Note: This post was also sent to recipients of the Alaska History Day newsletter on April 24, 2026.
Hi All –
Thank you for making this another wonderful year for Alaska History Day. As I write this, students are preparing for the National History Day contest, which is coming up in June in the Washington D.C. area. There, our Alaska group will have the opportunity to meet with other student historians and Alaska’s congressional delegation, in addition to presenting their research projects. It is an incredible opportunity, and one I am glad to have had the honor of helping make happen.
In an organization and program that focuses on studying the past, it’s vital to remember the “why” behind that focus: to better help make sense of the present and plan for the future.
That element of planning brings me to an important update. My family will be moving out of Alaska this summer, and I will need to hand off the running of Alaska History Day with the next contest cycle. In preparation for the move, I have been working with the board of the Alaska Historical Society to help facilitate the next chapter of our state’s National History Day program and contest. We need to secure funding and organizational stability for the program. We are still in the process of searching for a new coordinator. I will be available to help the next coordinator with the transition, and I hope to continue to be involved with the program from afar.
As you are already a supporter of this important program, we want to give you an opportunity to weigh in on how you might continue to help. Would you consider taking a few moments to complete this survey and help the AHS board with this process?
Alaska History Day is in jeopardy of disappearing unless an organizational home and annual funding can be found. The Alaska Historical Society has prepared this survey to gauge the amount and location of support for Alaska History Day. If there is widespread support, we will likely convene a meeting so we can formulate a plan to ensure its continuation.
Thank you for your vital role in helping to make the past four years of History Day in Alaska happen and for your consideration for the program’s future.
With Gratitude,
Leanna Williams, Volunteer Alaska History Day Coordinator