Totem Heritage Center
601 Deermount St., Ketchikan, Alaska
Ketchikan’s Totem Heritage Center displays the largest collection of original 19th-century totem poles in Alaska, collected from abandoned Tlingit and Haida villages throughout the region. Baskets, masks, carvings, regalia, and historic photographs of old villages where the poles were found round out the excellent collection.
Several of the totems on display at the Heritage Center date back well over a century—a rarity in the wet climate of Southeast Alaska. Visitors can tour the small collection independently or with a guide, or sign up for a class or workshop related to Indigenous art and culture. Many historical walking tours of Ketchikan include a visit to the Heritage Center, as well as the Tongass Historical Museum, historic Creek Street, and the City Park of Ketchikan.
The Totem Heritage Center is a must-visit for history buffs, art lovers, and first-time visitors.
Admission is free for children aged 17 and under.
The center is wheelchair and stroller accessible.
The Totem Heritage Center is a few streets east of downtown Ketchikan. It’s easy to walk there, or you can take the free Salmon Run shuttle in the summer.
The Totem Heritage Center is open throughout the year in the afternoons, though opening days can vary depending on the season. It’s a great pick for the beginning of your visit to Ketchikan, to learn about the history and heritage of the local area.
A ticket to the Totem Heritage Center includes admission to the Tongass Historical Museum as well. Together, these museums offer an excellent introduction to the people and culture of Ketchikan throughout the years.
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