The Pioneers of Alaska is a fraternal organization that was founded in 1907 to preserve the early history of Alaska.[1][2]
Originally restricted to white males who entered Alaska before 1900,[1] the organization today has about 5000 members,[citation needed] 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]
- ^ a b c "History of the Pioneers of Alaska". Pioneers of Alaska.
- ^ Official website
- ^ a b Schwartz, Dan (September 24, 2012). "Women gain an equal role in Pioneers of Alaska". Peninsula Clarion. Kenai, Alaska. Retrieved December 26, 2013.
- ^ Smetzer, Mary Beth (March 8, 2011). 2011 "2011 Pioneers of Alaska regents both history fans". Juneau Empire. Retrieved December 26, 2013.
{{cite news}}: Check|url=value (help) - ^ Mackenzie, B. B. (2012). Alaska Curiosities: Quirky Characters, Roadside Oddities & Other Offbeat Stuff. Globe Pequot. ISBN 9780762794607.
- ^ "PIONEER PARK: Alaska's Only Historic Theme Park". Fairbanks North Star Borough Parks Recreation Department. 2007–2008.
- ^ "Pioneer Museum & Big Stampede Show". ExploreFairbanks.com. Fairbanks Convention and Visitors Bureau.
- ^ Harkey, Ira (1991). Pioneer Bush Pilot. Bantam Books. p. 132. ISBN 0553289195.