Please join State Historian Katherine Ringsmuth for a comprehensive recap of Alaska's highly successful year-long America250 celebration that engaged Alaskans from Mountain View to the Pribilof Islands. As the America250-Alaska co-Commissioner, Ringsmuth will share lessons learned on commemorative anniversaries and, if well planned and executed, how they can be important agents of historic preservation, public history, heritage tourism, and community pride.

This is an event in the 2026-27 Cook Inlet Historical Society Lecture Series. These presentations are virtual, free, and open to the public via Crowdcast; you can use the same link to view the recording after the program concludes. Those attending in person should use the 7th Avenue entrance to access the auditorium.

 

About the Speaker  
Serving as co-commissioner for America250-Alaska, Dr. Katherine (Katie) Ringsmuth recently spearheaded Alaska’s Week of Dreams, the state’s marquee event celebrating the nation’s 250th birthday. As Alaska's State Historian and Deputy State Historic Preservation Officer, Dr. Ringsmuth represents the state on a statewide coalition of cultural organizations, Tribal partners, educators, sports leaders, and tourism professionals planning Alaska’s Week of Dreams. In addition to serving as project coordinator, she curated a nine-panel traveling exhibit and authored the America250-Alaska publication, Alaska’s Fields of Dreamers: America’s Pastime in the Far North.

Image: Fourth of July Week of Dreams closing ceremony, Growden Memorial Ballpark, Fairbanks, America250-Alaska Commission, July 4, 2026 by Jeff Weinburger.

Free Events Talks