What are the opening hours?

Monday 8am - 5pm Tuesday 8am - 5pm Wednesday 8am - 5pm Thursday 8am - 5pm Friday 8am - 5pm Saturday 8am - 5pm Sunday 8am - 5pm

Morris Thompson Cultural and Visitors Center

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Fairbanks, AK
Morris Thompson Cultural and Visitors Center

A place for gathering, discovery, education, and celebration - and your first stop in Fairbanks!
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We offer a ton of fun and useful services and activities:
- Friendly, knowledgeable visitor service experts to help plan your trup
- Exhibits celebrating the peoples, lands, and cultures of Interior Alaska
- Alaska Native cultural programs
- Shopping for souvenirs, books, and authentic Alaska Native handcrafts
- Park rangers available to help plan your adventures
- Beautiful grounds with outdoors

art, the Antler Arch, trails on the river, and Fairbanks' oldest structure on its original location, the Gould Cabin. To be notified about all the exciting events happening at the Morris Thompson Center, follow this link www.morristhompsoncenter.org/mailing-list-signup/

09/11/2024

Come and visit on Friday the 13th! Make your own luck by shopping local and supporting local artists and artisans here at MTCVC from 10-4 at Denakkanaaga.

Start that holiday shopping now!

08/09/2024

Friday the 9th! Come and visit and get some of the best artwork and crafts in the Interior at the Denakkanaaga August Pop-Up sale! 10-4.

08/09/2024

Today! Get out of the rain and get a pop of color into your day at the pop up sale! Come and visit us here at MTCVC, downtown at 101 Dunkel Street.

07/31/2024

It's World Ranger Day!

At Morris Thompson Cultural and Visitors Center one of our partners is the Alaska Public Lands Information Center, staffed by National Park Service Park Rangers. If you need someone who will help you take a walk or a hike or stroll on the wild side, these caretakers of our public lands have got your back. Their mission? Oh, just a little thing called protecting and sharing the incredible beauty of all of Alaska's public lands. Whether you're an outdoor newbie, seasoned trekker, or an armchair traveler, the rangers at Alaska Centers - Fairbanks have the insider tips and the passion to fuel your next adventure. So put on your hiking boots, grab your rain gear, unleash your sense of wonder, and get out there and get wild!

07/24/2024

Stop in tomorrow. It’s hot outside, but we have AC!

Is Fairbanks' weather a mystery to you? Have you enjoyed the summer thus far? The National Weather Service will be at the Morris Thompson Cultural and Visitors Center to talk about their operation, where Fairbanks gets its weather patterns and answer any weather related questions you may have.

Join us for a free presentation on Wednesday July 24th at 11:30 a.m.

07/11/2024

We're on Day 2 of WEIO - you can watch the stream online or if you're in Fairbanks, get on over to the Big Dipper! Games, the craft show, and so much more.

07/11/2024

The World Eskimo-Indian Olympics started earlier today, the opening ceremonies are tonight at 6pm. If you're in Fairbanks, get on over to the Big Dipper Arena for a great event. The games run through the rest of the week, and you can watch them online!

06/14/2024

TODAY (Friday, June 14th) from 10am - 4pm. Come see the incredible creations available in the Denakkanaaga suite here at MTCVC!

Happening this Friday! Just in time for Father's Day. Stop by and see the amazing artwork from renowned Native artists. 10 am to 4 pm, June 14th at Denakkanaaga in the Morris Thompson Center, 101 Dunkel Street, Fairbanks.

05/31/2024

You've got two weeks to make that list of things you'd like to get - stop on by the Denakkanaaga Native Arts & Crafts sale on Friday June 14th. Beautiful crafting and gorgeous work.

June Denakkanaaga Native Arts & Crafts Pop-Up Sale
Friday, June 14, 2024
10 am to 4 pm
Denakkanaaga in the Morris Thompson Cultural and Visitors Center
101 Dunkel Street, Ste. 135
Fairbanks

05/27/2024

Memorial Day is a time to honor those who served and did not return.

A group who only relatively recently were recognized is the Alaska Territorial Guard (ATG), whose mission was to protect Alaska’s coastline and the Lend-Lease air route during WWII.

