Iñupiaq hunter watching for seal, Nome, Alaska. ASL-P240-210, George Parks Photograph Collection, Alaska State Library-Historical Collections.
The Alaska Steamship Company’s Steamship “Jefferson” in Skagway, Alaska, circa 1906. Courtesy Candy Waugaman.
Can-Can girls at the Skagway Days of 98 celebration, 1960’s. Courtesy Candy Waugaman.
Welcome to the Alaska Historical Society
The Alaska Historical Society (AHS) is a nonprofit, volunteer-based organization dedicated to the promotion of Alaska history by the exchange of ideas and information, the preservation and interpretation of resources, and the education of Alaskans about our shared and diverse heritage. Governed by a 15-member board, the Society provides a forum and a vehicle to achieve these goals. AHS is a membership organization with 430+ members. If you would like to join us, visit our membership page.
One of America’s most prolific and preeminent historians, University of Texas Professor H.W. Brands will speak on “America: The Next 250 Years,” at 7 p.m. March 20, 2025, at the Anchorage Museum. Author of 30 books, including two that were finalists for the Pulitzer Prize, Brands is a frequent guest on national and international media programs. The following day, March 21, at 5 p.m. at the University of Alaska Fairbanks BP Design Theater, Brands will speak on the topic of... (Read More)
The Alaska Historical Society is pleased to offer recordings of sessions from our annual conference for future viewing. From discussions of underwater WW2 battleships to the legacy of missionaries in Sitka to an in-depth look at the history of our host community, Cordova, the 2024 Conference was a huge success and there is much to learn from the presenters. The Alaska Historical Society offers these recordings free of charge to not just members, but also the broader community. However, as... (Read More)
The Alaska Historical Society is inviting nominations for its annual awards to individuals, historical societies and public institutions for notable research, writing and promotion of Alaska history. Special exhibits, historic walking tours, sign projects, oral histories, anthologies, digitizing archival materials, creating a website and commemorating an anniversary are among projects that have been recognized in the past. Nominations are due September 15, 2024. A nomination should have sufficient detail and supporting materials. It should be submitted to the AHS Awards... (Read More)
COLLEGE PARK, MD, June 17, 2024 — Thirty-nine Alaska students recently competed in the National History Day® National Contest, held in College Park, Maryland, from June 9–13, with many receiving national recognition for their research projects. Four middle school students from Whitestone Training Center in Delta Junction - Amber Baranoski, Rene Greenleaf, Valerie Greenleaf and Brady Seeger - earned Second Place for the entire country in the Junior Group Performance Category for their project, “The Hello Girls: Turning Points in... (Read More)
Student and Emerging Professional Awards Alaska Historical Society Annual Meeting and Conference,Rights and Responsibilities in Alaska HistoryCordova / Virtual, October 9-12, 2024 The Alaska Historical Society offers two scholarships to attend its annual meeting and conference. They are for post-secondary students researching an Alaska history topic or for an emerging professional in a related field. Awards consist of travel expenses and a conference registration package. Eligibility: Applicant must be a member of the Alaska Historical Society at the time of... (Read More)
