A Brief History of the Museum

A world-class museum located in the heart of Alaska's largest city, the Anchorage Museum at Rasmuson Center began as a public-private partnership to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the purchase of Alaska from Russia. The Museum opened its doors in 1968 with an exhibition of 60 borrowed Alaska paintings, and a collection of 2,500 historic and ethnographic objects loaned from the local historical society.

A grant from the National Endowment for the Arts made possible the first visiting national exhibition, "The Far North," from the National Gallery of Art in 1973. That same year, the Museum became the first museum in Alaska accredited by the American Association of Museums, and voters approved a bond issue to pay for a 15,000 square-foot building addition.

In the next decade, with the flood of revenues from oil development, the state funded community-wide building projects. "Project 80's" led to a major 140,000 square-foot expansion of the Museum in 1986. Funds were raised to complete the Alaska Gallery, a showcase of the Museum's permanent historic and ethnographic collection. This Gallery remains a popular Alaska resident and tourist destination, helping school children and adults alike explore Alaska's unique history and rich cultures.

As the facility grew, so did the Museum's collections. The permanent collection now numbers 17,500 objects plus an education collection of roughly 2,000 artifacts; the Department contains more than 350,000 historical photographs.

Each year, more than 20 travelling exhibits from around the globe visit the Museum.Travelling exhibitions are complemented by innovative public programming--community-wide cultural events, Free Family Days featuring local artists and hands-on art activities, and docent-led tours for approximately 15,000 school children every year.

In 1992, the Museum became the home of the first regional office of the Smithsonian Institution's National Museum of Natural History Arctic Studies Center. The Arctic Studies Center supports the Museum's mission through research, education, collections and exhibitions. Today the Museum-one of the 10 most visited attractions in Alaska-looks forward to another expansion of both its facility and mission, to become the region's premier repository and workshop for the study, appreciation, and enjoyment of the culture and science of the North.

ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE
A Successful Partnership of Public and Private Interests serving the Museum Community

About the Anchorage Museum at Rasmuson Center
The Anchorage Museum at Rasmuson Center is owned by the Municipality of Anchorage and operated under contract by the Anchorage Museum Association, a non-profit 501(C)3 organization.

The mission of the Anchorage Museum is to collect, preserve exhibit and interpret the art, history and science of Alaska in relation to the circumpolar North.

The museum is accredited by the American Association of Museums and is supported in part by annual contributions from the Anchorage Museum Association, the Anchorage Museum Foundation, the Municipality of Anchorage, and additional private, corporate and foundation funds.

Anchorage Museum Association Board of Directors
Joe Griffith, Chairperson
Gloria O'Neill, Vice Chairperson
John A. Letourneau, Secretary/Treasurer
Beverly Beeton
Todd Bell
Karen Compton
Barbara Donatelli
Laura Emerson
Bruce Hilton
Jan Ingram
Warwick King
Susan M. Knowles
Stephen E. Lindbeck
Bernadine Nyboer
Doug J. Suttles

Anchorage Historical and Fine Arts Commission
The Anchorage Historical and Fine Arts Commission, established in 1966, with members appointed by the Mayor and approved by the Assembly, acts as an advisory board on matters of Museum policy and budget. The Commission strives to promote the fine arts; to preserve archival and historical objects for public benefit; to study, investigate and advise the Mayor and Assembly on facilities and land for use as museums and galleries to conduct public hearings and public campaigns for the raising of funds for the construction or operation of museums; and to coordinate with other community organizations and individuals to develop the fine arts and acquire, display and preserve archival and historical materials. The Commission meets on the third Wednesday of every month at 4:00 p.m. at the Anchorage Museum.