Reviews the preservation history of the totem pole collection at Sitka National Historical Park, Alaska, reports the results of a 1991 condition survey of the poles, and discusses treatment undertaken as a result. Seven poles were taken down, cleaned in a two-step washing process, repaired as necesssary, and treated with a commercial mixture of borate and ethylene glycol (considered an effective preservative against brown rot and white rot fungi and most wood-destroying insects, while relatively safe for users and environment). When dry the poles were coated with a paraffin oil/soybean oil water repellent containing an additive, and Busan 1009, a registered mildewcide. Renewal of the water repellent at three-year intervals and the borate after 10 years is proposed. Treatment and attachment of expandable support posts are also described.