APK Juneau: Experience the Best of Alaska's Libraries, Archives, and Museum

APK Juneau: A Cultural Hub in Alaska's Capital

If you are looking for a place to learn, discover, and enjoy Alaska's rich heritage, look no further than APK Juneau. APK Juneau is the acronym for the Father Andrew P. Kashevaroff Building, which houses the State Libraries, Archives, and Museum (LAM), a division of the Alaska Department of Education and Early Development. Located in downtown Juneau, APK Juneau is a modern and spacious facility that offers a variety of attractions and services for visitors of all ages and interests. In this article, we will explore what APK Juneau is, what you can do there, how you can rent space there, how you can get there, and how you can stay updated on its events and programs.

What is APK Juneau?

APK Juneau is named after Father Andrew P. Kashevaroff, a Russian Orthodox priest who was also a historian, librarian, and ethnographer. He was instrumental in collecting and preserving many documents and artifacts related to Alaska's history and culture. He served as the first curator of the Alaska Historical Library and Museum from 1920 until his death in 1940.

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The building that bears his name was opened in 2016 as a result of a collaborative effort between the National Endowment for the Humanities, the Rasmuson Foundation, and the State of Alaska. The building was designed to integrate the functions and collections of the State Libraries, Archives, and Museum, which were previously housed in separate locations. The building also features a state-of-the-art climate control system, a seismic isolation system, and a green roof that reduces stormwater runoff.

The mission of APK Juneau is to "collect, preserve, interpret, and make accessible materials that document Alaskas past, present, and future". The building serves as a cultural hub for Alaskans and visitors alike, offering opportunities to explore, learn, and connect with Alaska's diverse heritage.

What can you do at APK Juneau?

Explore the galleries of the Alaska State Museum

The first floor of APK Juneau features the galleries of the Alaska State Museum, which display more than 32,000 artifacts and artworks that represent Alaska's history, culture, and art. The museum has four main sections: The Land, The People, The Russian-American Era, and The American Era. Each section showcases different aspects of Alaska's natural environment, indigenous cultures, colonial history, and contemporary society.

Some of the highlights of the museum include:

• A full-size eagle tree with more than 100 bald eagles mounted on its branches

• A 47-foot-long model of a traditional Tlingit clan house

• A collection of Russian Orthodox icons and liturgical objects

• A replica of an 1898 gold rush-era steamship cabin

• A display of contemporary Alaska Native art, including masks, baskets, and sculptures

The museum also has a special exhibition gallery that features rotating exhibits on various topics related to Alaska. The current exhibit, which runs until September 2023, is called "Alaska Positive", and showcases the works of Alaska photographers who participated in a biennial juried competition.

Visit the Research Center and the State Libraries

The second floor of APK Juneau houses the Research Center and the State Libraries, which provide access to a wealth of information and resources for researchers, students, and the general public. The Research Center consists of the Alaska State Archives and the Historical Collections of the Alaska State Library. The State Libraries consist of the Talking Book Center, the Library Development Section, and the Information Services Section.

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Some of the services and resources available at the Research Center and the State Libraries include:

• Access to more than 2 million documents, photographs, maps, films, and recordings that document Alaska's history and government

• Access to more than 800,000 books, periodicals, newspapers, microforms, and electronic resources that cover a wide range of subjects related to Alaska and beyond

• Access to online databases, catalogs, indexes, and guides that facilitate research and discovery

• Access to free audio books and magazines for Alaskans who are blind, visually impaired, or have a physical disability that prevents them from reading standard print

• Access to professional assistance and guidance from librarians, archivists, and staff who are experts in their fields

• Access to computers, scanners, printers, copiers, and Wi-Fi for public use

Attend events and programs at the lecture hall and the classroom

The third floor of APK Juneau features a lecture hall and a classroom that host various events and programs throughout the year. These events and programs are designed to educate and entertain audiences of all ages and interests. They include lectures, workshops, film screenings, book signings, performances, demonstrations, and more.

Some of the upcoming events and programs at APK Juneau are:

DateTimeEvent/ProgramDescription

June 23, 202312:00 pm - 1:00 pmLunchtime Lecture: The History of Alaska's FlagA presentation by John H. Jones, a historian and author of "The Story of Alaska's Flag", on how Alaska's flag was designed by a 13-year-old boy in 1927

June 24, 20236:00 pm - 8:00 pmFilm Screening: "The Great Alone"A documentary by Greg Kohs that follows the life and career of Lance Mackey, a four-time winner of the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race

June 25, 202310:00 am - 12:00 pmWorkshop: Introduction to GenealogyA hands-on workshop by Kathy Hertel-Baker, a genealogist and librarian, on how to use online tools and resources to trace your family history

June 26, 20232:00 pm - 4:00 pmPerformance: Tlingit Dance GroupA performance by Woosh.ji.een (We Are Working Together), a Tlingit dance group that showcases traditional songs, dances, stories, and regalia

June 27, 20234:00 pm - 6:00 pmBook Signing: "Alaska's Wild Plants"A book signing by Janice Schofield Eaton, a naturalist and author of "Alaska's Wild Plants: A Guide to Alaska's Edible Harvest", on how to identify and use Alaska's native plants for food and medicine

Enjoy coffee and food at Raven Cafe

If you need a break from exploring APK Juneau, you can stop by Raven Cafe on the first floor of the building. Raven Cafe is a cozy and inviting spot that serves coffee, tea, pastries, sandwiches, salads, and soups. You can enjoy your food and drink while admiring the views of the Gastineau Channel and the mountains. You can also browse the selection of books, magazines, and souvenirs that are available for purchase. Raven Cafe is open from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm, Tuesday to Saturday. How can you rent space at APK Juneau?

If you are looking for a venue to host a meeting, a conference, a reception, or a special event, you can rent space at APK Juneau. The building offers several spaces that can accommodate different needs and preferences. These spaces include:

• The Lecture Hall: A 120-seat auditorium with a stage, a podium, a projector, a screen, and a sound system

• The Classroom: A 40-seat room with tables, chairs, a whiteboard, and a projector

• The Atrium: A large open space with a glass ceiling and a grand staircase that can fit up to 300 people

• The Gallery: A 10,000-square-foot space with high ceilings and movable walls that can display up to 150 artworks

To rent space at APK Juneau, you need to fill out an online application form and submit it at least