#United States #Heritage Center #Nome #Bering Land Bridge #Inupiaq Culture

Bering Land Bridge National Preserve: A New Era of Heritage and Culture

On September 5, 2025, the Bering Land Bridge National Preserve marked a significant milestone with the grand opening of the Bering Land Bridge Heritage Center. Located in Nome, Alaska, this new heritage center aims to celebrate the area's rich cultural heritage and educate visitors about the traditions of the Inupiat people.

Recognizing the importance of community involvement, the new center is the result of a collaboration with a dedicated Tribal Workgroup, including tribal members from Shishmaref, Wales, and Deering. This innovative space hosts a variety of engaging exhibits designed to promote an understanding of Inupiaq culture and history.

Immersive Exhibits Await Visitors

Starting Saturday, September 6, the Heritage Center will welcome visitors with an array of exciting features:

• - Inupiaq Language Learning Opportunities: Interactive displays provide an immersive experience, inviting guests to read, listen to, and learn the Inupiaq language. This showcase aims to preserve a language considered endangered, reinforcing its cultural significance.
• - Authentic Fish Rack: Constructed by local builder Jared Miller, in partnership with Kawerak, this remarkable piece built from driftwood symbolizes both traditional and contemporary subsistence practices.
• - Niġipiaq Table: A visual feast that exhibits replica foods, reflecting the culinary traditions unique to the region.
• - Regional Artwork: Curated with the support of the Sitnasuak Native Corporation Elders Committee, the Heritage Center displays outstanding artwork that embodies the local culture and history.
• - Animated Display: A captivating animation illustrates landscape transformations within Beringia throughout history, providing valuable context for visitors.
• - Cultural Videos: Featuring inspiring films that explore the area’s significance, these videos aim to deepen the understanding of Inupiaq culture and its subsistence activities across the seasons.
• - Animal Silhouettes: Life-sized silhouettes of animals—decorated by youth artists from Shishmaref, Wales, Deering, and Nome—greet guests as they enter, showcasing vibrant local artistry.

A Testament to Collaboration and Heritage

Jeanette Koelsch, Superintendent of Bering Land Bridge National Preserve, emphasized the heritage center's role in honoring the stories and knowledge of local communities. “The new heritage center at Bering Land Bridge National Preserve is a mammoth step in honoring the stories, traditions, and knowledge of our local communities,” she stated.

This project stands as a testament to collaboration, reflecting the ongoing partnership with Sitnasuak Native Corporation, and it has been made possible through the generous support of the National Park Foundation and The Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust. Jeff Reinbold, president and CEO of the National Park Foundation, expressed pride in supporting the Heritage Center, stating that it acts as a gathering place for connection and understanding of the rich stories that encapsulate America's remote landscapes.

Visitor Information

The Bering Land Bridge National Preserve signifies a unique slice of history, protecting a remnant of the land bridge that united Asia and North America over 10,000 years ago, during the last Ice Age. This incredible preserve provides unmatched opportunities for experiencing vast arctic and coastal ecosystems that are home to the Inupiat people.

Visitors can find the Bering Land Bridge Heritage Center in the Sitnasuak Building at 214 Front Street in Nome, AK. For more information about the center and its timings, you can contact Katie Cullen by emailing [email protected] or by calling 907-759-8020. For further details, visiting the official website at www.nps.gov/bela is also recommended.

The Bering Land Bridge Heritage Center not only enriches the visitor experience but also plays a pivotal role in the ongoing celebration of a culture that has thrived for millennia. As more visitors step through its doors, they are invited to embark on a journey of discovery and connection with the vibrant history of the Inupiat people and their enduring relationship with the land.