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Alaska Film Archives

About the Collection

Over the past half century, the University of Alaska Fairbanks has built the largest collection of archival films in and about Alaska. The collection combines hundreds of donations of film and videos to UAF by individuals, organizations and institutions. Materials range from professional productions to amateur home-movies, made in and about Alaska from the earliest days of filmmaking through today. Since 1993 these materials have been held by the Alaska Film Archives, a unit of Alaska and Polar Regions Collections & Archives in the Elmer E. Rasmuson Library. Films and videos selected for this portal project are a sampling of the thousands available for checkout on DVD through the Rasmuson Library. Unless otherwise noted, items are presented here in their entirety, unedited and uncut. Short, popular clips from the collection can be viewed on our YouTube channel. Read more about the Alaska Film Archives.

1 to 30 of 516 Objects
[Adolph Murie collection - select films]
[Adolph Murie collection - select films]
These are films made by naturalist, author, and wildlife biologist Adolph Murie at Alaska's Mount McKinley (Denali) National Park. The scenes include Adolph's wife Louise, his son Jan, and his daughter Gail. They also include wildlife including bears, wolves, fox, dall sheep, caribou, and a variety of birds and waterfowl. According to notes accompanying the films, one scene shows a grizzly bear near a cabin in Toklat within the park. The following details are transcribed from original labels on film containers or from associated handwritten notes; items in brackets are the processor's notes. Weezer and Weazy are nicknames for Louise. Film 1368-106: “[On can]: 160; [On reel]: 1941 begin Gail and Wags at hdqts. McKinley Park; [On white card in can]: Gail and Wags at Igloo in winter, Weezer with Wags winter, playing with stick, Gail at Rising[?], glacier at Igloo in spring, Wags alone at Igloo, Fox pups (and black one) male female good, wolves wild fair, old squaw, wheatear, horned grebe, (film intact) 1940-41; [On pink note in can]: this reel has some wolf shots, mostly fox, sheep, caribou, cut pieces; [On yellow note in can]: Film 9 wolf, birds, fox, Dall sheep, Bears, caribou, brief footage showing 2 children 1 man, Mt. McKinley." Film 1367-17: “[On box]: #8 set #2, McKinley Park May 1949, Snowbirds at hdqts (good), Rabbit (good), Drawn, Splice; [On card in box]: wolf eating caribou on river bar, Wolf drinking, distant shot of wolf feeding on caribou, wolf walking away, grizzly at Toklat by cabin, grizzly in fall snow with grass (good), porcupine feeding in willow, porcupine in willow (good), silver fox, Gail (short shot), gulls in tree (out of focus), ptarmigan flocks flying (good), ptarmigan on ground white-good.” Film 1367-6: “[On box]: #59; finished July 3 '49, Gail and Jan Big Rock [or River?]; cock fowl hen fair, much blank, bear-sheep shaky, squirrel middens, wolf tracks around bridge, wolverine hairs, Checked; [On card in box]: Gail and Jan snowshoe and ski, Pile of sq middins, squirrel cuttings, wolverine tracks, wolf tracks around bridge (overexposed), wolf track (with trap), shaky scenes of sheep, grizzly following wounded sheep, blank film, rock ptarm (out of focus).” Film 1367-67: “[On box]: #15 set #2, bear and fox 66, jaeger poor, ptarmigan and Gail, Gail feeding Wags milk; [On white card in box]: 1940, Willow ptarmigan male in spring (bare ground), closeup of male Ptarm on log-Gail behind, Gail chasing ptarmigan, caribou herd running, Gail with young wolf pup, feeding wolf pup, Wolf pup nuzzling in grass, Gail swinging, Me and Gail and Jan at East Fork.” Film 1367-35: “[On box]: #1, Moose yearling, wolf on Polychrome Rd; [On card in box]: sheep (ewe and lamb) short, wolf on road, wolf defecating on road, wolf going over mt, calf moose (good), cow and calf moose, cow with two calves, moose feeding (out of focus), 2 calves and cow feeding (good shots).” Film 1367-61: “[On box]: #18, Weezy feeding wolf pup, caribou [illegible], silver fox, ptarmigan; [On card in box]: blue film, caribou running, caribou crossing stream, silver fox on snow, silver fox running, silver fox closeups, feeding wolf pup (Weazy), Rock Ptarmigan sitting (out of focus), more ptarmigan on snow, wolf pup.”
