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 The Baranov Museum building in the 1940s
The Baranov Museum is operated in partnership between the Kodiak Historical Society, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, and the City of Kodiak.
Mission:
The purpose of the Kodiak Historical Society is to collect, preserve, research, and exhibit historically significant artifacts, documents, photographs, and other data relative to the Kodiak and Aleutian Islands area; to evaluate and interpret materials in the collection for educational and research purposes and presentation to the public through the operation of the Baranov Museum.
History:
 Kodiak's first Museum, 1957
The 1964 earthquake and tsunami was a pivotal event in the development of the Historical Society. Many families lost their homes and businesses. Entire villages were relocated. In the wake of this devastating natural disaster, the value of preserving community history was most evident. In ever increasing numbers, the people of Kodiak brought significant antiques, artwork and culturally meaningful artifacts to the Society, to be held in public trust.
Centennial funds from the State of Alaska in 1967 enabled the Kodiak Historical Society to renovate the old log building in downtown Kodiak. Support walls were removed and modern wall coverings were stripped away to reveal the original log structure and moss chinking. After much renovation and stabilization work, the collections of the Kodiak Historical Society were moved to their new home, and one of Alaska’s most unique Museums opened its doors to the public.
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