Sitka Maritime Heritage Society
(907) 623-8054
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      • Boarded up Windows No Longer!
      • Steaming + Deglazing + Rebuilding
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The Sitka Maritime Heritage Society is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization 
based in Sitka, Alaska. We are dedicated to preserving our region's rich maritime history and promoting knowledge of maritime heritage and skills
.  

Our primary focus is the restoration of the historic 
Japonski Island Boathouse as a working boat haulout and workshop and maritime heritage center.



About us:

Executive Director - Laura Bennett

Join the SMHS Board of Directors!

SMHS has openings for new board members. This is a great opportunity for you to directly contribute to our organization! Interested individuals should email the director at sitkamaritime@gmail.com.

SMHS Board of Directors

  • Mike Litman (President)
  • Joe D'Arienzo (VP & Treasurer)
  • Bruce Gazaway (Secretary)
  • Stan Barge
  • Rebecca Poulson​
  • Josh Wisniewski

Our Community

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Hands-on Boatbuilding Demonstration


The Sitka Maritime Heritage Society has had a presence in the community for more than a decade.

During that time we have developed our educational mission by collecting photographs and oral histories, and organizing maritime-themed lectures and hands-on workshops.





Meanwhile, volunteers and contractors have worked tirelessly on the Japonski Island Boathouse project, logging  thousands of hours painting, restoring the building steadily, and cataloging items in the Boathouse. (See the Boathouse page for the story in photos!)

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Volunteer Terry Perensovich helps rebuild windows
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PictureRebuilding the foundation!











We also hold fundraisers and they often involve food. This is from the black cod tips feed we held for several years on Alaska Day.



Contact SMHS 

Phone: (907) 623-8054

Email:  sitkamaritime@gmail.com

Mail: PO Box 2153
           Sitka, Alaska 99835
                           
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Some of the images on this site are copyrighted, including  images in our banner slideshow,  those on the historical collection page, and those provided to us by  photographer James Poulson and others. 

Please contact SMHS with photo usage inquiries.