Enjoyed a visit to the Anchorage Museum today. Great space and especially enjoyed exhibits showcasing Russian/Alaskan links and history and also the Native Peoples exhibition, excellent. There are 20 different languages and many are still actively spoken today. The displays of the various peoples focussed around Living from the Sea, Land and Rivers; Ceremony and Celebrations and Community and Family. Clothing, accessories, instruments, art, culture and rituals gave great insight into their lives and experiences then and now. Interesting parallels to NZ with retaining language and culture. I was especially taken with the rainwear exhibit made of gut and of course the furskin parkas.
The museum also has an amazing Discovery Area for kids, very hands on and a large range of activities supported by Smithsonian Institute. I think the grandkids would love it.
The flowers and gardens in Alaska are very impressive particularly the begonias. Known as teh City of Lights and Flowers – they go all out in summer because not much will be seen in winter. Moose wander freely in teh city but we did not see any!
Russia “settled” Alaska in 1784, wanting to access lucrative furs and sold to America in 1867…600,000 sq miles approx for 7.2 million (about 4c/acre). At that point the gold and oil resources in Alaska were largely undiscovered! There is still a strong connection between the native peoples of Alaska and Russia. While only 2.4 miles separates the 2 countries at the narrowest point in the Bering Strait and family ties are strong, it is difficult for people to pass freely between countries. Some things remain strong though like the love of vodka and caviar.
