Tour the Russian Bishop's House
Sitka National Historical Park
The Russian Bishop's House is one of only four surviving examples of Russian colonial architecture in North America. Built in 1843, it served as the residence of Orthodox bishops and clergy for over 120 years. Today, it houses a museum on Russian-American history, and the restored residence of the first bishop to live in the house, Bishop Innocent.
The Russian Bishop's House was a center of missionary efforts and a place of learning, development, and exchange between Russian, Tlingit, and other Alaska Natives. It was also home to Ivan Veniaminov, Saint Innocent, who helped soothe tense relationships between Russian fur traders and Kiks.ádi people decades after the Battle of 1804. One of the few remaining buildings from the Russian period in North America, it holds a first floor museum with exhibits on the Russian exploration and settlement. The second floor of the house is furnished with historic, period, and reproduction pieces to portray 19th century Orthodox life. The Chapel of the Annunciation on the second floor is still used for worship services today.
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20-60 Minutes
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Spring, Summer, Fall
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The first floor of the house is wheelchair accessible. Floors are uneven in this historic building and lighting is dim to preserve historic objects. A staircase leads to the second floor. Tablets with a virtual tour are available at the front desk.
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Russian Bishop's House