January marks the start of a year of celebration at Sitka National Historic Park as employees, partners, and volunteers ready for the centennial anniversary of the parks founding.
Designated Sitka National Monument on March 23, 1910, Sitka is the oldest park in Alaska, and among the oldest in the United States.
The park was established to honor the 1804 Battle of Sitka, the last major armed battle between Europeans and Alaska Natives. The park is home to the Tlingit Fort and battlefield, Russian Bishops House, as well as world-famous totem poles and a temperate rainforest.
The park will mark the 100th year anniversary with the carving of a new totem pole beginning in January.
A traditional raising of the Centennial Totem Pole will take place on Saturday, July 24th. The location and time have not yet been announced.
The anniversary celebration commences the weekend of March 20-23rd and kicks-off with the dedication of a specially commissioned Centennial Robe by nationally-renowned Tligit artist Teri Rofkar.
Other events that weekend include a community carnival, horse-and-buggy rides, and performances by Native Alaskan dancers.
Events will be held throughout August. A full schedule of events is available on the park's website.