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Totems & History

Tongass Historical Museum

The city museum on Ketchikan's story, from Tlingit fish camp to cannery town, steps from Creek Street.

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By Greg Peters, editor · Updated October 2026

Illustrative photo
Where629 Dock Street
SeasonYear-round; summer hours ran to the end of September 2026 (KRBD)
HoursSummer (May-September): daily 8 am-5 pm. Winter listings vary (Ketchikan Area Arts and Humanities Council: Tue-Fri 1-5 pm, Sat 10 am-4 pm). The 2026 schedule was not published on a page that could be read
AccessDowntown on Dock Street, about 370 ft west of Creek Street (OSM). A short walk from the downtown berths, and on the free downtown shuttle route (alaska.org).
From the docksAbout 5 min walk · Directions · 3D walking map

The city museum on Ketchikan's story, from Tlingit fish camp to cannery town, steps from Creek Street.

Read more about its history

Highlights

  • Run by the City of Ketchikan Museum Department with the Totem Heritage Center
  • Rotating exhibits on art, history and Alaska Native culture
  • Housed in the Centennial Building, which it shared with the library until the library moved in 2012 (Frommers)
  • Historical archive and photo collection, open to researchers by appointment

Facts checked October 18, 2026 with ketchikan.gov, ketchikanmuseums.org, ketchikanarts.org. Hours and prices change, so confirm before you go.

Hours and admission →

Map: Tongass Historical Museum

The 3D map shows the walk here from Berth 2. Expand it to pick your dock and explore.

3D walking map with times →

Map: USGS elevation; streets and buildings © OpenStreetMap contributors.

More in Totems & History

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Round out your day

Scanlon Gallery
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Scanlon Gallery

Long-running Mission Street gallery for Alaska art prints, originals, pottery and glass, with framing upstairs.

Alaska Eagle Arts
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Alaska Eagle Arts

Creek Street gallery built around the Northwest Coast prints and sculpture of the late artist Marvin Oliver.

Southeast Alaska Discovery Center
Forest Service center

Southeast Alaska Discovery Center

A Forest Service center on the Tongass rainforest, Native cultures and local industries, a block from the docks.

4 min walk from the docks