Mana Honored with Excellence in Museum Field by Museums Alaska

October 1, 2024

Anchorage, Alaska - Mana, an innovative leader in community-based heritage preservation, has been awarded the prestigious Excellence in Museum Field Award by Museums Alaska. This recognition celebrates Mana’s outstanding debut exhibition, “Mana: The History We Inherit,” and contribution to preserving Alaska’s rich cultural heritage, especially through its commitment to engaging communities and fostering deep connection between Alaskans and their shared history.

The award was presented at Museums Alaska’s annual conference during the welcome and award ceremony on Thursday, September 26, which gathers professionals from across the state to celebrate achievements in museum work, heritage preservation, and education. The Excellence in Museum Field Award recognizes institutions that demonstrate innovation, leadership, and excellence in the museum field, and Mana has proven to be a trailblazer in these areas.

“We are incredibly honored to receive this award,” said Tasha Elizarde, co-founder of Mana. “Our mission has always been to uplift the stories of Alaska’s diverse communities and ensure that our heritage is preserved and passed onto future generations. This recognition by Museums Alaska is a testament to the dedication and passion of our team, and to the support we’ve received from the people of Alaska.”

Since inception, Mana has worked closely with Filipino-Americans, local historians, and cultural institution to curate and promote an exhibit that reflect the vibrant, and multifaceted history of the state Through innovative programming digital storytelling, and national collaborations, Mana has embraced being a media collective by fostering deeper connections between people, places, and history.

For more information about Mana and its award-winning work, visit www.manaalaska.com.