Educating the Public through Oral History

Storytelling has long been how people pass personal, family, and world history down through generations.  How many of us have heard our parents stories of what it was like to grow up when they did and been surprised at what we heard?  Some of us were lucky enough to hear our grandparents stories as well.  Whether you are young or old, veteran, active duty or reserve, have seen combat or not, there are people who want to hear your story.  We have collected more than 110 personal stories from Service Members and Veterans.  These stories are all important, each one unique but together they can inform and educate and inspire for generations to come.
Native Alaskans have always fought hard.  The Alaska Scouts of WWII have amazing stories to share.  In 2008 The Alaska Veterans Museum hosted "The Last Reunion of the Alaska Scouts" at the Anchorage Museum.  The remaining three members of the Alaska Scouts came forward with their stories.  It was a once in a lifetime event for the attendees.  Soon, the Alaska Veterans Museum will be the only place to find their stories and unique to Alaska military artifacts.

Did you know?

The Alaska Veterans Museum provides speakers for schools and community groups.  Speakers on many aspects and periods in military history can be made available by emailing Col. Suellyn Wright Novak or calling 907-677-8802.

Before Alaska became Alaska....

  • The Army oversaw the transfer from Russia and provided initial government.
  • The Navy collected taxes and temporarily ran the Department of Alaska.
  • The Navy established coaling stations along the coast, and later created the Pet 4 oil reserve.
  • Army Lt. William (later AF Gen. Billy) Mitchell engineered telegraph lines.
  • The Army provided control and relief during the post-Gold Rush days in Nome.

In World War II
  • Military personnel built the Alcan Highway.
  • Alaska was a last-minutes buildup once leaders realized it's strategic location.
  • The Aleutian Islands were invaded by Japan and defended by a group known as the "Eskimo Scouts".
  • 11th Air Force
  • Way-station for lend-lease flights to Russia

And...
  • DEW Line Cold War defense detects hostile aircraft or missiles over North America.
  • 10th Air Rescue established for emergency rescue of military and civilian personnel.
  • Aleutian Island Shemya becomes US-Asia refueling stop and listening post.
  • Nike Missile Sites defend Anchorage and Alaskan airspace.
  • Military personnel had vital role in 1964 earthquake relief and recovery.
  • US-Canada joint training exercises.
  • Naval Arctic training exercises.
  • Air Guard refueling missions service all Active Duty and Guard aircraft.
  • Coast Guard NAVAIDS and rescue efforts in the world's roughest waters.
  • Elmendorf's AF Band continuation of Glenn Miller's WWII Army Band.
  • First time since WWII, Alaska National Guard deployed outside US.