Last updated: March 24, 2022
Place
Russian Bishop's House National Historic Landmark
NPS Photo 2009
Quick Facts
Location:
Sitka, Alaska
Significance:
The Russian Bishop's House was a cultural and educational center in Alaska from the 1840s to the mid-twentieth century.
Designation:
National Historic Landmark designated on June 13, 1962
Amenities
9 listed
Braille, Captioned Media, Cellular Signal, First Aid Kit Available, Historical/Interpretive Information/Exhibits, Information, Information - Ranger/Staff Member Present, Trash/Litter Receptacles, Wheelchair Accessible
Seat of the Russian Orthodox Church in Alaska
The Russian Bishop’s House was a cultural and educational center in Alaska from the 1840s to the mid-twentieth century. It was the residence of Ivan Veniaminov, a beloved Russian Orthodox leader and the first Bishop of Alaska. It served as the administrative headquarters for Russian Orthodox missionary efforts in Alaska.
The religious and moral influence of the missionary in Sitka is alive in the large numbers of Russian Orthodox communicants living in the Aleutian and Pribilof Islands, and other Alaska coastal communities. The Russian Bishop's House National Historic Landmark is architecturally significant due to the high quality and unique construction characteristics of Russian vernacular design, such as the intricate joinery methods.
Russian Alaska
The Russian period in America extending from 1732 to 1867, while primarily economically motivated, resulted in numerous cultural transitions in Alaska. In the late 18th century, the abundance of sea otters in Alaska prompted settlement by Russian fur traders. In 1799 the Russian American Company (RAC) received a charter granting it exclusive fur trading rights in the Russian territories of the Pacific Rim. From then on it served as a quasi-governmental body within the territory. New Archangel (Sitka) served as the capital of the Russian American colony from 1808 until 1867. The RAC charter compelled it to support the Russian Orthodox Church in Alaska and fund construction of church buildings. The Russian Bishop’s House was one of several buildings constructed in Sitka for the Russian Orthodox Church by the RAC.
Current Condition
The Russian Bishop's House served as the house for Russian Orthodox Bishops in North America from 1843 until 1969. In 1973, the National Park Service purchased the House and began a 15 year restoration. At the time the Russian Bishop's House was in very poor condition. Weathering, foundation problems, and leakage had taken their toll. Interior finishes were falling away while exterior siding rotted and buckled. The House was restored to the 1853 time period to serve as a museum. As part of its restoration a ventilation system was installed to control humidity inside the building. It has been very well maintained and is in
excellent condition.
Accesibility
The first floor of the Russian Bishop's House is accesible by wheel chair, and while the second floor is unaccesible, there is a video provided on the first floor that details the second floor's historical artifacts and layout.
Service animals are allowed.