SITKA NATIONAL HISTORICAL PARK - In addition to regularly scheduled ranger-led programs, the park will be hosting a special evening program this week:
Sitka’s Totem Pole Scanners: A Look at Digital Preservation Technology
Wednesday, July 31, 7 p.m. at Sitka NHP Visitor Center
Sitka NHP Ranger Michael Hess offers a look at how two specially trained architects used photo imaging, computer modeling, and a 3D laser scanner to document and preserve the park’s totem poles digitally for the next 500 years on Wednesday, July 31 at 7 p.m. at the Sitka NHP visitor center.
This is the second in a multi-part series of programs about preserving cultural resources at Sitka NHP.
Regularly scheduled ranger-led programs
Sitka National Historical Park offers daily guided programs teaching visitors about the park’s natural and cultural resources.
The Battle Walk returns to the battleground and former fort site of the Tlingit-Russian Battle of 1804, which was pivotal in determining the history of the Alaska region. Offered daily, this guided walk is approximately three-quarters of a mile, and lasts about 45 minutes to one hour.
The Carved History Walk tells the stories and legends of the totem poles on the Totem Loop Trail, focusing on the common totem figures, the origins of the 1903 John Brady collection, carving methods, and the native culture of Southeast Alaska. Offered daily, this guided walk is approximately one mile, and lasts about one hour.
The Discovery Walk features topics ranging from local flora to banana slugs to cultural history. Offered daily, the guided walk duration varies with the program.
Ranger-guided schedules this week are:
Monday, July 29
9 a.m. - Totem Walk
10 a.m. - Battle Walk
2:15 p.m. - Discovery Walk
Tuesday, July 30
9 a.m. - Totem Walk
10 a.m. - Battle Walk
2:15 p.m. - Discovery Walk
Wednesday, July 31
9 a.m. - Battle Walk
10 a.m. - Totem Walk
1:15 p.m. - Totem Walk
7 p.m. - Evening Program: Sitka’s Totem Pole Scanners
Sitka NHP Ranger Michael Hess offers a look at how two specially trained architects used photo imaging, computer modeling, and a 3D laser scanner to document and preserve the park’s totem poles digitally for the next 500 years.
Thursday, August 1
9 a.m. - Totem Walk
10 a.m. - Battle Walk
1:15 p.m. - Totem Walk
2:15 p.m. - Discovery Walk
Friday, August 2
9 a.m. - Battle Walk
10 a.m. - Totem Walk
2:15 p.m. - Discovery Walk
Saturday, August 3
9 a.m. - Totem Walk
10 a.m. - Battle Walk
2:15 p.m. - Discovery Walk
All ranger-led tours meet at the Sitka NHP visitor center on Lincoln Street.
For more information about the ranger-guided tours at Sitka NHP, call the visitor center at (907) 747-0110.
Source: U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service
