Wrangell's Museum opened in 2004 in the James and Elsie Nolan Center.

The Museum's collection reflects Wrangell's colorful past. Four of the finest carved Tlingit houseposts are on loan to the museum from the local Wrangell Cooperative Association, IRA. Carved in the late 1700's these are thought to be the oldest known houseposts still in existence today. The museum has an enviable collection of spruceroot and cedarbark baskets from the turn-of-the-century on display. Early settlement of Wrangell by the Russians and the English are represented in our collection on early exploration history. Chinese and Japanese collections depict later foreign influences in Wrangell.

Wrangell was a major supply center for three major gold rushes to impact the area. Beginning in 1861 with the Stikine Rush, Wrangell was a bustling boomtown replete with saloons, hotels, and warehouses. In 1898 Wrangell provided early access to the Klondike gold fields up the nearby Stikine River. The Museum's photo collection, now numbering over 3,000 photographs and negatives, begins its documentation of Wrangell history during the gold rush heyday.

Several now famous people made their way through Wrangell in the past, including Wyatt Earp who served as a temporary marshall for 10 days while he and his wife, Josie, were on their way to the Klondike. John Muir wrote of his adventures in Wrangell. Soapy Smith, famed outlaw, used to hide out in Wrangell when things were too hot for him in Skagway.

Trapping, Fishing and Forest industries, all major players in the development of Southeast Alaska, are represented in the collection, as is the community's character and charm with memorabilia from local business, families and individuals throughout this small, local museum. Don't miss the opportunity to visit this unique and varied collection!! The Museum is an interactive walk through of community's past.

Research: Topical research on a limited basis is available. Fees are available on request.

Photo Duplication Services: The Wrangell Photo archives contain over 3,000 prints, negatives and slides of Wrangell. The earliest photos available are of Wrangell during the gold rush period - in the late 1800's. Themes include early gold-rush era, Native Alaskans, Front Street, Boats, Schools, and general. Prints of photos can be purchased through the Museum Gift Shop. Visitors are welcome to visit the museum and browse the Master Photo Catalog to choose pictures. One-time use permission is available to scholars and other researchers who wish to publish photos. Fees are available on request.

School Talks: Talks can be arranged for school children on Wrangell's history; Archaeology of Alaska, Native Culture, Archaeology as a Career, and more. Just call the museum for more information.

Special Events, Exhibits: The museum participates each year in special community events and host special exhibits or lectures throughout the year.

	General
Museum Director