Pioneers of Alaska

The Pioneers of Alaska is a fraternal organization that was founded in 1907 to preserve the early history of Alaska.[1][2]

Logo of Pioneers of Alaska

Originally restricted to white males who entered Alaska before 1900,[1] the organization today has about 5000 members, who must be residents of Alaska for at least 20 years to be eligible to join.[1] Once led by men, women became eligible for all leadership positions in 2012.[3]

Founded in Nome, Alaska, the organization works at "gathering and preserving the relics and early history of Alaska",[4] and at improving its economic and social conditions.[3]

The organization has 35 local chapters, which are called "igloos".[5] The group operates the Pioneer Museum at Pioneer Park, in Fairbanks.[6][7]

Noel Wien was made an honorary member of the northernmost chapter, Igloo No. 8, after successfully landing at Wiseman, Alaska on 5 May 1925.[8]

See also

References
  1. "History of the Pioneers of Alaska". Pioneers of Alaska.
  2. Official website
  3. Schwartz, Dan (September 24, 2012). "Women gain an equal role in Pioneers of Alaska". Peninsula Clarion. Kenai, Alaska. Retrieved December 26, 2013.
  4. Smetzer, Mary Beth (March 8, 2011). 2011 "2011 Pioneers of Alaska regents both history fans" Check |url= value (help). Juneau Empire. Retrieved December 26, 2013.
  5. Mackenzie, B. B. (2012). Alaska Curiosities: Quirky Characters, Roadside Oddities & Other Offbeat Stuff. Globe Pequot. ISBN 9780762794607.
  6. "PIONEER PARK: Alaska's Only Historic Theme Park". Fairbanks North Star Borough Parks Recreation Department. 2007–2008.
  7. "Pioneer Museum & Big Stampede Show". ExploreFairbanks.com. Fairbanks Convention and Visitors Bureau.
  8. Harkey, Ira (1991). Pioneer Bush Pilot. Bantam Books. p. 132. ISBN 0553289195.

Further reading
  • Chase, Will H. (1951). Pioneers of Alaska - The Trail Blazers of Bygone Days. Kansas City: Burton Publishing Company. 203 pp.


This article is issued from Wikipedia. The text is licensed under Creative Commons - Attribution - Sharealike. Additional terms may apply for the media files.