Awards and Recognition
We love celebrating our amazing colleagues and museum supporters.
Every year, at our Annual Meeting, we announce awardees in our field — all of whom have been nominated by colleagues and museum staff.
Nominations open every August before our Annual Meeting. Save the date and remember to recognize the colleagues, museums, volunteers, and donors that go above and beyond for your museum and our field.
Excellence in the Field
Organizations or Individuals
Nominations may be made for exceptional exhibits, collections care, planning, marketing, publications, significant improvements to physical plant, conservation, etc.
Award: Museums receive a plaque. Individuals receive an award created by an Alaskan artist.
Outstanding Volunteer Award
Individuals
Nominations acknowledge the crucial roles volunteers perform in our museum and cultural center communities. Help us celebrate their importance to our success by nominating any volunteer, whether docent, a community supporter, or a member of your Board of Directors.
Award: An award created by an Alaskan artist.
Museum Champion
Organizations or Individuals
Nominations recognize any donor, advocator, or contributor for outstanding support of museums and cultural centers in Alaska, in funding, advocacy, or other “above and beyond” support for a museum, cultural center, or the field. Nominations may be for individuals, foundations, corporations, cities, or other supporting entities.
Award: An award created by an Alaskan artist.
Award in Honor of Lifetime Achievement
Individuals
Nominations recognize the contributions of an individual over a career. Help us celebrate their contributions by nominating an individual who is departing the field, from all sectors of the field.
Award: Varies.
Midnight Sun Award
Organizations or Individuals
The Midnight Sun Award is an optional award that may be awarded for extraordinary achievements. It will be awarded the discretion of the awards committee based on the nominations of the above awards. If the committee feels that multiple nominees are deserving of one of the above awards, they may choose to award a Midnight Sun award to one of the year’s nominees.
Award: An award created by an Alaskan artist.
2022 – Michael Marks – Volunteer of the Year
This award went to a very familiar face in Haines—Michael Marks. According to every cultural center in Haines, Michael Marks is one of their best volunteers. Michael gained his appreciation for arts and cultural organizations growing up in New York City. Later in life, he continued his love and support for the arts as the […]
2022 – Kodiak History Museum – Award for Excellence in the Field
Over the past few years, the Kodiak History Museum has been undergoing major changes and improvements—from their renovation and name change several years ago to beginning the process to digitize their entire collection. They have also created a social justice exhibition model to develop more community-driven exhibitions, managed a major asphalt art project for the […]
2021 – Dawn Biddison – Award for Excellence in the Field
Dawn Biddison is a Museum Specialist at the Smithsonian Arctic Studies Center based at the Anchorage Museum. Dawn Biddison has been instrumental in the Material Traditions programs continuing success. She works extensively with the artists and community to organize, conduct and video-document the material gathering and processing events.
2021 – Elaine Kingeekuk – President’s Award in Honor of Lifetime Achievement
Elaine Kingeekuk has been sharing her knowledge about skin sewing with students, artists, and museums for over 30 years. Ms. Kingeekuk was born and raised in Savoonga and comes from a long line of St. Lawrence Island Yupik artists. Through her commitment to passing on St. Lawrence Island Yupik culture and heritage, Elaine Kingeekuk has […]
2021 – Paul Gill – Volunteer of the Year Award
It is rare to find someone who understands the importance of the daily maintenance associated with caring for a National Historic Landmark. From putting up storm windows to moving furniture and taking out recycling, Paul has contributed over 40 hours of volunteering with the Kodiak History Museum in 2021 and even advocates for the museum […]
2021 – Dr. Donald W. Clark – Museum Champion
Raised in Kodiak, Clark was a leader in studying the archipelago’s history. He was locally known as the “father of Kodiak archaeology”. In a final act of generosity, Clark left a total of $2.45 million dollars to the Kodiak History Museum and the Alutiiq Museum in his estate. The funds represent a substantial portion of […]
