If you’ve ever been to a museum and longed to move beyond the glass and handle historical artifacts, your chance has arrived.
The Sitka Historical Society is preparing to move thousands of artifacts from Harrigan Centennial Hall into temporary storage, and they’re looking for volunteers to help make that happen.
On June 15 from 6-8pm and June 16 from 12-2pm, the public is welcome to learn how to properly handle and package the fragile items, in preparation for the big move in July. Harrigan Centennial Hall will close to the public in August for a major remodel.
A porcelain doll that dates back to 1959. It’s currently housed in Sitka Historical Society’s archives. Photo courtesy the Sitka Historical Society.
For the public, the move is a unique way to see and feel the diverse history and culture of Sitka.
“We have got everything from trade beads to luggage that was brought over by one of the Russian bishops that traveled here– to dolls that were owned by families that lived here after the state was transferred over to America, ” said Kristy Griffin, Collections & Exhibits Curator at the Sitka Historical Society & Museum. “We also have the journal of the Ossippee. It’s sort of our holy of holies. That was actually the journal from one of the trips that came here from the transfer as well,” she said
One item that will be moved in coming weeks is a 56-year-old porcelain doll, dating back to Sitka’s pulp mill days. It’s red and white dress is believed to be made of rayon, which comes from wood pulp.
“Her story is so integral to Sitka. I believe the company that came over was one of the first companies from Japan to set up here after World War II in the United States,” Griffin said. “They were trying to drum up interest and support in Southeast Alaska. So, they actually brought several of these dolls over and gifted them to organizations and institutions throughout Sitka as a way of gaining support for the new pulp mill,” she said.
Even with volunteer help, storing an entire museum can be expensive.
The Sitka Historical Society’s executive director Hal Spackman estimates it will cost $25,000 in moving costs, rental storage, and other expenses.
The museum will close its doors on July 15 and open up again Spring 2017 in expanded quarters in the remodeled Harrigan Centennial Hall.
