Preserving the Machines, Stories, and Spirit That Built Alaska

About the Museum of Alaska

Since 1967, the Museum of Alaska—formerly known as the Museum of Alaska Transportation and Industry (MATI)—has been dedicated to collecting, conserving, and celebrating the artifacts and ingenuity that shaped the Last Frontier. Located on 20 historic acres in Wasilla, we are Alaska’s largest museum devoted to All things ALASKAN. Through dynamic exhibits, hands-on learning, and community outreach, we honor the past while inspiring future generations.

We’re giving a future to Alaska’s past—one story, one artifact, and one generation at a time.

Black and white illustration of a tree trunk with roots and leaves.

More than a museum—an evolving, grassroots legacy.

Alaska’s history is a story of bold innovation and rugged resilience. Its development has always hinged on a simple truth: no resource, no community, and no frontier could be reached without transportation. As new industries rose and fell—gold mining, oil, railroads, logging, aviation—the tools of those eras were often left behind. Our museum was created to preserve that history and the people who made it possible. From charred railcars to vintage aircraft, our collection is a living tribute to Alaska’s industrial evolution.

Built by volunteers. Sustained by community. Open to all.

Milestones in Our Journey

1967 

The Centennial Spark

Founded as the Air Progress Museum, our first exhibit launched during Alaska’s centennial celebration, showcasing artifacts that captured the state’s early aviation and transportation spirit.

1973
The Centennial Train & A Sudden Setback

Our traveling rail museum, The Centennial Train, brought Alaska’s story to communities statewide. After a devastating fire, operations ceased—but not the dream.

1976
A New Home in Palmer

With passion and perseverance, Valley residents salvaged what remained and moved the museum to a new home on the Alaska State Fairgrounds. We became the Transportation Museum of Alaska.

1980s
Growth Fueled by Oil-Era Support

Renamed The Alaska Historical and Transportation Museum, we expanded rapidly thanks to state funding and growing community interest in Alaska’s heritage.

1992
A Permanent Home in Wasilla

We relocated to our current site at 3800 W Museum Drive, a 20-acre property with indoor galleries, a train yard, and acres of open-air exhibits. Here, we became the Museum of Alaska Transportation and Industry.

2020s
A New Vision as the Museum of Alaska


Today, we are rebranding simply as the Museum of Alaska to reflect our expanded focus—honoring not just machines and movement, but people, culture, and conservation. With projects like the Beluga Whale Skeleton Exhibit, educational outreach, and new volunteer-led initiatives, our mission is more vital than ever.

We’ve survived fires, funding cuts, and Alaska’s toughest winters—because the stories we tell deserve to live on.

Leadership & Community

Meet the dedicated team behind the museum—from board members and staff to generous partners and volunteers.

  • Our Staff

    James Grogan

    CEO


    Sarah Lee

    Accessions & front desk


    James Blowe

    Dir. of Operations/HWW/Volunteer


    Kate Kirkpatrick

    Events Coordinator


    Cindy Gann

    Front Desk/GIft shop


  • Board of Trustees

    Cheryl Grogan, President/Chair

    Lisa McConarty,  Secretary

    Scott Andrews, Director

    Ginger Bear, Director


  • Partners

    Partners

    USAF Museum

    USA Museum

    Natural Museum of History, NY

    Smithsonian

    Museum of Palmer

    Museum of the North

    Anchorage Museum



  • Funders

    Mat Su Health Foundation

    MTA Foundation

    Rotary Club

    Alaska Toy Rental

    Vulcan Towing

    Craig Taylor Equipement

    Yellow Wolf Services