Sheldon Jackson Museum
Purchased by the State of Alaska in 1985, the Sheldon Jackson Museum was founded in 1888 to house an exceptional collection of Alaska Native ethnographic material, most of which were gathered by Presbyterian missionary and General Agent of Education for Alaska, Rev. Dr. Sheldon Jackson. In 1972 the museum's unique building–the 1st concrete structure built in Alaska–was added to the National Register of Historic Places. Some best-known pieces in the collection are totems, masks, baskets, argillite carvings, and traditional clothing noted for its beautiful ornamentation and fine sewing. Kayaks and baidarkas are among favorites with visitors. The museum hosts a summer Native Artist Residency Program where artists representing cultures from across Alaska come to Sitka to demonstrate their art.