leelk'w Has Aani Saax'u / Our Grandparents' Names on the Land published recently by the University of Washington Press. Here is a description on the press's website, and you can get the book at Sitka's Old Harbor Books and other fine stores.
We learned about some Tlingit place names and stories, and learned to pronounce the word Tlingit (it's tlin - git, an n and a g, not a ng sound), and herring (yaaw), and herring eggs (gáax'w), after hearing about how herring used to spawn right in the channel in town, and that the amount of herring spawn is much smaller than it used to be. Then our new executive director, Jenya Anichenko, contributed a story that made a full circle - from a Russian ship that hit a rock for which it was named - Alexander Rock, named for the ship Crown Prince Alexander - and how an earlier scrape and near wreck of the ship, in California, in which the captain perished, led the crew to commission an icon of St. Herman, patron saint of Alaska, for St. Michael's Cathedral, where you can see it today.
We heard how Nakwasina Sound, just north of Sitka, once had so many smokehouses, putting up dog salmon, that a layer of smoke would hang over the entire bay. Fred Hope, whose father was boatbuilder and political leader Andrew Hope, told how after a season of commercial seining his family would go to Juneau to buy clothes and supplies for the year. Then on the way home, they would stop at Nakwasina and buy dried dog salmon from a family there. And, how all the smokehouses were removed by the Forest Service, and people not allowed to do that any more.
More stories followed from the floor, including observations on patterns of place naming by English, Spanish, and Russian explorers - respectively naming things for patrons, saints' days, and rocks they hit - how Piehle's Passage is misspelled, and why the Keyhole is called that instead of its original name - Pihl's Passage. And the quote of the night: when Jerry Dzugan, his first time through Piehle's Passage, a rocky area off Chichagof Island where knowledgeable skippers thread a safe route, asked skipper Chuck Johnstone how he knew where all the rocks were: he said, "I don't! I just know where they ain't!" Words of wisdom, indeed.
We had stories of contemporary boats scraping on rocks, including a notorious rock in Kalinin Bay (an ancient and favorite anchorage on Kruzof Island), and the dramatic story of pulling the fishing vessel Polaris off a rock where she'd been stranded outside Port Alexander. The memorable quote there was the big party to celebrate getting the boat safely off. "I guess there'd been a big party the night she ran aground, too . . . ."
Our annual meetings are always informative, as we get to learn more about this place in which we live but also about our fellow residents.
Thank You, Grant Awarded, and Update on 4 for 44
In November, the Sitka Maritime Heritage Society, through the City and Borough of Sitka, was awarded a Certified Local Government (federal Historic Preservation Fund) matching grant for $25,000, for work towards the addition. This portion of the project will build the foundation for the addition and bring utilities, which are all on site, inside the building. This is very exciting news. We are still waiting to hear on a second matching grant program from the National Park Service.
And a big, big Thank You to everyone who's donated to our 4 for 44 drive! We are over a quarter of the way there, with $11,500 to date! Wow!
And, thanks to everyone who has donated their labor to fixing up the building (contributing in-kind labor for the last grant!), to baking cookies, contributing stories, fellowship and just being you.
And, we are getting so close to hiring our next executive director, who will be taking the reins in January. Look forward to that announcement!
The Sitka Maritime Heritage Society is all of us who care about maritime culture, history, and community. To make your donation, click here.
And a big, big Thank You to everyone who's donated to our 4 for 44 drive! We are over a quarter of the way there, with $11,500 to date! Wow!
And, thanks to everyone who has donated their labor to fixing up the building (contributing in-kind labor for the last grant!), to baking cookies, contributing stories, fellowship and just being you.
And, we are getting so close to hiring our next executive director, who will be taking the reins in January. Look forward to that announcement!
The Sitka Maritime Heritage Society is all of us who care about maritime culture, history, and community. To make your donation, click here.
Latest Newsletter! Click for pdf
4 for 44: Quadruple Your Donation in 2016!
We are launching our 4 for 44 fundraising campaign this summer, an exciting opportunity to be part of the next phase of the Boathouse restoration: a restroom!
