Explore the Collections

At Lake Clark, the NPS preserves objects that tell the story of our history in the museum collections, everything from historic photos to crayon drawings to birch bark baskets. The long-term preservation of objects for posterity depends on material types -- what the objects are made of. Different materials like distinct storage conditions and curatorial staff ensures the museum objects are stored according to NPS standards and are kept safe for current and future generations.

The Lake Clark National Park and Preserve museum collections consists of more than 200,000 objects-from an impressive herbarium collection to the many journals, letters, and objects of Richard Proenneke.

Collections staff also care for archeological artifacts from extensive surveys, over 2,000 historic photographs, a rich collection of oral history interviews, fossils, archives, preserved small mammals, and other items reflecting the cultural and natural history of this unique place.

 

Stories From the Past

 
A blue and white piece of broken dinnerware

By the Numbers

  • 34,363 archeological artifacts
  • 16 ethnographic items
  • 4,663 historical photos, artifacts, and documents
  • 202,397 documents in the park archives
  • 6,838 biological specimens
  • 47 paleontological specimens
  • 69 geological samples
  • 9 objects of art

Total: 248,402

Many of these items are fragile and require special conservation. The museum specialists at Lake Clark National Park and Preserve ensure that these irreplaceable pieces of the past will be available to future generations.

Contact us if you are interested in doing research or for a tour of the collections.

 
a room of large white cabinets
Lake Clark's Museum Collections

Peruse the park's entire online museum collections which includes items ranging from ancient fossils to modern-era camera equipment.

a wooden plaque with "Twin Lakes Champion, Sourdough Biscuits and Beans" with a wooden spoon
Proenneke Collection

Explore a few of Richard Proenneke's belongings now in the park's museum collections.

Last updated: May 7, 2020

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Contact Info

Mailing Address:

240 West 5th Avenue
Suite 236

Anchorage, AK 99501

Phone:

907 644-3626

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