The Alaska Native Veterans Association’s Alaska Territorial Guard Statue Project placed 11 bronze statues across 11 communities — Anchorage, Fairbanks, Galena, Dillingham, Bethel, Nome, Kotzebue, Barrow, Fort Yukon, Tok, and Attu Island— to pay tribute to the veterans who defended the Territory of Alaska. The statues were crafted by Alaska Native artist James Grant. The one in Fairbanks, shown here, is located at Veteran’s Memorial Park, a few blocks up Cushman Street from Morris Thompson Cultural and Visitors Center.

The ATG was officially recognized by the U.S. Congress in 2003. Their legacy and commitment to service should be recognized by us all through the years.

05/24/2024

The Morris Thompson Cultural and Visitors Center would not exist if not for the role of tourism and travel in our community.

Visitors who want to experience all that Interior Alaska has to share, our gorgeous lands, our friendly people, our fascinating and diverse history of the modern era and that reaching back for tens of thousands of years, as well as how we live today, we offer that here at MTCVC.

It's National Travel and Tourism Week and we know that travel and tourism are more than just fun getaways and breathtaking sights. They are vital to the growth and prosperity of our region, and one of the best ways we can teach about the cultural richness of Interior Alaska.

Every visitor helps sustain our exhibits, programs, and community initiatives. Thank you for coming to visit, and we hope to see you again!

05/17/2024

It’s National Bike to Work Day!

Locals and visitors bike in every season here in the Interior, from traditional road and trail bikes to fat bikes for use on snowy trails, to motorbikes if you want to keep some of your fat around until winter. We celebrate the diversity of bikes here at Morris Thompson Cultural and Visitors Center!

Our partners Explore Fairbanks Alaska have a great page for those who want to use human powered transportation year-round, it can be found at https://www.explorefairbanks.com/explore-the-area/sports-and-outdoor-recreation/hiking-biking-and-running/

Fairbanks North Star Borough Parks & Rec has bike commuters on staff and they maintain systems of multii-use trails throughout our area. Friendly people who know how to ride and where to ride.

Fairbanks Area Surface Transportation Planning maintains a Bike Friendly Fairbanks map, we have copies here at MTCVC! It’s got great info on bike friendly spots around the area, including where you can check out a bike repair kit for those times you need to make a quick fix so you can keep on pedaling.

Fairbanks Cycle Club is a great community of biking enthusiasts who have regular rides, host educational clinics, and know all about riding year-round here in the Interior.

However it works for you, get on the bike of your choice, enjoy the wind in your face, and live free and ride.

05/16/2024

Come see this TONIGHT here at Morris Thompson Cultural and Visitors Center! It's a huge privilege to be able to host this show and we're excited about the production.

Tonight is the night!
Denakkanaaga and Tanana Chiefs Conference are pleased to present this special event at 7 pm tonight in the Morris Thompson Cultural and Visitors Center theater, 101 Dunkel Street, Fairbanks.
Free admission.
Please join us.

05/10/2024

The modern history of the Interior is intrinsically tied to mining - gold mining throughout the Yukon watershed, of which the Chena and Tanana rivers are a part. As a support to the war effort in the 1940s the Usibelli family started supplying coal to Ladd Field in Fairbanks, and they’ve been at it ever since.

Today is Alaska Mining Day, and we were lucky to be able to take part in a tour of Usibelli Coal Mine down in Healy.

Usibelli was a significant partner in the creation of Morris Thompson Cultural and Visitors Center and we appreciate their ongoing commitment to our community, region and state. Happy Alaska Mining Day!

Photo: Coal seams in an outcrop in Healy, Alaska

05/07/2024

It's Second Friday and time for the Denakkanaaga Pop Up!

Just in time for Mother's Day, come by from 10am - 4pm to the Alaska Native Gift Shop in the Denakkanaaga suite here at Morris Thompson Cultural and Visitors Center. Come on over, pick up a gorgeous piece of art, handmade by local crafters and artisans.

04/29/2024

April 29th is George Attla Day!

Today, we honor the legacy of George Attla, "the Huslia Hustler," an iconic dog musher who could claim Fairbanks as his home.

A true legend of the sport of dog mushing, and a hero in his hometown of Huslia, George's unparalleled skill and determination brought him fame, but his true passion was nurturing future generations, committed to passing along his experiences to coach new generations.

Celebrate his inspiring journey and legacy, a story that continues to influence and elevate the world of sled dog racing even to this day.

Share your memories and celebrate the spirit of a true champion!