We have the opportunity to apply for a National Park Service Maritime Historic Preservation Grant, which requires 50-50 matching from the recipient.
In 2015 we received an anonymous gift of $44,000. Our goal: to match this with local contributions, so we have twice as much, to double again through this grant program.
The project to be funded is the construction of an addition to the back of the building, that will house an entry with accessible ramp, a restroom, running water, and mechanical space for our electrical, water, and sewer hookups.
You can be a part of this! Your gift this summer is potentially quadrupled. Go to the Join/Donate tab above or click here.
Membership as always comes with benefits above and beyond knowing you are supporting maritime heritage: a discount on t-shirts and caps and other goods, and our informative newsletter.
Donations of $1000 and above will be permanently acknowledged on the building.
Thank You for your support!
We have the opportunity to apply for a National Park Service Maritime Historic Preservation Grant, which requires 50-50 matching from the recipient.
In 2015 we received an anonymous gift of $44,000. Our goal: to match this with local contributions, so we have twice as much, to double again through this grant program.
The project to be funded is the construction of an addition to the back of the building, that will house an entry with accessible ramp, a restroom, running water, and mechanical space for our electrical, water, and sewer hookups.
You can be a part of this! Your gift this summer is potentially quadrupled. Go to the Join/Donate tab above or click here.
Membership as always comes with benefits above and beyond knowing you are supporting maritime heritage: a discount on t-shirts and caps and other goods, and our informative newsletter.
Donations of $1000 and above will be permanently acknowledged on the building.
Thank You for your support!
Open House and Reception October 1, 4-7 p.m.
Looking for Executive Director
Sitka Maritime Heritage Society Executive Director. Developing maritime heritage programs including rehabilitation of the Japonski Island Boathouse. Currently 20 hours/week, $25,000 doe. Details at www.sitkamaritime.org. Send letter of interest and resume to SMHS, P. O. Box 2153, Sitka AK 99835 or to sitkamaritime@gmail.com. Call (907) 747-3448 for more information.
Click Here for a pdf of the Job Description
Click Here for a pdf of the Job Description
July 4th Fundraising Cruise was a huge success!
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We had perfect weather, helpful whales, cooperative sea otter, great snacks, and good company. We are thankful to Mr. Walter Dangel, who told the background and inside scoop on the Harbor Defenses. He came to Sitka in May of 1941 with the 250th Coast Artillery, and was delightful and engaging, as well as extremely informative. Except for his authoritative stories there is no way you'd guess his age!
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2016 Fundraising Cruise: World War II & Wildlife
2016 Door Restoration Workshops
Door Restoration Workshop and Work Party
In three workshops, and labor in the interim by Anthony Vlahovich and super special volunteers, we have restored all the historic doors in the Boathouse.
Stay tuned for more parties this summer to give them a coat of paint!
Join us as we move forward in restoring the Japonski Boathouse.
Anthony Vlahovich, skilled craftsman and wood worker, will be joined by a select team of shipwrights and restoration carpenters to teach traditional woodworking restoration of the historic doors in the boathouse.
FREE ! Dress warm! No experience required!
Restore eight doors to historic standards—learn techniques and tools for restoration projects.
Spend all or part of a Saturday with an expert woodworker and meet new and interesting people who contribute to Sitka’s maritime heritage.
RSVP to sitkamaritime@gmail.com or 747-3448 or 738-6999
Light lunch/beverages will be served
Anthony Vlahovich, skilled craftsman and wood worker, will be joined by a select team of shipwrights and restoration carpenters to teach traditional woodworking restoration of the historic doors in the boathouse.
FREE ! Dress warm! No experience required!
Restore eight doors to historic standards—learn techniques and tools for restoration projects.
Spend all or part of a Saturday with an expert woodworker and meet new and interesting people who contribute to Sitka’s maritime heritage.
