Summer Visitors, Construction Coexist at UA Museum

Submitted by Kerynn Fisher
Phone: (907) 474-6941
06/13/03

Two months into construction on the Museum’s new wing and one month into the summer visitor season, the verdict is in: visitors and construction can coexist.

"We were worried that all the construction on campus might deter some visitors," says Museum Director Aldona Jonaitis, "So far, things are running smoothly, and the visitors have had a good sense of humor about navigating through the construction. They seem to recognize it as a temporary inconvenience that will ultimately benefit both the museum and the university as a whole."

Work on the new Thompson Drive entrance to campus and the West Ridge utilidor has created some confusion in getting to the Museum, which has designated summer visitor parking across the street from the Museum. Once inside, however, there is little to suggest the construction outside except for the occasional sounds of drilling.

The one major change in the Museum’s summer programming is a new partnership with Holland America Tours. Since the Museum no longer has a venue on-site for its popular summer programs, Northern Inua and Dynamic Aurora, the shows have moved to the Westmark Fairbanks Hotel downtown for the summer. When the Museum’s new wing is completed, both programs will return to the Museum.

"It’s a win-win," says Jonaitis. "Visitors can enjoy these wonderful shows in the evening when the Museum isn’t open, and we keep the energy of the shows going through construction on our new wing."

Northern Inua showcases Alaska Native dances and traditional games of skill and endurance such as the ear pull, wrist carry and one- and two-foot high kicks. The show is performed by local athletes, including Elizabeth Rexford, a five-time gold medallist at the 2002 World Eskimo Indian Olympics, and Morgan Simpson, who won the gold medal in the one-foot high kick and a silver medal in the wrist carry at the 2003 Native Youth Olympics. Northern Inua is offered daily at 7 p.m. through August 30 in partnership with the World Eskimo Indian Olympics.

Developed with help from the UAF Geophysical Institute, Dynamic Aurora explains the northern lights in easily understood terms from both historical and scientific perspectives. Dynamic Aurora is a multimedia presentation and is offered at 8 p.m. daily through Sept. 15.

Located on the West Ridge of the University of Alaska Fairbanks campus, the University of Alaska Museum is open from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily in summer (through September 15). Winter hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays and noon to 5 p.m. on weekends (September 16 through May 14). Admission is charged. Visitor information is available online at www.uaf.edu/museum or by calling 474-7505.

Visit the construction zone via the web at http://137.229.42.101:8080/view/view.shtml

Contact: Kerynn Fisher, UA Museum Communications Coordinator, at 474-6941.