[1969 North American Sled Dog Championship Race - Fairbanks, Alaska]
[1969 North American Sled Dog Championship Race - Fairbanks, Alaska]
These scenes from the 1969 North American Championship Sled Dog Races in Fairbanks, Alaska, filmed by Fairbanks photographer Richard L. Hansen, include: an Alaska Dog Mushers Association sign; a Sled Dog Races Sweepstakes sign; dogs in dog boxes on a truck; a truck with Malamak logos; a man removing dogs from dog boxes and placing dogs in harness; a race board with names including Lombard, Attla, Redington, Shepard, Taylor, Nayokpuk, McDougall, Lake, and Folger; a race announcer; a drum filled with slips of paper for a drawing; spectators watching as the race starts under snowy conditions; a variety of dogs in harnesses; spectators buying and eating cotton candy; close-up views of dogs; a close-up view of a Fairbanks Dog Mushers Association patch on a man’s coat; many people in colorful parkas and boots; dogs rolling in snow; a sign for George Attla sponsored by J.C. Penney Co.; mushers; a truck for Wright's Aurora Huskies; and dogs peeking out of dog boxes on a truck.
[1971 Fairbanks news stories]
[1971 Fairbanks news stories]
This film contains news stories from 1971. Footage and stories include Larry Holmstrom interviewing tourists in a motorhome caravan and at Norlite Campground. Larry Carpenter presents a story on Manley Hot Springs that aired in July 1971. Footage includes the springs, the town, and several residents. Residents identified include Gus Benson, Bob Lee, and Bob "Whitey" Yule. Additional footage includes a report on a water project in Hamilton Acres in Fairbanks, a story about life in Mekoryuk village on Nunivak Island, and adult bicycle riding in Fairbanks in September 1971. People identified in the bicycle story include C.B. Bettisworth, Carol Bettisworth, Alexander Bettisworth, Amy Bettisworth, Andy Kleinfleld, Dr. William James, Geraldine James, Adam James, John James, and Mrs. James.
[1971 KTVF news stories]
[1971 KTVF news stories]
Some segments of film contain audio, and others are silent. Specific dates and other information noted on the original film are given here in parentheses. Footage includes a man speaking to a large gathering of people (undated) (silent), a student named Michael being interviewed about being expelled from school because of his refusal to cut his hair (story titled "Breeze") (1971) (sound), a man working with a radio antenna, men looking at an Alaska map, a man describing the Geophysical Institute's Biomedical Program and explaining how medical aid stations in Alaska villages can get medical information over the radio network (December 6, 1971) (sound), a story about Eneput Children's Center, women cooking, children playing (December 4, 1971) (sound), a man being interviewed about construction delays at the new Yak Estates Apartments in Fairbanks (December 7, 1971) (sound), students standing outside on a cold day, Nanooks basketball game scenes (1971) (silent), a man being interviewed about an Alaska Supreme Court Case involving charges of incompetence and immorality against a school principal (undated) (sound), children posing in a Nativity scene at First Baptist Church (1971) (sound), a story about a new training program for carpenters and journeymen (undated) (sound), men in a meeting (undated) (silent), statuettes of a gold panner being handed out at a ceremony, a story about an Alaskaland celebration (undated) (sound), children lining up to see Santa at Alaskaland Civic Center (undated) (sound), a man being interviewed about a court case involving charges against a school principal (undated) (sound), men being interviewed about police training, Lathrop High School students being interviewed about a student trooper program (1971) (sound), people in a meeting (1971) (silent), a man being interviewed about MUS Power Plant operations as men work at a coal chute and control panel (undated) (sound), people decorating a Christmas tree, men working on the pipeline, the BP building, and a cook making a meal menu (story titled "Arctic Christmas") (undated) (silent).
[1974 Festival of Native Arts, Tanacross and Northway dancers, storyteller Poldine Carlo]
[1974 Festival of Native Arts, Tanacross and Northway dancers, storyteller Poldine Carlo]
A group of dancers from Northway and Tanacross demonstrates various Alaska Native dances onstage at the Festival of Native Arts. A man introduces two dancers, Bessie Barnabas and Eva Moffitt of the Salcha people, who are also dancing with the group. The other dancers are introduced (names are difficult to hear), and dancing continues. A man from Nenana introduces Poldine Carlo, who welcomes everyone to Fairbanks and then tells an Athabascan story once told to her by Jennie Huntington of Koyukuk. A woman is interviewed about her techniques for making birch bark baskets. A man is interviewed about his relief wood carvings. Jim Johnson of Tanana is interviewed about a miniature fishwheel and about his hand-built snowshoes and sleds. A man invites the audience to join dancers onstage, and many people dance. The audio on the original videotape cuts out briefly in a couple sections at the end.
