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Housing and Pipeline Construction

In the spring of 1968, the first major oil discovery was made in Prudhoe Bay. A year later, announcements were made that an 800-mile pipeline would be built to Valdez. Over the next four years, permits were issued, legal and environmental issues worked out, and land claims settled. Work began on building the pipeline in…

Work Force

The bronze statue that stands inside the gate to the Alyeska Pipeline Terminal shows five people who represent the workforce that built the Trans-Alaska Pipeline. In October of 1975, construction activity on the pipeline peaked. During that month just over 28,000 people were employed on the project. They worked as laborers, engineers, administrators, office workers,…

Old Town Model

The centerpiece of the Remembering Old Valdez Exhibit is the museum’s Historic Old Town Valdez model, a 1:20 scale replica of Old Town Valdez as it appeared just prior to the 1964 Earthquake. The model includes over 400 buildings and 60 city blocks. Details include window boxes, period automobiles, pets, and signs. It is divided…

Between the Glacier and the Sea

This award-winning documentary, produced by the Valdez Museum in 2008, tells the story of the Good Friday Earthquake’s impact upon Valdez and the unique circumstances that led to the town’s founding and eventual demise. Starting with the Gold Rush of 1898, viewers will learn why Old Valdez was founded on the glacial moraine that liquefied…

Held House

Also featured at ROVE is the Held House, the top portion of an original house from Old Valdez, featuring artifacts and furnishings from Old Town. At the time of the Good Friday Earthquake, this structure was owned by Theodore M. Held and Darlene Held. The “Hip Roof” design ensured that snow would slide off during…