Photograph Donation Documenting the Wrangell Tlingit

On April 4, 2008 SCRC received a great donation of historical photographs documenting the Wrangell Tlingit from Juneau resident John DelGado. DelGado is both a collector of Alaskana and operator of the downtown art and antique store The Urban Eskimo. SCRC had previously purchased some photographs from DelGado, but DelGado recently donated an additional ten photographs to SCRC.

Most of the donated images concern the dedication of the Chief Shakes Community House which occurred in July 1940. The remaining photos capture views of Wrangell totems circa 1940 and one image shows an interior view of the Chief Shakes House circa 1900.

All the photographs obtained by DelGado have been organized and arranged as photograph collection 26, officially titled PO026: The John DelGado Photograph Collection. Items 1-8 of this collection consist of those previously obtained from DelGado, and the remaining items (9-18) consist of the donated photos. Scans of all these photos can be viewed here.

SCRC is truly grateful to John DelGado for his generosity. These photographs are available to be viewed at SCRC anytime during regular operational hours, 8 to 4:30. SCRC seeks to collect materials that document the Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian people. If you would like to donate any historical photographs or other items to SCRC please contact SHI’s archivist.