[1977 Yukon 800]
[1977 Yukon 800]
Footage includes aerial views of Yukon 800 riverboats starting on the Chena River in Fairbanks, aerial shots of boats racing along the river, Jim Movius being interviewed by Ted Lehne in Galena, the re-start of the race in Galena, and aerial views of Pike's Landing and boats at the finish line.
[1977 Yukon 800 - 2]
[1977 Yukon 800 - 2]
This footage was filmed prior to and during the Yukon 800 riverboat race. Footage includes boats and spectators at Pike's Landing on the Chena River, racer Moe Samuelson being interviewed about boat construction and the race while showing different parts of his race boat (Slo-Mo's Kayak II) to reporter Ann Handley, spectators waiting for boats in Galena, boats arriving in Galena on 6/25/77, aerial views of the Tanana River, spectators in Tanana watching boats pass by, spectators and race boats at Pike's Landing on the Chena River, the airport and spectators in Tanana (?), Jim Movius crossing the finish line in the winning boat, and Jim Movius being interviewed about the race by reporter Chuck Benson.
[Alaska Native Land Claims symposium]
[Alaska Native Land Claims symposium]
AAF-13175 is a 1/2-inch open reel videotape labeled "Alaska Native Land Claims Symposium, speaker: Neil Bassett representing USDI-BLM, Master." A representative from the U.S. Department of the Interior/Bureau of Land Managament speaks during a symposium on Alaska Native lands claims.
[Alaska On Line: 1994 Governor's Inaugural Ceremony]
[Alaska On Line: 1994 Governor's Inaugural Ceremony]
In this episode of Alaska On Line, Red Boucher is at the inaugural ceremony of Alaska Governor Tony Knowles and Lieutenant Governor Fran Ulmer in Juneau, Alaska. The program was recorded on December 5, 1994.
[Alaska On Line: Red Boucher discusses Y2K]
[Alaska On Line: Red Boucher discusses Y2K]
In this episode of Alaska On Line, Red Boucher discusses Y2K. The program was recorded on October 24, 1998.
[Alaska On Line: Red Boucher interviews Agnes Phillips]
[Alaska On Line: Red Boucher interviews Agnes Phillips]
In this episode of Alaska On Line, Red Boucher interviews Agnes Phillips, mayor of Bethel, about her role as mayor. The program was recorded on September 19, 1998.
[Alaska On Line: Red Boucher interviews Al Patten]
[Alaska On Line: Red Boucher interviews Al Patten]
In this episode of Alaska On Line, Red Boucher interviews Al Patten, a retired U.S. Navy serviceman, about the war in the Pacific and about Pearl Harbor on Dec. 7, 1941. The program was recorded on November 8, 1997.
[Alaska On Line: Red Boucher interviews Alice Crow]
[Alaska On Line: Red Boucher interviews Alice Crow]
In this episode of Alaska On Line, Red Boucher interviews Alice Crow, UAA professor, about Native student services and higher education for rural Alaska. The program was recorded on November 11, 1995.
[Alaska On Line: Red Boucher interviews Ann Fienup-Riordan and Marie Meade]
[Alaska On Line: Red Boucher interviews Ann Fienup-Riordan and Marie Meade]
In this episode of Alaska On Line, Red Boucher interviews artists Ann Fienup-Riordan and Marie Meade about the living tradition of Yup'ik masks. The program was recorded on November 11, 1995.
[Alaska On Line: Red Boucher interviews Arliss Sturglulewski]
[Alaska On Line: Red Boucher interviews Arliss Sturglulewski]
In this episode of Alaska On Line, Red Boucher interviews former Alaska senator Arliss Sturglulewski about his views on the legislature. The program was recorded on April 13, 1996.
Alaska On Line: Red Boucher interviews Arthur Lake]
Alaska On Line: Red Boucher interviews Arthur Lake]
In this episode of Alaska On Line, Red Boucher interviews Native leader Arthur Lake about rural issues. The program was recorded on March 21, 1998.
[Alaska On Line: Red Boucher interviews Augie Hiebert]
[Alaska On Line: Red Boucher interviews Augie Hiebert]
In this episode of Alaska On Line, Red Boucher interviews Augie Hiebert, former CEO of Northern TV, about the history of radio and TV in Alaska. The program was recorded on March 15, 1997.