Don't have memories of George, but are interested in his story? With our partners at Tanana Chiefs Conference we are showing the ATTLA documentary film today at 12:30pm and the classic biopic about George Attla "Spirit of the Wind" at 2:00pm here at Morris Thompson Cultural and Visitors Center in the theatre.

🐾🛷🎉

Photo Credit: Maxine Vehlow, 1974

04/23/2024

Do you know someone looking to get skills and job exposure? Maybe you know someone who has retired and is looking for something to keep busy? MAYBE YOU ARE THAT SOMEONE? If so, apply to be a volunteer with our colleagues at Alaska Centers - Fairbanks and get to learn and experience and contribute to some of the greatest things around - our National Park System!

"And I knew exactly what to do. But in a much more real sense, I had no idea what to do".
-Michael Scott

Do you know what you're doing this summer? Volunteer!

Volunteers at our parks play a vital role in many aspects of park operations. They bring wonderful enthusiasm, energy, knowledge, and a diverse perspective to everything. Working alongside park employees, volunteers manage campgrounds, conduct scientific research, provide educational programs, pick up garbage, assist in medical emergencies, and much more.

Below are the current volunteer openings as listed on Volunteer.gov. Please check back as volunteer opportunities come up throughout the year.
https://www.volunteer.gov/s/volopprecord?listing=a093d0000015uPMAAY

04/22/2024

🌍 Happy Earth Day from the Morris Thompson Cultural and Visitors Center! 🌍

Today, as we celebrate the planet that is our home, we also should pause and consider the significant relationship of the people of Alaska with the place we call home. Whether we live by the sea, on a river, in the mountains or far inland here in the Tanana Valley, the way Alaskans live is shaped in an integral way by the landscapes and ecosystems around us. Here at MTCVC we honor these ways of life through our exhibits and programs.

04/12/2024

Stop by Morris Thompson Cultural and Visitors Center TODAY (Friday, April 12th) to enjoy the monthly Native Arts and Crafts Pop-Up at Denakkanaaga!

Over 15 artists and artisans with beautiful items you could buy as a gift and then end up keeping as a gift for yourself.

Here until 4pm, but come as soon as you can to get the best selection!

03/26/2024

Morris Thompson Cultural and Visitors Center (MTCVC) is excited to announce that we are developing a plan to update our exhibits.

And we’d like your input!

MTCVC wants to tell the stories of our Interior community, which means we need to know what stories our community wants. We invite you to participate in our brief survey, and we look forward to reading your responses.

https://bit.ly/mtcvc_survey

A big thank you to Museums Alaska's Collections Management Fund for the grant that makes this project possible.

03/15/2024

It’s been a beautiful day in Griffin Park, where WEIO is holding the snow snake competition as part of the Dena Games.

Tomorrow we’ll have inside games through the afternoon, and you might be able to get some snow snake action if there’s a chance!

03/08/2024

🌿 It's Waste Reduction Week In Fairbanks! 🌿

At the Morris Thompson Cultural and Visitors Center, we don't just celebrate this week; we live it all year round! Our commitment to the environment shines through our ongoing recycling efforts and various waste-reducing activities. Join us in making every day a step towards a cleaner, greener future! ♻️🌍

(not pictured - various boxes with papers to be taken to the paper recycling bins and empty plastic coffee cans that are being recycled as storage for batteries to be taken to electronics recycling)

Address

101 Dunkel Street
Fairbanks, AK
99701

Opening Hours

Monday	8am - 5pm
Tuesday	8am - 5pm
Wednesday	8am - 5pm
Thursday	8am - 5pm
Friday	8am - 5pm
Saturday	8am - 5pm
Sunday	8am - 5pm

Telephone

(907) 459-3700

Website

http://www.morristhompsoncenter.org/

Alerts

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Videos

We’ve got the a pop up sale happening now at Denakkanaaga! Stop by and get something beautiful!

Selling until 4pm - there’s time left to get in on the pop up sale here at Denakkanaaga located here at Morris Thompson Cultural and Visitors Center. See you soon!

Native Elders Share Stories of Christmas

Tune in to hear Elders reminisce about celebrating Christmas when they were young. Featuring: Miranda Wright (Nulato), Marie Yaska (Huslia), Sam Demientieff (Holy Cross), Rev. Dr. Anna Frank (Minto).

15 minutes until voting ends for the tree walk. The carolers have joined us inside, warming their toes and our hearts.

