Sitka Historical Society and Museum is located at Harrigan Centennial Hall, and features a museum focused largely on post-1867 history of Sitka. The mission is to preserve and promote the events, stories and artifacts of the human history of the Sitka area for the inspiration, education and benefit of the public and future generations. Among recent activities, the Museum has sponsored the restoration of a unique oil painting of the USS Jamestown, a ship that figured prominently in Sitka history. It is now on display at the museum. The Sitka Historical Society and Museum has provided registration and exhibition services, and is underwriting the costs for interpretation.
Sitka National Historical Park is Alaska’s oldest national park, and is celebrating its centennial year in 2010. Originally set aside as a federal park for the city’s residents in 1890, the national park achieved official designation as Sitka National Monument in 1910, to preserve the site of the 1804 Battle of Sitka. It was also home to a unique collection of totem poles which has been expanded, renovated and replicated over the last century. In 1972, the national monument was re-designated Sitka National Historical Park with the acquisition of the Russian Bishops House, one of only four original Russian-built structures still standing in North America. The park has provided management services, and funding for Conference program and activities.
Sitka Cultural Center has been a cooperating partner with Sitka National Historical Park since 1969. The SCC (formerly Southeast Alaska Indian Cultural Center) preserves Native art and culture through a series of programs that include a demonstration artists project. Co-located with the park at the SNHP Visitors Center, the SCC houses studios for artists who work in wood carving, metal-smithing, weaving and basketry. The SCC has provided support for scholar travel to the Conference through grant funding, and provided artist and staff time and input to the program.
The International Association of Specialists on Russian America is a unique collection of scholars whose life work has added considerably to current understanding of Russian American history on both sides of the North Pacific. Formerly the Joint Siberian-Alaskan Research Group on Russian America, IASRA founders have sponsored and managed three previous conferences on Russian America, including the 1979 conference in Sitka and one each in Sitka and Irkutsk, Siberia. IASRA members have contributed to conceiving, shaping and managing the Conference, and to raising support for scholar travel to the Conference.
Koniag Inc is the Kodiak-based pro-profit Native corporation, one of thirteen regional corporations established by Congress under the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act to settle the aboriginal land claims of Alaska Native people. Koniag Inc.’s goals are to sustain growth and provide increasing dividends for its shareholders while celebrating community and culture. Koniag donated generously to support scholar travel to the Conference.
Alaska Geographic is a non-profit bookstore, publisher, educator and supporter of Alaska’s magnificent parks, forests and refuges. Alaska Geographic provides resources and information for planning an Alaskan adventure, offers a range of classes and interpretive programs, and helps people deepen their understanding of Alaska. Alaska Geographic is a long-time partner with Sitka National Historical Park, and has provided significant funding support for the Conference dinner events.
Seafood Producers Cooperative is a cooperative of more than 500 hook-and-line fishermen who troll the waters of Alaska for a variety of fish. The cooperative harvests various species of salmon, as well as halibut, rockfish, sablefish and albacore. SPC has generously donated its seafood products to support the Conference.
The Alaska Day Festival Committee is a non-profit which has for more than five decades managed the annual week-long celebration of the transfer of Alaska from Imperial Russia to the United States at Sitka on October 18, 1867. The Festival Committee has donated decoration and period regalia for the Conference.
Spenard Builders Supply has for 57 years provided building materials and home products to Alaskans. SBS operates 21 stories throughout Alaska. The Sitka SBS has donated plants and shrubbery for the Conference.
Sitka Tribal Enterprises is the for-profit arm of the Sitka Tribe of Alaska, and operates Sitka Tribal Tours and Naa Kahidi Dancers. STE is providing tour services and entertainment.
New Archangel Dancers and the SitNiks are two local organizations who have generously contributed entertainment throughout the Conference.
Massachusetts Maritime Academy has provided training for mariners for more than 100 years, and is the nation’s oldest co-educational maritime college. MMA contributed to scholar travel for the Conference.
The Alaska State Museums is a 110-year-old institution comprising the Alaska State Museum in Juneau and the Sheldon Jackson Museum in Sitka. The Museum has contributed the Dolly Spencer Collection of historic dolls, and a tour venue for the Conference.
The Alaska State Parks is a division of the Alaska Department of Natural Resources. The DNR’s State Historical Preservation Office has contributed immeasurably to the Conference through agenda management and scholar’s time and energy. The Parks have made a key venue available to the Conference.
St. Michael’s Cathedral has been a Sitka fixture for more than 170 years. The re-built Cathedral is among Sitka’s most recognized scenes. Father Sergious Gerken and the parish of St. Michael’s have provided music for the Conference and a luncheon of traditional Russian food.