Pioneers_of_Alaska
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]
