The Great Museums of Valdez, Alaska

Valdez, Alaska is a town seeped in history. From its beginnings as the all-American route for fortune seekers to today's standing as the end of the trans-Alaskan pipeline, Valdez is home to many boom-to-bust stories. Too, Valdez was the site of two of Alaska's greatest disasters: the Exxon Valdez oil spill of 1989 and the Good Friday earthquake of 1964. These tragedies also shaped the area and provide the basis for historical study as well.

To satisfy the traveler's desire to learn about Valdez's rich history, various museums and exhibits have been opened. These are located around town and are within walking distance of each other as well as the other major landmarks. In order to gain an appreciation of the town's current situation, I think that it is a very good idea to visit the museums because they show how the area's culture developed. This will put things into perspective. Whichever museums make it onto your Valdez itinerary will be sure to educate you and provide an enjoyable afternoon or two.

Valdez Museum

The Valdez Museum and historical archive is located at 217 Egan Drive. It hosts a number of excellent collections and exhibits. I really enjoy the exhibit on the gold prospectors who came through Valdez in 1897-1898. It impresses the visitor with the feelings that led so many to attempt the journey. Very few were ever able to make it across the treacherous glaciers to the Copper River Valley in order to find riches. The museum does a great job with period photographs and objects to show what life was like for the prospectors. It also does well showing how those who made money off the men who tried to make it to the gold lived. However, the museum has many other exhibits to enjoy, including information and displays on the oil spill, the earthquake, and the Richardson Highway, which was Alaska's first highway. The Valdez Museum is definitely a must-see for any tourist since it does such an excellent job exhibiting Valdez history. Winter hours are Monday-Saturday 1 pm-5 pm. Summer hours are daily from 9 am-5 pm. Admission is $6 for adults, $5.50 for seniors, $5 for youths, and free for kids. For more information, visit the website at Valdez Museum.

Remembering Old Valdez Exhibit

The Remembering Old Valdez Exhibit is presented in connection with the Valdez Museum. Admission price is included with the Valdez Museum price. This exhibit focuses on the years just prior to the 1964 Good Friday earthquake. This earthquake and subsequent tsunami forced the move of the entire town of Valdez. Old Valdez exists only as gravel roads, dock pilings, and the post office foundation. The exhibit allows visitors to explore a model of Old Valdez and to better understand the town's history. It is located at 436 South Hazelet. It is recommended that visitors attend the Valdez Museum first so that they can best understand the earthquake and its aftermath and put the Remembering Old Valdez Exhibit into historical perspective. The Valdez Museum website contains more information.

Maxine and Jesse Whitney Museum

The Maxine and Jesse Whitney Museum focuses on the rich history of Native Alaskans. It contains one of the world's largest collections of Native Alaskan art and artifacts. The museum grew out of Maxine Whitney's personal collection that she developed after moving to Alaska in 1947. She donated it to Prince William Sound Community College in 1998. The museum also exhibits wildlife mounts, including polar bears. It is a great museum for those who really want to investigate and learn about the Native culture in Alaska, which developed over thousands of years into the vibrant community it is today. The museum is located at Prince William Sound Community College at 303 Lowe Street. Summer hours are daily from 9 am-7 pm. Winter hours are from 9am-12 pm and 1 pm-5 pm Monday-Friday, excluding college holidays. Admission prices are $5 for general admission, $4 for seniors and military, and $3 for children under 12. For more information, visit the museum's webpage at Maxine and Jesse Whitney Museum.