WHO WE ARE
THE JAMES & ELSIE NOLAN CENTER
The Nolan Center exists today because of the extraordinary generosity and foresight of local residents, James and Elsie Nolan. Their transformative donation and the establishment of the Nolan Center Trust provided the sustaining contributions necessary to turn the dream of a new community center into a reality. The Nolan Center was born from a critical need to provide a modern, sustainable home for the Wrangell Museum. As the museum’s original site outgrew its aging facility, our current center was designed to be more than just a gallery. It was built to be the cornerstone of Wrangell’s cultural and civic life. Following the center’s completion and opening in July 2004, the City of Wrangell accepted the vital role of permanent stewardship.
Today, the city continues to oversee and sustain the facility, honoring the Nolan’s legacy by ensuring the Center remains a cherished and valuable resource for all Wrangell residents. The Nolan Center continues to serve as a vibrant hub where history meets modern community needs, hosting everything from educational workshops and blockbuster movies to state and national meetings and local celebrations.
OUR FACILITIES
The Nolan Center is both a museum and a civic center, offering a range of facilities designed for community use and visitor needs. These spaces provide practical and accessible options for
gatherings, events, and everyday use.
The Civic Center is one of the Nolan Center’s primary public gathering spaces, used throughout the year for performances, community markets, film screenings, conferences, dinners, meetings, and private events.
The room is flexible enough to accommodate a range of formats, from seated programs and catered receptions to business retreats and larger community gatherings. With capacity for up to 300 guests, the space includes access to tables, projection and sound equipment, laundry facilities, and staff support for setup and coordination. A kitchen is also available for catering, beverage service, and concessions.
Like the museum itself, the Civic Center often exceeds expectations for a community of Wrangell’s size. Its regular use reflects the Nolan Center’s broader role as a place where cultural programming, civic life, and community events are presented with a level of care more often associated with much larger institutions.
Civic Center
The Classroom offers a smaller, more focused setting within the Nolan Center for meetings, workshops, classes, and small-group programs. While the Civic Center is designed for larger gatherings, the Classroom provides a quieter and more adaptable space for groups that need a more intimate environment.
The room can be arranged to support a variety of uses, from instructional sessions and planning meetings to hands-on activities. Available amenities include a flat-screen TV on a rolling cart, whiteboard, screen dividers, counter space for supplies, a projector, and a sink.
Classroom
The Nolan Center’s theater-grade screen and projection system supports a range of film programming throughout the year, from newly released movies to free community screenings for all ages.
Regular film events bring residents and visitors together in one of Wrangell’s most comfortable public gathering spaces. Screenings are typically held about once a month, with additional free movie events offered throughout the year by the Nolan Center and local community partners.
A full concession stand is available during screenings, offering freshly popped popcorn, fountain drinks, and classic movie candy.
Theater
The Nolan Center is proud to serve as a home for local stage productions presented by the Wrangell Theater Company, a nonprofit organization that helps keep live theater active and accessible in the community.
Each year, the Civic Center and Classroom are adapted for rehearsals, set construction, costume preparation, backstage needs, and full stage performances. The flexibility of the facility allows productions to incorporate custom staging, props, changing areas, blackout curtains, and theatrical lighting, giving each performance its own atmosphere and sense of place.
Over the years, the Nolan Center has hosted a wide range of productions, from large-scale musicals such as Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Annie, The Sound of Music, and Cinderella to community theater productions including You Can’t Take It With You and The Scarlett O’Hara Complex. These performances reflect the creativity, commitment, and volunteer effort that continue to support theater in Wrangell.
To learn more about upcoming productions, auditions, or behind-the-scenes volunteer opportunities, follow the Nolan Center on Facebook and Instagram.
The Visitor Center provides helpful information for travelers, local businesses, and community partners. Co-operated by the Convention and Visitors Bureau and the Wrangell Chamber of Commerce, the center serves as a practical starting point for visitors looking to learn more about Wrangell, plan their time in town, and connect with local services.
Visitors can find take-home brochures, visitor guides, business information, and local resources highlighting things to see and do throughout the community. A City of Wrangell map is also available for those planning their next stop, whether they are exploring downtown, heading to the waterfront, or looking for local businesses and points of interest.
The Visitor Center is open Monday through Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Visitor Center
ON-SITE OFFICES
Wrangell Chamber of Commerce Office
The Wrangell Chamber of Commerce is a nonprofit, member-driven organization representing local businesses, nonprofit organizations, and community members. Its work supports civic engagement, economic development, and the continued strength of Wrangell’s business community.
Through its programs and partnerships, the Chamber helps organize and support many of Wrangell’s community events, including Fourth of July celebrations, Tax-Free Days, Midnight Madness, and other seasonal activities that bring residents, businesses, and visitors together.
The Chamber office is located inside the Visitor Center. The Executive Director is available to assist with local business connections, membership inquiries, and other community or visitor-related questions.
The Wrangell Convention & Visitors Bureau is a five-member board appointed by the Mayor and Borough Assembly to represent visitor-related interests within the community. Together with Travel Wrangell, the CVB serves as the destination marketing organization for the City and Borough of Wrangell.
Travel Wrangell promotes Wrangell as an authentic Alaska community shaped by its landscapes, culture, working waterfront, and access to outdoor recreation. Its work supports independent travelers, visiting groups, and community partners by sharing information about local experiences, visitor services, iconic sites, tours, and meeting opportunities.
The CVB office is currently managed by the Marketing and Community Development Coordinator and is located inside the Visitor Center. Visitors are welcome to stop by with questions about planning their time in Wrangell, connecting with local businesses, or learning more about tours, attractions, conventions, and meetings.