RSVP to sitkamaritime@gmail.com or 747-3448 or 738-6999
Light lunch/beverages will be served
2016 Annual Meeting: Katlian Street Stories
Inspired by the incredible public meetings sponsored by the Celebrate Katlian group, this is a chance to learn about the history of this important and historic place, to share your stories, and view historic photos - by Jana Suchy, Matt Donohoe, Scott Chambers, and E. W. Merrill, of the people and places of the past.
You are welcome to bring your own historic photos to share.
The photo in the poster is of the Howard boat shop, located just to the south of the SPC plant. George Howard built fishing boats here, and the Princeton Hall was also built in this shop.
Do you remember that shop? Bailey's? the Cold Storage? Did you grow up in the Village? work at Sitka Sound? Fish out of ANB Harbor? Or just want to learn more about our history? We can only touch the surface of course but that's better than nothing!
We will have a few people as a panel, to share their stories and experiences, then open it up to stories from the audience. Eric Jordan will host. And, we'll have snacks and coffee.
Doors open at 6, program is 7-9, Wednesday, February 24, at the ANB Hall. Don't miss it!
And, we will be introducing our new Executive Director, Karen Martinsen. Plus a brief update on work on the Japonski Island Boathouse, and, exciting news in the fundraising department . . .
You are welcome to bring your own historic photos to share.
The photo in the poster is of the Howard boat shop, located just to the south of the SPC plant. George Howard built fishing boats here, and the Princeton Hall was also built in this shop.
Do you remember that shop? Bailey's? the Cold Storage? Did you grow up in the Village? work at Sitka Sound? Fish out of ANB Harbor? Or just want to learn more about our history? We can only touch the surface of course but that's better than nothing!
We will have a few people as a panel, to share their stories and experiences, then open it up to stories from the audience. Eric Jordan will host. And, we'll have snacks and coffee.
Doors open at 6, program is 7-9, Wednesday, February 24, at the ANB Hall. Don't miss it!
And, we will be introducing our new Executive Director, Karen Martinsen. Plus a brief update on work on the Japonski Island Boathouse, and, exciting news in the fundraising department . . .
Past Events . . . .
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We had fun in August at our
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Fourth of July Cruise
and Beach Picnic!
The Sitka Maritime Heritage Society had a blast on its summer fundraiser this year. We enjoyed a Wildlife Cruise around St. Lazaria Island with a naturalist guide, followed by a Kruzof Island Beach Picnic, on the 4th of July!
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SMHS Gets 2014 Historic Preservation Grant!
We have received a Historic Preservation Grant via Alaska's DNR Office of History and Archaeology, for work on the boathouse this summer! The funding gives us a leg up on making the boathouse a working maritime heritage center.
We will be rebuilding historic doors and windows, with workshops to train volunteers in these skills. We'll also be installing electric power and lights to the southwest shop wing.
These grants require matching, in the form of volunteer hours - that's you! We'll have everything from mindless but oh-so-satisfying cleaning, to training in the skills of rebuilding traditional wood windows.
Stay tuned for work party times and dates!
We will be rebuilding historic doors and windows, with workshops to train volunteers in these skills. We'll also be installing electric power and lights to the southwest shop wing.
These grants require matching, in the form of volunteer hours - that's you! We'll have everything from mindless but oh-so-satisfying cleaning, to training in the skills of rebuilding traditional wood windows.
Stay tuned for work party times and dates!
THANK YOU!!
Did you know you can share your PFD with the SMHS? When you apply for your PFD, simply participate in the Pick Click Give program. It's easy, it feels good. Last year over $1,500.00 was given to SMHS! Wow! |
2013 Work Party Photos
The October 5th work party was the best one of the season! SMHS board members and staff worked alongside a group of AMAZING volunteers to remove outdated and defunct electrical conduit and air ducting from the workshop side of the boat house, while others focused on pressure washing a few decade's worth of detritus from the walls and rafters of the railways. Please enjoy photos by clicking HERE.
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THANK YOU
Your support helps with boathouse renovations, educational workshops and outreach. Use the button below to give at your personal comfort level through our secure Paypal account, or CLICK HERE to become a member.
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