Inupiat Heritage Center National Affiliated Area -- Experience Your America

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The Inupiat Heritage Center in Barrow, Alaska was designated an affiliated area of New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park in New Bedford, Massachusetts to ensure that the contributions of Alaska Natives to the history of whaling is recognized. More than 2000 whaling voyages from New Bedford sailed into arctic waters during the late nineteenth and early twentieth century. Many Alaska Natives, particularly Inupiat Eskimo people, participated in commercial whaling. In addition to crewing on the ships they hunted for food for the whalers, provided warm fur clothing, and sheltered many crews that were shipwrecked on the Alaska coast.

The Inupiat Heritage Center was dedicated in February 1999 and houses exhibits, artifact collections, library, gift shop, and a traditional room where people can demonstrate and teach traditional crafts in Elders-in-Residence and Artists-in-Residence programs. The Federal Government does not own or manage the Center. Rather, the North Slope Borough owns it and manages it through Ilisagvik College, also based in Barrow. The Heritage Center is one of several partners, associated through New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park legislation, who participate in telling the story of commercial whaling in the United States. Park partners operate independently but collaborate in a variety of educational and interpretive programs.

ACREAGE:
Approximately 1 acre, all non federal

LOCATION:
The Inupiat Heritage Center is located in Barrow, Alaska. Barrow, a community of approximately 4000, is located on the shore of the Arctic Ocean in northern Alaska.

ADDRESS:
Inupiat Heritage Center
P 0. Box 749
Barrow, Alaska 99723

TELEPHONE:
907-852-5494

FACILITIES AND OPERATING HOURS:
The Inupiat Heritage Center is open year around.
Hours: 8:30 AM to 5:00PM Monday through Friday

Cultural Programs and Craft Sales from May 15 through September 15, 2000 on Saturday from noon - 1:30 PM. Free

The third Wednesday of each month they host science and cultural meetings from 6 - 9 PM. Topics include arctic science, Inuit issues, whaling and other arctic related topics. Free

On the weekends of February and March the IHC hosts whaling crew preparations such as skin sewing.

CLIMATE, RECOMMENDED CLOTHING:
Located on the Arctic Ocean, Barrow is cool to cold all year. Summer can bring fog, wind and rain and temperatures range from highs around 70 to lows into the 30s. Winter temperatures are normally below zero, often dropping to minus 30 and lower. Wind often exacerbates the cold temperatures. Visitors should bring raincoats and sweaters or light jackets in the summer and warm boots, mitts, and heavy parkas with hoods in the winter.

DIRECTIONS:
Barrow is reached by air from Anchorage and Fairbanks; a major airline schedules several daily flights.

TRANSPORTATION:
Barrow is reached by jet from Anchorage and Fairbanks. Airlines schedules several daily flights. Rental vehicles are sometimes available in Barrow; inquire at hotels. Taxis are a common mode of transportation in town. Tours are available through Tundra Tours.

FEES, COSTS, RATES:
Entrance fee for the Heritage Center is:

Age 18 - 55: $5
15- 17: $2
7-14: $1
0-6 and Senior Citizens: free
College Students: $2

Hotel rooms average around $110 per night. Several restaurants offer meals and there is a large grocery store in town.

Other national park areas in Alaska include:

For detailed information on the Inupiat Heritage Center National Affiliated Area visit

For general information about Barrow, accommodations, transportation, activities and visit Link Up Alaska Barrow

For park information not found on this website send email to Inupiat Heritage Center National Affiliated Area Interpretation.