Personal objects from the period, icons and a large samovar are also included in this portion of the exhibit. The transfer of Alaska from Russia to the U.S., detail of a painting after Emmanuel Leutze. This period in the state's history is reflected by a variety of exhibits. One whole room is dedicated to mining, and is constructed to resemble a rugged assay office from early days. The room includes a display of minerals found in Alaska, as well as mining equipment used in Alaska mines.
Nautical history is represented by a massive lens used in a lighthouse, and ship models.
A beautiful display case from a long-closed Juneau store holds smaller pieces, including tourist curios. The centerpiece of the children's room is a one-third scale model of the stern of the ship Discovery, used by Capt. George Vancouver during his famous explorations of Alaska. There are also dress-up clothes for the children, as well as natural history exhibits. Temporary Exhibitions at the Alaska State Museum Return to top of this page.