Visiting the Talkeetna Historical Society Museum
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When we visit a new location, I love to learn a bit more about its history. This includes things like how the town was founded, what life was like at the time, and how the community has evolved. We had just that opportunity when we visited the Talkeetna Historical Society Museum.
This is a multi-building facility which utilizes historic structures from the community. Visitors enter through the main building and pay their entrance fee ($3 per person over the age of 7) to gain access. All of the buildings are connected via walkways which provide a lovely flow to the exhibits.
The first building we entered is the old schoolhouse which has exhibits showing how people lived in the early days of the community including many items you would have found in their homes and the local trading post.
As we continued walking through the building, there is an area which contains old newspapers that you can read through at your leisure. My son D was quite enthralled with this and hated having to leave that space as his brothers were ready to move on to the next place.
Walking around the back of the main building, you come to a smaller one that used to be the train depot for Talkeetna. Beyond the paraphernalia you would have found in the depot office, they had other items collected from past residents. It was interesting seeing some of the original vacuum cleaners. I bet those were a hit with their owners so that a regular chore could be made easier.
The final building you can enter is dedicated to information about Denali (known to many in the US as Mount McKinley.) This monster of a mountain has called many a climber to tackle its treacherous ascent. During the summer, there is a daily mountaineering presentation by a Park Ranger at 1 p.m. The ranger shares more about the mountain and surrounding parks as well as the challenge of reaching the summit along with time to answer questions. There was one there when we were visiting, but the boys were not keen on standing around to hear his spiel.
Outside has several plaques which tell you about the structures now housing the museum. With overly anxious children raring to get going, I usually have to snap photos of the plaques to read later.
I really think my husband would find this an interesting place to spend a while and hope to take him there sometime soon.
When you travel to a new location, do you take time to learn a bit about its history?
Do you enjoy visiting museums that give you a glimpse into times gone by?
Did you catch the earlier posts on our visit to Talkeetna? If not, hop on over and check them out!
A Walk Around Talkeetna Alaska
Enjoying Lunch at the Talkeetna Roadhouse
Taking in Gorgeous Views of Denali / Mt. McKinley from Talkeetna
It’s great to visit historical museums and learn about the how things were “back” when. Talkeetna has lots of interesting history.
Looks like a great place to visit. So much history!
I love learning more about history. Looks like a wonderful museum.
That looks like an amazing museum! I love history and could easily spend the entire day there.
I can’t remember what movie referenced or was there…was it Snow Dogs? Anyway, cool post – thank you for sharing!
Yes…Snow Dogs mentions Talkeetna. And, some think it’s a bit like the small town in Northern Exposure. Although, I think Talkeetna is more ‘artsy’ then that one was.
That looks so cool! I love it.
This looks like a very interesting place. I love seeing historical museums and learning more about history. We are going to be taking the kids to one of the historical museums in Baileys Harbor really soon.
This is so cool! I love this small historical museums! They’re always filled with such interesting facts that you’d never know unless you visit one of these places.