Several now famous people made their way through Wrangell in the past, including Wyatt Earp who served as a temporary marshall for 10 days while he and his wife, Josie, were on their way to the Klondike. John Muir wrote of his adventures in Wrangell. Soapy Smith, famed outlaw, used to hide out in Wrangell when things were too hot for him in Skagway. Trapping, Fishing and Forest industries, all major players in the development of Southeast Alaska, are represented in the collection, as is the community's character and charm with memorabilia from local business, families and individuals throughout this small, local museum. Topical research on a limited basis is available.
Fees are available on request.
The Wrangell Photo archives contain over 3,000 prints, negatives and slides of Wrangell. The earliest photos available are of Wrangell during the gold rush period - in the late 1800's. Themes include early gold-rush era, Native Alaskans, Front Street, Boats, Schools, and general. Prints of photos can be purchased through the Museum Gift Shop. One-time use permission is available to scholars and other researchers who wish to publish photos.