9. Preserving Food in Ice Cellars
Permafrost served as a natural refrigerator for early Alaskans. Settlers and Indigenous communities dug ice cellars—deep underground pits—to store meat and fish for months, protecting supplies through harsh winters and lean seasons. This ingenious method predates modern refrigeration technology and was crucial for survival. Discover more about the design and importance of ice cellars at the Alaska Native Science & Engineering Program.
