A small gathering in the Kenai Chamber of Commerce and Visitor Center marked an exciting new chapter for local history on Wednesday. With the ceremonial cutting of a ribbon, attendees celebrated the grand reopening of the museum, which had been closed since fall for a major renovation of its historic displays. Previously unchanged since its inception in 1991, the museum aimed to refresh its offerings.
According to Samantha Springer, Executive Director of the Kenai Chamber of Commerce, the lack of visitor engagement with outdated exhibits had become evident. “I don’t think that we were necessarily getting field trips anymore… if you have the same exhibit for 30 years, then you’re not going to see the same amount of people coming through,” she notes, explaining that visitors often returned only to find the same displays.
Leading the museum’s transformation, cultural center coordinator Danielle Lopez-Stamm, an anthropology graduate with expertise in Alaska Native artifacts, expressed her eagerness to unveil previously hidden treasures. With around 4,000 artifacts at their disposal, over 100 pieces in the current exhibit had never been displayed, igniting excitement about local heritage. “We want to get the area involved and excited about what we have here,” she shared.
The revitalized museum will feature rotating monthly exhibits, starting with Kenai’s history dating back to 8,000 B.C., with next month focusing on Alaska’s Russian roots. Complementing the exhibits, a new lecture series titled The Kenai Chronicles will provide educational opportunities, along with engaging activities for children to inspire a love for history and culture.
Samantha Springer envisions an increase in visitor turnout due to the revitalization. “Not only is this something really important for the locals here in Kenai, but this is actual history… I’d want to visit if I were going somewhere else,” she exclaimed, reflecting on the museum’s significance. Open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., the museum invites everyone to explore its rich offerings free of charge.
The inaugural presentation of the Kenai Chronicles lecture series is slated for January 29, promising to weave a deeper understanding of the area’s historical narrative for locals and visitors alike.
The Kenai Chamber of Commerce’s cultural museum reopened after a comprehensive renovation that modernized its exhibits, enhancing visitor engagement. The museum now features rotating displays of artifacts, each month focusing on different aspects of local history, and includes a new lecture series to educate the community. Open weekdays, the museum aims to attract a larger audience and foster an appreciation for Kenai’s rich heritage.
The revitalization of the Kenai Chamber’s cultural museum marks a pivotal moment for local history. With newly displayed artifacts and a focus on educational outreach, the museum aims to engage both locals and tourists, inviting them to explore the significance of Kenai’s past. The future looks bright as the museum opens its doors to a world of history previously unseen by many.
The Kenai Chamber of Commerce and Visitor Center recently undertook a significant renovation of its cultural museum, the first major update since it opened in 1991. This effort aims to revitalize the museum’s appeal, attract more visitors, and celebrate the rich history of Kenai, catering to both locals and tourists. The updates include new exhibits, educational activities, and a lecture series to enhance community engagement with local heritage.
Original Source: www.kbbi.org
