Tour the Russian Bishop's House

The Russian Bishop's House was completed in 1842.

NPS Photo

The Russian Bishop's House was a center of missionary efforts and a place of learning, development, and exchange between Russian, Tlingit, and other Alaska Natives. It was also home to Ivan Veniaminov, Saint Innocent, who helped soothe tense relationships between Russian fur traders and Kiks.ádi people decades after the Battle of 1804.

One of the few remaining buildings from the Russian period in North America, it holds a first floor museum with exhibits on the Russian exploration and settlement. The second floor of the house is furnished with historic, period, and reproduction pieces to portray 19th century Orthodox life. The Chapel of the Annunciation on the second floor is still used for worship services today.

Details

Duration

20-60 Minutes

Activity

Museum Exhibits

Learn about Russian America through exhibits in the first floor museum and take a ranger-led tour of the furnished second floor.

Pets Allowed

No

Activity Fee

No

Entrance fees may apply, see Fees & Passes information.

Location

Russian Bishop's House

The Russian Bishop's House is located at 501 Lincoln Street in downtown Sitka. It is a 5 to 15 minute walk from all major hotels in Sitka, as well as from the main docks where cruise ship passengers disembark.

Reservations

No

Season

Spring, Summer, Fall

Time of Day

Day

Find operating hours and seasons on the park website.

Accessibility Information

The first floor of the house is wheelchair accessible. Floors are uneven in this historic building and lighting is dim to preserve historic objects. A staircase leads to the second floor. Tablets with a virtual tour are available at the front desk.