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 150+ members. Join us by visiting our membership page and receive our quarterly newsletter and biannual history journal.


2025 Alaska Historical Society Conference

Theme: Vital Lifelines in Alaska’s History
Commemorating the 100th anniversary of the Nome Serum Run, 50th anniversary of the Trans-Alaska Pipeline System, and 75th anniversary of the signing of the Alaska Constitution.

Date: September 24-27, 2025
Location: Fairbanks, Alaska

Timelines:
May 31          Proposals for presentations deadline (proposals open now on our conference page)
July 1          Conference schedule to be available
August 1        Conference registration to open
August 31       Early registration deadline

As hotels, local transportation and tour options are confirmed, updates will be posted on our main conference page, located here. 


Recent Blog Entries

January 4, 2025

Critical Issues Lecture Series Recordings

America: The Next 250 Years (March 20, 2025) https://youtu.be/lEPBXS_gCDE Recorded at the Anchorage Museum on March 20, 2025. One of America’s most prolific and preeminent historians, University of Texas Professor H.W. Brands spoke about “America: The Next 250 Years,” on 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. Then, on the following day, March 21, at the... (Read More)
May 15, 2025

Two Prominent Alaska Leaders to Keynote Historical Society Conference in Fairbanks

Read the PDF here FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE  May 14, 2025                                   Contact: David Ramseur, 907-317-3657 Two Prominent Alaska Leaders to Keynote Historical Society Conference in FairbanksAnnual Meeting set for Sept. 24-27; Deadline for Presentations is June 15 Two insightful Alaska leaders – former Gov. Bill Walker and current state Supreme Court Presiding Justice Susan Carney – will serve as keynote speakers for the Alaska Historical Society’s fall conference Sept. 24-27, 2025, in Fairbanks. This year’s theme is “Vital Lifelines in Alaska’s... (Read More)
May 9, 2025

AHS Board Letter to Federal Delegation on Cuts to the Institute of Museum and Library ServicesAHS Board Letter to Federal Delegation on Cuts to

See the PDF version April 11, 2025 US Senator Lisa MurkowskiUS Senator Dan SullivanUS Representative Nick Begich Dear Senators Murkowski, Sullivan and Representative Begich: We write on behalf of the members of Alaska’s largest statewide historical advocacy organization to protest the president’s devastating cuts to museums, libraries, archives, cultural centers and historical organizations across Alaska, and to enlist your support for the programs that provide federal funds for them. In recent weeks, scores of these Alaska organizations have received notices... (Read More)
March 3, 2025

AHS Statement on Diversity to University of Alaska Board of Regents

On February 28, 2025, the Board of the Alaska Historical Society sent the following letter to the University of Alaska’s Board of Regents to call upon the Board of Regents to rescind its new policy regarding using the terminology affirmative action, diversity, equity, and inclusion, and terms associated with DEI. Read the full letter in PDF Dear Regents:For 58 years, the statewide Alaska Historical Society has worked to ensure that Alaska’shistory incorporates diverse perspectives and embraces an inclusive vision of... (Read More)
January 28, 2025

Nome Serum Run 100th Anniversary Events

EXTRA! EXTRA! In 1925, a life-saving relay involving 20 mushers and more than 150 sled dogs carried diphtheria antitoxin 674 miles from Nenana to Nome, battling harsh weather conditions to stop a deadly epidemic in isolated Nome. Gunnar Kaasen's team, with Balto in lead, delivered the serum to Dr. Curtis Welch at 5:30am on February 2, 1925, to conclude the Serum Run or Great Race of Mercury. Celebrate the 100th anniversary of these amazing historic events! MUSEUM TALKSPresented at Carrie... (Read More)