Facelift for Alaska’s Oldest Building

Jay Barrett/KMXT

Kodiak’s Baranov Museum, in the Erskine House, the oldest building in Alaska, held its grand re-opening on Friday. It had been closed for extensive upgrades to several systems. Though the period-correct lighting was noticeable, not all of the upgrades were readily visible to the scores of people who came to the reception after work on Friday. Fore example, the only evidence of the new intelligent fire suppression system were small brass discs on the ceiling.

Kodiak Historical Society President Pat Holmes described the extent of the renovations:

— (Baranov 1 54 sec "When they took the floor up … this phase of our restoration.")

Councilman Gabriel Saravia said the city of Kodiak’s investment in the building was money well spent:

— (Baranov 2 21 sec "I think it’s worth it … and that’s good to preserve.")

Former Historical Society executive director Marion Johnson said she was impressed with the work that’s been done in upgrading the fire suppression system:

— (Baranov 3 45 sec "I started work here … making things better.")

Current executive director Katie Oliver said the work on replacing the windows with historically accurate – but more efficient – models is continuing, and already paying dividends. Holmes said there are other projects in the near future, as well.

— (Baranov 4 26 sec "Katie’s working now … when you bump it.")

Tune in tomorrow, when we bring you the story of the Erskine House Ghost, which construction workers failed to find during the renovation.

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