Permanent Exhibits

Native Cultures

As far as we know, the area around Valdez was never permanently inhabited before the founding of the town by white settlers, although Natives did use the land for hunting and fishing. However, the area of Valdez’s broader “neighborhood” — Prince William Sound and the Copper River Basin — has been occupied by several different…

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…

Firefighting History

A visit to the Remembering Old Valdez Exhibit wouldn’t be complete without viewing the museum’s display of firefighting equipment and vehicles. Like most other communities in the United States, Valdez has had an intense history of disastrous events that have altered its physical appearance. Yet, Valdez can be commended for historically being proactive in the…