History & Culture

Story of a House and Witness

"Sometimes a person needs a story more than food to stay alive." - Barry Lopez


People have been living in Katmai for over 9,000 years. Cultural resources professionals help share their stories. These stories provide a direct link to the past that cannot be replaced by any object. We can hear, see, touch, and connect with them in such a way that we can know these things actually happened. Each generation can learn from the remnants of the past. These stories are the landmarks that link us over time and space, and give meaning and orientation to our lives.

What was it like to experience the the largest volcanic eruption of the 20th century? Read about the fear and awe local residents felt as the skies darkened and ash rained from the sky in Witness, first hand accounts of the eruption.

People used the rich resources available in the Brooks River area for nearly 5,000 years. In Story of a House, archaeologist Don Dumond illustrates this rich history by recounting the discovery, excavation, and reconstruction of a prehistoric home site along Brooks River.

Find more stories here.

 
Historic family of four stands in front of a salmon drying rack.
People

Learn more about the people and cultures tied to the history of the lands within Katmai's boundaries.

A historic photo of three men standing by a steam vent, with mountains in the background.
Places

Learn more about historic places within Katmai National Park.

A woven bowl next to a ruler
Collections

The Katmai National Park and Preserve museum collection consists of more than 400,000 objects.

Last updated: December 1, 2023

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Contact Info

Mailing Address:

PO Box 7
1000 Silver Street, Building 603

King Salmon, AK 99613

Phone:

907 246-3305

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