Exhibits in our central permanent gallery highlight the region’s rich biological and cultural heritage.
Developed with support from the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), Kachemak Bay: An Exploration of People and Place relies on science, art, and culture to explore the story of who we are, how we are informed by our place, and how we shape our place.
We honor regional Indigenous cultures, showcasing local history, tradition, and living culture through materials and oral histories. The influence of Russian exploration and settlement is also highlighted in this gallery, noting early traders and the establishment of Orthodox churches, which brought new technologies and social changes. The homesteading spirit of early settlers is depicted through personal artifacts that illustrate their challenges, adaptations, and complex legacy. Lastly, the growth of the Homer community is chronicled, including the fishing industry, the 1964 Good Friday Earthquake, and the development of local arts.