Sustainability Spotlight: Morris Thompson Cultural and Visitors Center

Our Sustainability Spotlight series is aimed at broadening the conversation surrounding sustainable tourism for visitors and businesses by sharing the stories of our Adventure Green Alaska certified businesses. To learn more about Adventure Green Alaska certification please visit our about page.

The Morris Thompson Cultural and Visitors Center opened in Fairbanks, Alaska, in 2008 as a community collaboration to celebrate and share Alaskans’ appreciation for the Interior’s cultures, history, heritage, traditions, and lifestyles. Named after Koyukon Athabascan leader Morris Thompson, the center serves as a welcoming hub for visitors and residents alike, offering exhibits, programs, and events that highlight local history, lifestyles, Alaska Native culture and opportunities to explore the Interior.

The Morris Thompson Cultural and Visitors Center has incorporated sustainable practices since its inception in 2008. From the beginning, sustainability and cultural stewardship have guided their facility’s operations, programming, and community partnerships.

For businesses that are considering developing and implementing sustainable practices, the Morris Thompson Cultural and Visitors Center recommends starting small. When starting small, businesses are able to limit their scope and remain intentional while consistently engaging staff and the communities in which they operate.

The Morris Thompson Cultural and Visitors Center is particularly proud of their cultural sustainability practices, including strong partnerships with Indigenous communities to ensure authentic representation and education. This collaboration directly enriches visitor experiences and supports cultural preservation.

On the facility side, they have converted almost all of their lights to LED fixtures, with a cost savings significant enough that their electric bills today are lower than 10 years ago, even though the effective rate from their electric utility is about 53% higher today. The building’s heat comes from the local hot water feed. MTCVC does not have a boiler using oil or gas, and does not have to maintain storage for heating oil nor have to have a response plan for potential heating oil spills.

The Morris Thompson Cultural and Visitors Center also works with other local organizations. For example, the produce that is grown in the garden by the cabin at MTCVC is shared with Breadline, a local non-profit in Fairbanks.

The MTCVC’s strongest alignment is with cultural sustainability. Their exhibits were developed in partnership with Tanana Chiefs Conference and using the expertise of the National Park Service’s interpretive rangers. Activities at MTCVC include storytelling, traditional skill demonstrations and classes, and an Alaska Native Gift Shop featuring items from regional artisans, many of whom are elders who share their arts and traditions with guests.

The Morris Thompson Cultural and Visitors Center believes that Adventure Green Alaska has provided valuable guidance and recognition that reinforces their commitment to sustainability. People like to shop their values, and AGA elevates their profile among environmentally and culturally conscious travelers.

To learn more about the Morris Thompson Cultural and Visitors Center, visit their Green Business profile and their website.