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Alaska Native Brotherhood Hall
Alaska Native Brotherhood Hall, Sitka Camp No. 1, Katlian Street, Sitka, (Sitka Borough, Alaska).jpg
Native Brotherhood Hall, Sitka Camp No. 1
Alaska Native Brotherhood Hall is located in Downtown Sitka
Alaska Native Brotherhood Hall
Location in Downtown Sitka
Alaska Native Brotherhood Hall is located in Alaska
Alaska Native Brotherhood Hall
Location in Alaska
Location 235 Katlian Street, Sitka, Alaska
Area 0.25 acres (0.10 ha)
Built 1914
Built by Alaska Native Brotherhood
NRHP reference No. 72000192
Quick facts for kids
Significant dates
Added to NRHP February 23, 1972
Designated NHL June 2, 1987

The Alaska Native Brotherhood Hall, also known as Sitka Camp No. 1, is a very important building in Sitka, Alaska. It was the first meeting place for the Alaska Native Brotherhood, a group that helps Native people across Alaska. You can find this historic hall right on the waterfront along Katlian Street.

What is the Alaska Native Brotherhood Hall?

The Alaska Native Brotherhood Hall is a special building. It was built in 1914 and is made of wood. It stands two stories tall. The building is about 40 feet (12 meters) wide and 60 feet (18 meters) long. A big part of it actually sits over the water, held up by strong poles called pilings.

Building Features

The roof of the hall has simple decorative boards at the front and back. These boards have seven triangle-shaped supports. It looks like the building has been changed and made bigger over time. For example, the front part of the building was likely added later. Also, the roof was probably raised to make it a full two-story building.

Inside the Hall

Inside, the main part of the building is a large, two-story room called an auditorium. This is where big meetings and events happen. The stage is at the back of the auditorium, right over the water. There's also a narrow balcony, called a gallery, that goes around the back and sides of the room. You can get to it by stairs.

At the front of the building, on the first floor, there's a lobby where people can gather. On the second floor, there are offices for the Alaska Native Brotherhood.

The Alaska Native Brotherhood

The Alaska Native Brotherhood was started in Sitka in 1912. It was founded by Tlingit Native people. Their main goal was to fight against unfair treatment. At that time, Native people often faced discrimination in places like restaurants and movie theaters.

Making a Difference

Over the years, the Alaska Native Brotherhood has grown a lot. Now, it includes many different Native groups from all over Alaska. This organization has achieved many important things for its members. For example, they helped Native people in Alaska get United States citizenship. They also played a big part in passing the Alaska Historic Preservation Act, which helps protect important historical sites.

A National Treasure

Because of its importance, the Alaska Native Brotherhood Hall has been recognized as a historic place.

  • In 1972, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places. This list includes buildings and sites that are important to the history of the United States.
  • In 1987, it was named a National Historic Landmark. This is an even higher honor, given to places that have outstanding national historical significance.
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