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This museum is located in a house built in the early 19th Century by the Russian occupiers of Kodiak Island. It covers the virtual enslavement of the Indigenous people in the interest of fur trapping and the Russian influence in the area before its sale to the USA. It also traces the Americanisation of the Island. It's an interesting little museum worth a visit if in Kodiak. …
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Date of experience: August 2019
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Everything is centrally located in Kodiak including the Kodiak History Museum (which used to be named The Baranov Museum and was formerly known as the "Russian American Magazin" or "Erskine House"). Being built in the early 19th century, it is said to be the oldest Russian-built wood structure on the US West Coast.…
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Date of experience: May 2019
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This museum highlights Kodiak during the Russian Era through the early 20th Century. An interesting and colorful past.
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Date of experience: June 2019
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While in Kodiac, we planned on seeing the well-known Baranov Museum, only to discover the name had been recently changed to ‘Kodiac History Museum’. When asked, ‘Why the Change?’, I was told that it was to move away from a perceived Russian focus and also to provide historical context of the native Alutiiq people who had lived in this area for more than 7000 years. The museum only recently reopened after extensive renovations. The house-like museum is the original structure and represents Alaska's oldest building. It is also the oldest Russian structure in North America. Once a fur trading station (particularly otters), it now houses and displays a variety of artifacts representing life in Kodiac going back to the late 1700’s and earlier. Admission is by ‘donation’ ($10 is recommended by staff when you…
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Date of experience: May 2019
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This beautiful building was the 'magazin' (storehouse / supply depot) from way back in the days when Kodiak was called Petronov (I think). Mr Erskine ran the magazin & was killed by a crazed man who'd drifted into town. His ghost still haunts the back of the museum. The Historical Society got the musuem up & running. I think they're still maintaining the exhibits & volunteering. The exhibits cover just about everyone & everything: First Nations, Russians, explorers, settlers, art, literature, folk art & craft, trades, etc. It's super-worthwhile to come in and learn something new! Really convenient location. You can see the museum from the whart! The super nice & friendly staff (volunteers from the Historical Society?) are very knowledgeable & keen to share that knowledge with the visitors. Go in & ask them a few questions. …
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Date of experience: September 2018
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