Iñupiaq men in qayaqs, Noatak, Alaska, circa 1929. Edward S. Curtis Collection, Library of Congress Digital Collections.
Crossing the Chilkoot Pass, circa 1898. Courtesy Candy Waugaman and Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park.
The Gold Rush boomtown of Nome on the Seward Peninsula, 1900. Courtesy of U.S. Geological Survey Photographic Library.
The Alaska Historical Society’s mission is to promote Alaska history through the exchange of ideas and information, encourage the preservation and interpretation of resources, and educate Alaskans about their heritage. One aspect of fulfilling this mission is gathering Alaskans to learn together from experts in different fields of history. Each year we fulfill this role by hosting an Annual Conference in a different part of Alaska, bringing together local, regional, and statewide history presentations and panels.
In 2026, our conference will take place in Homer, Alaska and over Zoom from October 7 – 10, 2026. The Conference will begin with an Opening Reception on Wednesday evening and conclude on Saturday afternoon. We look forward to seeing you in Homer!
Conference registration will open on this webpage on Saturday, August 1.
The Alaska Historical Society has a group rate secured ($109/ night) at the Aspen Suites Hotel. Please use the link below to access this rate. The last day for people to reserve their rooms using the link will be Friday, September 18th, 2026.
The Moosetide Hotel is offering rooms for $125/ night (doubles and queens). Email hello@moosetide.com or call (907)235-7787.
Aleutian Airways offers daily flights to Homer from Anchorage. There may be AHS options and there will be cab options available for transport once in Homer.
Participants may also fly into Kenai and rent a car to drive down to Homer.
During registration, you will be asked if 1) you are driving through Anchorage and have space for others in your vehicle or 2) you would like to request a carpool contact from Anchorage to Homer.
After the Conference, Join the Pratt Museum for Ritz Under the Sea
The Pratt Museum’s 2026 signature event, Ritz Under the Sea, is officially scheduled for Saturday, October 10, 2026 at the Porcupine Theater. This fabulous fundraiser will make a splash with live entertainment, a delectable array of food and drinks, plus a live and silent auction. Proceeds from this event will directly support our dedication to providing year-round educational programs, community-centered workshops, and interdisciplinary special exhibitions. Tickets are $100 per person, however there will be a discount code for AHS Conference attendees to register for 10% off!
Jim Anderson will be the MC, Pushki Pickers will provide the live entertainment, Tickled Pear is tentatively booked for the catering and charcuterie grazing board, with Dolce Lucca tentatively providing desserts.
Visit the pages below for information and presentations from past conferences.
