Earlier today, dozens of construction workers, museum employees and spectators gathered around the Alaska State Museum to watch crews carefully remove the 8-foot-wide, 45-foot-long walrus skin umiak from the old building.
The boat was originally constructed inside the building, making its removal a tricky affair. Situated on a protective wooden platform, the boat was removed through the front door before being hoisted up and over the building.
The new Alaska State Library, Archives and Museum will house the umiak along with the rest of the artifacts from the Alaska State Museum. The new facility is slated to be completed in 2016.