[Alaska On Line: Red Boucher interviews Augie Hiebert]
[Alaska On Line: Red Boucher interviews Augie Hiebert]
In this episode of Alaska On Line, Red Boucher interviews Augie Hiebert, CEO of Northern Television, about the pioneering of broadcasting in Alaska. The program was recorded on September 23, 1995.
[Alaska On Line: Red Boucher interviews Augie Hiebert]
[Alaska On Line: Red Boucher interviews Augie Hiebert]
In this episode of Alaska On Line, Red Boucher interviews pioneer broadcaster Augie Hiebert about the future of radio and TV in Alaska. The program was recorded on November 20, 1999.
[Alaska On Line: Red Boucher interviews author and explorer Norman Vaughn]
[Alaska On Line: Red Boucher interviews author and explorer Norman Vaughn]
(AAF-7518) In this episode of Alaska On Line, Red Boucher interviews author and explorer Norman Vaughn about his Antarctic trip. The program was recorded on April 15, 1995. (AAF-7519) In this episode of Alaska On Line, Red Boucher continues his interview with author and explorer Norman Vaughn. The program was recorded on April 15, 1995.
[Alaska On Line: Red Boucher interviews Ben Nageak]
[Alaska On Line: Red Boucher interviews Ben Nageak]
In this episode of Alaska On Line, Red Boucher interviews Ben Nageak about his role as mayor of the North Slope Borough. The program was recorded on April 14, 1999.
[Alaska On Line: Red Boucher interviews Bill Bacon]
[Alaska On Line: Red Boucher interviews Bill Bacon]
In this episode of Alaska On Line, Red Boucher interviews photographer Bill Bacon about filming wildlife in Alaska and about photographing in Tibet. The program was recorded on March 15, 1997.
[Alaska On Line: Red Boucher interviews Bob Medinger]
[Alaska On Line: Red Boucher interviews Bob Medinger]
In this episode of Alaska On Line, Red Boucher interviews Bob Medinger, a teacher in Bethel, about education in rural Alaska. The program was recorded on November 8, 1997.
[Alaska On Line: Red Boucher interviews Bob Poe]
[Alaska On Line: Red Boucher interviews Bob Poe]
In this episode of Alaska On Line, Red Boucher interviews state Y2K coordinator Bob Poe about the state's Y2K preparations. The program was recorded on August 1, 1998.
[Alaska On Line: Red Boucher interviews Bob Poe and Phil Oates]
[Alaska On Line: Red Boucher interviews Bob Poe and Phil Oates]
In this episode of Alaska On Line TV, Red Boucher interviews Bob Poe, commissioner of administration, and Phil Oates, adjutant general, about preparation for Y2K in Alaska. The program was recorded on November 20, 1999.
[Alaska On Line: Red Boucher interviews Brian Porter]
[Alaska On Line: Red Boucher interviews Brian Porter]
In this episode of Alaska On Line, Red Boucher interviews State Representative Brian Porter about legislative priority. The program was recorded on October 11, 1997.
[Alaska On Line: Red Boucher interviews Brian Rogers and Bob Loescher]
[Alaska On Line: Red Boucher interviews Brian Rogers and Bob Loescher]
In this episode of Alaska On Line, Red Boucher interviews Brian Rogers and Bob Loescher, regents of the University of Alaska, about the role of the Budget Gap Committee. The program was recorded on August 26, 1995.
[Alaska On Line: Red Boucher interviews Charlie Brown]
[Alaska On Line: Red Boucher interviews Charlie Brown]
In this episode of Alaska On Line, Red Boucher interviews Charlie Brown, president of TAL, about wireless telecommunication. The program was recorded on March15, 1997.
[Alaska On Line: Red Boucher interviews Charmaine and Nirvana Ramos]
[Alaska On Line: Red Boucher interviews Charmaine and Nirvana Ramos]
In this episode of Alaska On Line, Red Boucher interviews Charmaine Ramos and her daughter Nirvana about Native Alaskans in Anchorage. The program was recorded on October 11, 1997.
[Alaska On Line: Red Boucher interviews Charmaine Ramos]
[Alaska On Line: Red Boucher interviews Charmaine Ramos]
In this episode of Alaska On Line, Red Boucher interviews Charmaine Ramos, director of the Safe City Program in Anchorage, about Alaska Native urban issues. The program was recorded on March 16, 1996.