Mission Moment
Caring for Cultural Belongings
At the Alaska Native Heritage Center (ANHC), caring for the cultural belongings entrusted to us is central to preserving and sharing Alaska Native knowledge. Our Collections team continues to develop young staff in stewardship of our collections, art administration, exhibit work, and project management, ensuring traditional knowledge is paired with modern museum practices.
ANHC staff in the Collections and Research Departments recently participated in a series of professional trainings with conservator Sarah Jane Owens, cultural heritage specialist Darian LaTocha, and Cultural Heritage Imaging (a California-based nonprofit). Workshops included building storage mounts, non-invasive cleaning and condition reporting, 3D photogrammetry, fabric-covered board making, and creating soft inserts for footwear in ANHC’s collections. These sessions have strengthened our team’s ability to care for cultural belongings safely and responsibly.
The Collections team also directed conservation work with the gut garments on loan from the Yale Peabody Museum, collected by Cornelius Osgood in 1931. Working with Sarah Owens, staff unrolled three garments (two parkas and one intestine skirt) for the first time since their collection. Once unrolled, one of the garments surprised everyone (including the lender) in that it was not a parka but instead an intestine skirt. The second garment had a cowl neck instead of a hood and the third garment was intricately decorated with red and black yarn and dentalia shells and beads.
This work often happens quietly behind the scenes, yet it is vital to honoring the communities and artists connected to each cultural belonging. As Master Artist Program Coordinator Clover Snelling (Łingit) reflected, “Conservation as a whole is very educational…Because of the rehumidification of the parkas, us helping them to come out and breathe, Dena'ina people are able to come in, look at them, and study them so that people can replicate and learn from them. I think it's very inspiring and fulfilling work."
Through these hands-on trainings and collaborations, ANHC continues to ensure that Alaska Native art and knowledge remain protected and accessible for future generations. Quyana (thank you) to all partners supporting this essential mission.
ANHC’s mission-driven work is dedicated to preserving and strengthening the traditions, languages, and arts of Alaska Native Peoples through statewide collaboration, celebration, and education. We are honored to continue creating space for learning, creativity, and connection.