We’re going strong until 6pm today. For the next hour or so we have a brass group playing traditional holiday music. Come on down to the bazaar, enjoy the tree walk and vote for your favorite tree, hang around for pictures with reindeer in Golden Heart Plaza, and fireworks at 8 PM!

It’s on! We’re here with our holiday bazaar, it’s Winter Solstice Festival time and the trees on the tree walk are ready. The weather has warmed up for the perfect temps. Come hear the North Star Strings until 1 today. We have a brass quartet later this afternoon and carolers later in the day. #ShopLocal and get out enjoy a beautiful day in Downtown Fairbanks!

MorrIs Thompson Cultural and Visitors Center Holiday Bazaar is underway! We have video with bonus occasional guest appearances by the videographer’s finger!

Traditional Native Protocols: Carrying on the Native Way of Life

For many generations Athabascan people of Interior Alaska have relied on their traditional values and protocols to carry out their Native way of life. In this program we talk with Native leaders, Chief Andy Jimmie and MIranda Wright, to discuss Native protocals and how they are being used in this day and age.

Preparing for Winter with Traditional Knowledge

At this time of the year individuals throughout Alaska are busy preparing for the upcoming winter months. On the October edition of Our People Speak, Native elder Rev. Dr. Anna Frank, originally of Minto and college student Taniesha Moses of Northway, discuss traditional and modern ways that are used to prepare. Our People Speak is made possible by the generous support of Doyon, Limited, and is a collaboration by Denakkanaaga, TCC and MTCVC.

Native Storytelling: Ways to Carry on Native Values

Native storyteller Frank Yaska joins us as we discuss storytelling and its role in Interior Alaska’s Native cultures and values. Our People Speak is a collaboration between Denakkanaaga, TCC and Morris Thompson Cultural and Visitors Center. It is made possible through the generous support of Doyon, Limited

Respecting the Fall Harvest: Field Dressing Skills

Fall hunting season is coming up! Do you know how to process your harvest? Earl Mahler explains how to use field dressing skills to respectfully harvest game this season. He delves into preparations needed for field dressing and utilizing the different parts of the harvest. Earl also highlights the connection between these skills and respectful harvest to Alaska Native culture.

THE BOUNTY OF SUMMER: MAKING ALASKA NATIVE FISH AND BERRY ICE CREAM

Summer’s bounty is here! Fishing, berry picking, and hunting are in full swing. Kathleen Hildebrand joins the series to talk about how to use this bounty to make Alaska Native fish and berry ice cream. She will discuss harvesting the ingredients, along with sharing memories of this tradition and how it promotes Alaska Native culture.

Fish Wheels: A Traditional Way to Catch Fish

Summer has begun! June represents a time for Alaska Native people to prepare for the salmon run. Traditionally, one of those tasks would be creating and setting up a fish wheel. Special guests join the series to speak about how to make and use a fish wheel, as well as their cultural importance.

Voyage Across the World: Migratory Birds in Alaska's Spring

A key sign of spring is migratory birds returning to Alaska. Darrell Hildebrand and Debra Lynne join the series to speak about which birds to look out for in spring and their importance in Alaska Native ways of life.

Shortcuts

Our Story

This is A Place for Gathering, Discovery, Education, and Celebration!

Since 1998 three separate organizations in Interior Alaska dreamed of a beautiful space in which they could easily meet the needs of those they served. Explore Fairbanks and the Alaska Public Lands Information Center (APLIC) talked of sharing a new facility that would inspire residents and visitors to get out and explore Interior and Arctic Alaska. At the same time, Tanana Chiefs Conference (TCC)dreamed of having a cultural center to preserve Athabascan languages, carry-on traditional knowledge through Elder teachings, and instill confidence and pride in Alaska Native youth. It was Alaska’s Congressional delegation, led by Senator Ted Stevens, who suggested these three entities work together to plan and build a joint facility.

To some, it was an unlikely partnership. But leaders from each partner agency rolled up their sleeves and immersed themselves in the business of building, planning and raising funds for construction. Now that we’ve opened, facility operation and maintenance costs are shared. The vision of working together remains strong.

The sum of this partnership is truly greater than its individual parts. The synergy of working together has created a world class visitor center at a price none could afford on their own. Partner activities and programs complement each other in a way that allows each distinct organization to better fulfill its individual mission.