Pioneers of Alaska explained

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

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.^[2]

Founded in Nome, Alaska, the organization works at "gathering and preserving the relics and early history of Alaska",^[3] and at improving its economic and social conditions.^[2]

The organization has 35 local chapters, which are called "igloos".^[4] The group operates the Pioneer Museum at Pioneer Park, in Fairbanks.^{[5] [6]}

Noel Wien was made an honorary member of the northernmost chapter, Igloo No. 8, after successfully landing at Wiseman, Alaska on 5 May 1925.^[7]

See also

• Alaska Native Brotherhood

Further reading

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

External links

• Pioneers of Alaska - Grand Igloo

Notes and References

1. Web site: History of the Pioneers of Alaska. Pioneers of Alaska.
2. News: Schwartz . Dan . Women gain an equal role in Pioneers of Alaska . . . September 24, 2012 . December 26, 2013.
3. News: Smetzer . Mary Beth . 2011 2011 Pioneers of Alaska regents both history fans . . March 8, 2011 . December 26, 2013.
4. Book: Mackenzie , B. B. . Alaska Curiosities: Quirky Characters, Roadside Oddities & Other Offbeat Stuff . . 2012 . 9780762794607 .
5. Web site: PIONEER PARK: Alaska's Only Historic Theme Park . Fairbanks North Star Borough Parks Recreation Department . 2007–2008 .
6. Web site: Pioneer Museum & Big Stampede Show . ExploreFairbanks.com . Fairbanks Convention and Visitors Bureau .
7. Book: Harkey . Ira . Pioneer Bush Pilot . 1991 . Bantam Books . 0553289195 . 132.