Sheldon Jackson Museum
Sheldon Jackson Museum
5
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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5.0
294 reviews
Excellent
227
Very good
63
Average
4
Poor
0
Terrible
0
dfb260
Staunton, VA486 contributions
Sept 2022
Very nice, small museum with an extensive collection of native and local history artifacts. I recommend this place if you are visiting on a cruise. Very reasonable admission charge. Now a state operated museum. Well done!
Requires an hour or two, at most.
Requires an hour or two, at most.
Written October 7, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Susan M
4 contributions
Jun 2024 • Family
Great collection of Native American/Alaskan artifacts. They don't shy away from the fact that the US tried to wipe out the Native languages and cultures, and when we were there, they had a Native American artist in residence, who was way cool to talk with about her work and art. Don't be afraid to open the collection drawers for more items and information!
Written July 6, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Compass1508
Wichita, Kansas1 contribution
The Sheldon Jackson Museum is small and fantastic. If you have an interest in seeing waterproof garments from early Alaska this is the place to go. Sheldon Jackson had the insight to save the lovely garments for later generations. We spent fourteen weeks touring the Inside Passage. The Sheldon Jackson Museum is one of the best kept displays of early Alaska.
The museum is well laid out and can be enjoyed by those in a wheel chair or with a walker. It is worth traveling a few more blocks from the cruise ship docks.
Eddy Beard
ebeard@kansasriverrat.com
The museum is well laid out and can be enjoyed by those in a wheel chair or with a walker. It is worth traveling a few more blocks from the cruise ship docks.
Eddy Beard
ebeard@kansasriverrat.com
Written March 6, 2006
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
travelNReviewer
San Diego153 contributions
Jun 2015 • Couples
Not a large museum, but full of interesting information about the history and native culture of Sitka. How the native cultures made such fine wood and weaving products without modern tools is amazing. As the focus is on native cultures, I would not spend the money unless you have an interest. Adjacent to the wonderful buildings of the Sheldon Jackson school campus, originally built just after the turn of the 20th century, it is within easy walking distance from Sitka town center. Named for the man who donated the artifacts and museum, you should allow at least one hour if you wish to see everything.
Written June 8, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Whalegeek
Palos Heights, IL132 contributions
Jun 2012 • Couples
What more can be said of the Sheldon Jackson Museum than it is a first rate museum with an outstanding collection of Alaska Native art and artifacts? The collection contained in the museum is superb, on par with the exceptional Northwest Coast/Arctic Peoples hall in Chicago's Field Museum of Natural History and Vancouver, BC's wonderful Museum of Anthropology. Art and artifacts from Alaska's major Native tribal groups are displayed in glass cases, suspended overhead or in pull-out drawers. Artifacts have placards that designate from whence they came.
A favorite of mine is the artifact of the month, always an interesting article or small collection of them with a more in depth explanation of what it is, how it was used, its significance, etc.
The Sheldon Jackson Museum is a great place to linger and learn about the different cultures that make their home in Alaska. Peering into the pull out drawers, one can see everyday items such as walrus ivory needles and needle cases or harpoons fashioned from bone, great insights into daily life when people depended only upon themselves for survival. The ingenuity of Native peoples and how they survived in often harsh conditions is on display in the form of waterproof garments made from marine mammal intestines or outer clothing, mittens and soft boots crafted of fish skin cleverly insulated with grasses to deter cold. A collection of shaman masks reside in glass cases, a window into a disappearing world where every being from humans to wildlife possessed a spirit. Ever see a Tlingit warrior's battle helmet? How about one of the best examples of a finely woven baleen basket ever created (I drool over this every time I visit the museum)? You will find all this and so much more at the Sheldon Jackson Museum.
During Summer Alaska Native artists in residence often are on hand to demonstrate how they create their art. Be sure to stop by and talk to these talented people. Many will share fascinating stories of village life with visitors.
The museum gift shop contains lovely items handmade by Alaska Natives. Jewelry, carvings, dolls, masks and other beautiful items are offered for sale. Note: if one purchases a museum membership ($15 in 2012), admission is free for a year PLUS one gets a 15% discount on museum purchases! A BONUS...for those visiting Juneau, the museum membership also extends free admission and the gift store discount to the equally interesting Alaska State Museum located in Juneau.
Sheldon Jackson Museum is located practically across the street from the Sitka Sound Science Center so you may wish to take in both attractions during your visit to Sitka. A plus for Summer 2012 is that a food cart catered by excellent local Sitka restaurant Ludvig's Bistro is offering light lunch items and Ludvig's excellent chowder at the Sitka Sound Science Center's adjacent gift shop. It's a tasty option if you do not wish to trek all the way back into town for a midday meal. I was told the lunch cart is available from Tuesday through Saturday during the summer season. Farther down the road is the Sitka National Historical Park aka Totem Park, also a worthwhile addition to your museum visit.
Each time I travel to Sitka I set aside time for a visit to this museum. It is not to be missed.
