Selling Museum?
Dear Editor: On Friday, March 8, the Friends of Sheldon Jackson Museum was informed that as part of the governor’s budget the State will consider selling the Sheldon Jackson Museum and its collection of artifacts and the Stratton Building (the former Sheldon Jackson campus library.)
The suggestion of the State “divesting itself” of the Sheldon Jackson Museum is akin to the federal government suggesting it divest itself of the Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of the American Indian.
A few of the reasons this is so wrong:
–This Museum’s collection contains important artifacts of historic, cultural and material heritage representing all of Alaska’s Native people. The Museum is the “storage place for these artifacts…but they are owned by the people of Alaska.”
–The Museum is the caretaker of over 6,000 objects associated with Native groups that are used in sacred ceremonies. The Sheldon Jackson Museum and its professional staff, who have special skills and abilities, can care for the objects so they will not degrade and or be seriously compromised.
–If the facility was sold the collection could be in danger of being broken up and auctioned off around the world.
–The Museum is one of the top tourist attractions in Sitka. Last year alone the museum attracted 14,012 visitors generating $42,175.00 in revenue.
–The collection is held in the public trust and ethically and morally cannot be sold. The contract at the time of the State purchasing the Museum states the collection is (a single entity and not to be dispersed.)
–The Museum, built in 1895 specifically to house the museum’s collection, is important in itself as the first concrete structure in Alaska. It is a National Historic Landmark and on the National Register of Historic Places.
–The Museum provides educational programming year-round for local school groups and statewide by schools using the hands-on loan program and other resource materials and by visiting the Museum when in Sitka for other activities.
–It provides educational programs for adults through lectures, films, and classes in numerous Native arts.
–The artist residency programs provide opportunities for Alaska Native artists to study “...the best specimens of the old works of their Ancestors,” and to share their knowledge with visitors and museum staff.
–It provides a means for Alaskans to study their ancestors’ cultural arts and skills and ways of traditional life.
–The Sheldon Jackson Museum holds a world-class collection that is studied and shared with institutions throughout Alaska and the world.
–It is a source of revenue for the state and pays for its upkeep through admission fees. It is NOT an “unused property.”
The Friends of Sheldon Jackson Museum is anxious to connect with anyone interested in assisting us with this task of saving the museum. Call us at 747-6233, or email at friendsofsjm@gmail.com
Friends of
Sheldon Jackson Museum Board
Lisa Bykonen, Rosemary Carlton,
Jennifer Carter, Fred Olsen,
Elisabeth Schafer and
Blossom Twitchell
Ferry Testimony
Dear Editor: Governor Dunleavy has proposed a 75 percent cut to ferry funding in his new budget. If you rely on the ferry to visit family in other parts of Southeast, to transport your children to sports or music events, or if you believe that ferries provide a vital connection to other communities in our region, the time to voice your concerns is now.
On Tuesday, March 12, the House Transportation Committee will take live testimony on ferry service in Alaska. There will be two periods of testimony – 1:30 to 3 p.m. and 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. There will be no email testimony taken. This will be the only House hearing dedicated specifically to our ferries.
How do you testify? You can either go to the Legislative Information Office in Totem Square at the above-mentioned times or, if you’re unable to get to the office, call (844)586-9085.
For more information, contact Ken at the Sitka LIO at 747-6276. LIOs are a powerful resource for connecting with the lawmakers who will decide Alaska’s future. We urge you to become familiar with this resource and use it often in the weeks to come as the final state budget takes shape. The input you provide can make a difference.
Remember, ferries are the highways of Southeast Alaska. Our families, schools, and economies depend on them. Please testify before the House Transportation Committee on Tuesday, March 12, and share this information with friends and family in nearby communities.
Families for Schools
