Alaska History

Author talk examines 1982 murders in Craig

Author talk examines 1982 murders in Craig

Author Leland Hale spent years trying to find out what really happened in an unsolved mass murder, and this Friday he’s talking about his methods… Continue reading

 

The New Office Building at the Treadwell Mine Historic Area, shown on Thursday, Oct. 11, 2018, has received a new metal roof and a fresh coat of paint inside and out. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire)

‘History comes alive’: Treadwell preservation vision looks to balance education, recreation

The city adopted an updated plan for the area, but it might not mean much.

 

Dan Fruits hangs his paintings at the Juneau-Douglas City Museum as he readies for a summer-long exhibit. Fruits’ latest project has been paintings to be projected during the opera commissioned by the Orpheus Project will mark the 100th anniversary of the sinking of the Princess Sophia, which claimed the lives of more than 350 people. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire)

Local artist creates 25 pieces for ‘Princess Sophia Opera’

Laser projectors allow Dan Fruits’ works to serve as backdrops

 

Mary Lou Spartz reads the names of victims buried at the Evergreen Cemetery during a memorial service on Thursday, Oct. 25, 2018, on the 100th anniversary of the sinking of the Princess Sophia. The service takes place at the gravesite of Walter Harper and his wife, Frances Wells. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire)

‘Important and terrible’: Princess Sophia memorial brings attendees from near, far

Windy weather wasn’t enough to deter people from paying their respects.

Mary Lou Spartz reads the names of victims buried at the Evergreen Cemetery during a memorial service on Thursday, Oct. 25, 2018, on the 100th anniversary of the sinking of the Princess Sophia. The service takes place at the gravesite of Walter Harper and his wife, Frances Wells. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire)
A view of the Princess Sophia’s port side, The ship, which was bound for Seattle, struck Vanderbilt Reef because of a confluence of conditions, including a late train and poor visibility. The ship sunk Oct. 25 1918. (Alaska State Library-Historical Collections, ASL-P87-1699)

Events commemorate Sophia’s centennial

Three major events are taking place Thursday.

A view of the Princess Sophia’s port side, The ship, which was bound for Seattle, struck Vanderbilt Reef because of a confluence of conditions, including a late train and poor visibility. The ship sunk Oct. 25 1918. (Alaska State Library-Historical Collections, ASL-P87-1699)
This April 2017 photo shows the Juneau-Douglas City Museum. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire File)

Museum Day includes book signing, free admission

This Saturday, Juneauites can take a look into local history for free. Admission to the Juneau-Douglas City Museum is free all day Saturday in celebration… Continue reading

This April 2017 photo shows the Juneau-Douglas City Museum. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire File)
Former Alaska governor Bill Sheffield talks life, time in office and new book

Former Alaska governor Bill Sheffield talks life, time in office and new book

Alaska’s fifth governor has his first memoir. Former Gov. Bill Sheffield, 90, has a new book, “Bill Sheffield: A Memoir, From the Great Depression to… Continue reading

Former Alaska governor Bill Sheffield talks life, time in office and new book
Opinion: Salmon hatcheries support Alaskans, and feed the world

Opinion: Salmon hatcheries support Alaskans, and feed the world

When the Good Friday earthquake shook Alaska in 1964, the damage wasn’t confined to buildings and homes. In some coastal areas, the land and ocean… Continue reading

Opinion: Salmon hatcheries support Alaskans, and feed the world
Members of the Arctic Council take a tour Treadwell Historic Preservation and Restoration Society member Wayne Jensen, right, on Monday, March 6, 2017. The roof of the “New Office Building” was recently removed and will be replaced this summer to help maintain the structure. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire File)

Derelict no more: A Douglas neighborhood revitalization

Most people with a passing knowledge of local history know that the Treadwell Mine on Douglas Island played a pivotal role in the establishment of… Continue reading

Members of the Arctic Council take a tour Treadwell Historic Preservation and Restoration Society member Wayne Jensen, right, on Monday, March 6, 2017. The roof of the “New Office Building” was recently removed and will be replaced this summer to help maintain the structure. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire File)
Southeast in Sepia: Mollie Brackett’s lost photo album

Southeast in Sepia: Mollie Brackett’s lost photo album

Mollie’s album gives us precious glimpses into the past, like personal letters and diaries. They show us the forgotten faces of people who, without these pictures, might be lost to history.

Southeast in Sepia: Mollie Brackett’s lost photo album
Southeast in Sepia: The Dyea townsite

Southeast in Sepia: The Dyea townsite

Dyea was one of the major towns to grow into prominence as a result of the Klondike gold rush.

Southeast in Sepia: The Dyea townsite
Paula Haug, of Folsom, California, and her daughter, Carlie, visit the grave of Haug’s great-grandmother Soyla Valentina Cardwell Lockhart on Tuesday, July 17, 2018. Cardwell died in Juneau in 1918. With the help of the folks at Evergreen Cemetery, she was able to track down where Lockhart was buried and place a stone on her previously unmarked grave. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire)

A century later, woman who died in Juneau gets grave marker

Efforts of great-granddaughter lead to discovery of woman’s location, family history.

Paula Haug, of Folsom, California, and her daughter, Carlie, visit the grave of Haug’s great-grandmother Soyla Valentina Cardwell Lockhart on Tuesday, July 17, 2018. Cardwell died in Juneau in 1918. With the help of the folks at Evergreen Cemetery, she was able to track down where Lockhart was buried and place a stone on her previously unmarked grave. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire)
Ellen Carrlee, objects conservator at the Alaska State Museum, watches Seth Irwin, a paper conservator from Boston, working at the Alaska State Museum on Sesquicentennial documents that will go on display later this year. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire)

Alaska’s 150th anniversary: Juneau lab preserves historical documents

Everyone has enemies. Cats have dogs. Mice have cats. Dust mites have vacuum cleaners. Seth Irwin has Scotch Tape. For the past few weeks —and… Continue reading

Ellen Carrlee, objects conservator at the Alaska State Museum, watches Seth Irwin, a paper conservator from Boston, working at the Alaska State Museum on Sesquicentennial documents that will go on display later this year. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire)