Collections
Special Collections
With half of the ARLIS collections consisting of archival materials, the vast majority of which has never been seen by the public, there is a hidden archive within ARLIS that reflects the rich history of Alaska’s natural and cultural resources. The Archive contains original and rare materials pertaining to the natural and cultural heritage of Alaska and spans more than a century. It includes a variety of material types and formats: photograph negatives, prints, slides, 8mm and 16mm films, field notebooks, reports, folios, scrapbooks, manuscripts, hand annotated maps, overlays, and transparencies. Taken together, the Archive includes hundreds of collections from federal and state agencies, which represents the vast and variegated history of Alaska’s land, people, and resources.
Future Exhibitions
Carefully curated exhibitions will highlight materials from the Archive and Special Collections. Displaying rare and original items alongside recent research findings, the exhibitions will focus on efforts to document and conserve Alaska’s natural resources past, present, and future, which will facilitate public engagement and understanding of the value of the historically diverse collections across ARLIS.
Collection Materials Viewing Room
Visiting researchers will be provided a room for viewing archival, rare, and Special Collections materials with staff oversight.
Browse Collection GuidesSpecial Collections Areas
Archives & Rare Books
Nearly half of the ARLIS collection is comprised of archival records, including administrative documents, aerial photographs, field notes, multimedia material, and more. Finding aids for archival materials are in development. To access material in the Archive, please contact reference@arlis.org.
Contact ARLISRare Books
ARLIS holds a small collection of rare books dating from the late 19th to the 21st century. A full catalog and access policies for rare books is in development. To access material in the Rare Book Room, please contact reference@arlis.org.
Contact ARLISMaps and Atlases
ARLIS holds an extensive collection of maps and atlases, many of which are unique and unavailable elsewhere in the world. Items in the map atrium are available to users during open hours.
Search Maps & Atlases