A favorite of mine is the artifact of the month, always an interesting article or small collection of them with a more in depth explanation of what it is, how it was used, its significance, etc.
The Sheldon Jackson Museum is a great place to linger and learn about the different cultures that make their home in Alaska. Peering into the pull out drawers, one can see everyday items such as walrus ivory needles and needle cases or harpoons fashioned from bone, great insights into daily life when people depended only upon themselves for survival. The ingenuity of Native peoples and how they survived in often harsh conditions is on display in the form of waterproof garments made from marine mammal intestines or outer clothing, mittens and soft boots crafted of fish skin cleverly insulated with grasses to deter cold. A collection of shaman masks reside in glass cases, a window into a disappearing world where every being from humans to wildlife possessed a spirit. Ever see a Tlingit warrior's battle helmet? How about one of the best examples of a finely woven baleen basket ever created (I drool over this every time I visit the museum)? You will find all this and so much more at the Sheldon Jackson Museum.
During Summer Alaska Native artists in residence often are on hand to demonstrate how they create their art. Be sure to stop by and talk to these talented people. Many will share fascinating stories of village life with visitors.
The museum gift shop contains lovely items handmade by Alaska Natives. Jewelry, carvings, dolls, masks and other beautiful items are offered for sale. Note: if one purchases a museum membership ($15 in 2012), admission is free for a year PLUS one gets a 15% discount on museum purchases! A BONUS...for those visiting Juneau, the museum membership also extends free admission and the gift store discount to the equally interesting Alaska State Museum located in Juneau.
Sheldon Jackson Museum is located practically across the street from the Sitka Sound Science Center so you may wish to take in both attractions during your visit to Sitka. A plus for Summer 2012 is that a food cart catered by excellent local Sitka restaurant Ludvig's Bistro is offering light lunch items and Ludvig's excellent chowder at the Sitka Sound Science Center's adjacent gift shop. It's a tasty option if you do not wish to trek all the way back into town for a midday meal. I was told the lunch cart is available from Tuesday through Saturday during the summer season. Farther down the road is the Sitka National Historical Park aka Totem Park, also a worthwhile addition to your museum visit.
Each time I travel to Sitka I set aside time for a visit to this museum. It is not to be missed.
Written June 26, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ling C
Houston, TX208 contributions
Sept 2019
This not a massive museum, but it has a very good Alaska Native collection depicting life, art & history. Located in downtown Sitka, which is quite compact. Plan on spending 1-2 hours.
Written October 2, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Chris Heim
Bethesda, MD223 contributions
Jul 2019 • Family
As a teacher of native northwest culture, I was overwhelmed by the impressive collection at the Sheldon Jackson Museum. Not only that, but the gentleman at the desk inside was very helpful in talking through some of the history in the room. Highly recommend this if Native Alaskan culture is of interest to you. It may look small on the outside, but the collection is VAST! Plan to spend at least an hour, and potentially several!
Written July 30, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Bill M
Winchester, MA45 contributions
Jul 2018 • Couples
I'm not a huge fan of missionaries (Jackson's history) but the museum reflects a profound respect for the native culture that the missionaries were trying to supplant. The staff reflect that attitude of respect and the collection is really interesting - but if you have to choose between the museum and a walk through the Sitka National Historical Park I recommend the walk outside. Of note - near the museum you can get a good lunch of Ludvig's soup and sandwich next to the Science Museum. A tip from the museum staff.
Written July 16, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Paul C
89 contributions
Jan 2018 • Solo
Several locals raved about the museum, but to be honest, my expectations were moderate, based on the remoteness of the city.
WOW, was I blown away!
All of the artifacts were amazingly pristine and beautifully displayed.
I have a fairly extensive education in Native American studies, but I learned a bunch of new things about Alaska's First Nations and saw truly unique collections.
The staff was incredibly friendly and knowledgeable. I really enjoyed Karen sharing her stories about her grandmother's "engagement" and the trapping and collecting stories she shared had shared with her.
As small as the museum building was, I ran out of time and am bummed that I was unable to return to finish the exhibits while I was in Sitka.
WOW, was I blown away!
All of the artifacts were amazingly pristine and beautifully displayed.
I have a fairly extensive education in Native American studies, but I learned a bunch of new things about Alaska's First Nations and saw truly unique collections.
The staff was incredibly friendly and knowledgeable. I really enjoyed Karen sharing her stories about her grandmother's "engagement" and the trapping and collecting stories she shared had shared with her.
As small as the museum building was, I ran out of time and am bummed that I was unable to return to finish the exhibits while I was in Sitka.
Written February 7, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
James P
Haverhill, MA51 contributions
Jul 2017 • Couples
The museum houses a large collection of Native items. The items were collected at a time when the natives were being "Americanized" and the items taken away. This was a good effort by Jackson to accumulate the items for the sake of recalling history. Many unique items, but also sad to recognize the culture which was taken away.
Written July 11, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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