We’re Museums Alaska

A guiding force in Alaska’s cultural landscape — strengthening museums and cultural centers as they preserve and celebrate our state’s rich heritage.

Our ValUES

Our guiding values

Resourcefulness

We tackle challenges with innovation and determination.

Sharing

We believe in the power of transparency, community networks, and collaboration to create stronger, more connected museums and cultural centers.

Innovation

We strive to continually evolve and improve our services to the field.

Inclusivity

To us, success is only found when we welcome all voices, perspectives, and backgrounds.

Community

We’re here to unite professionals, enthusiasts, and institutions to create a robust cultural network.

Our Mission

Our mission is to strengthen museums and cultural centers across Alaska while enhancing public understanding of their value.

Our History

Museums Alaska's journey began in the late 1970s as a committee of the Alaska Historical Society. We officially became a non-profit organization in 1983. 

For over four decades, our commitment to strengthening museums and cultural centers in Alaska has grown, propelling us into a new era of growth and impact.

Our Staff

Meet the powerhouse behind Museums Alaska.

Our dedicated staff bring unique skills and commitment to every aspect of our organization, ensuring Museums Alaska remains a beacon of cultural preservation.

Dixie Clough

Director
Museums Alaska

Our Board

Meet the guardians of Alaska's cultural legacy!

Our board members are elected by the statewide membership and are passionate guardians of Alaska’s cultural legacy. Serving three-year terms, they contribute diverse expertise to guide the vision and policies of Museums Alaska. 

Bethany Buckingham Follett

President
Curator
Wasilla Museum & Visitor Center

Sarah Owens

Vice President
Conservator
Inerwoven Fibers LLC

Ashley Bivin

Secretary
Museum Director
Cordova Historical Museum

Patricia Relay

Treasurer
Executive Director
Pratt Museum

Christine Carpenter

Director
Designer and Program Manager
ExhibitAK

Cindi Lagoudakis

Director
Former Executive Director
Clausen Memorial Museum

Nadia Jackinsky-Sethi, PhD

Director
Independent Curator and Author

Heather Pennington

Director
Refinery Accounting Manager
Marathon Petroleum Corporation

Betany Porter

Director
Contractor
Alaska Botanical Gardens

Join Our Board

Our all-volunteer Board of Directors guides the organization. Joining the Board offers a unique opportunity to partner with colleagues, develop leadership skills, and make a meaningful impact.

Interested in Board service? Museums Alaska is always seeking fresh perspectives to diversify board voices and drive positive change. If you’re passionate about Alaska's cultural heritage, consider joining us!