Pioneers of Alaska

The Pioneers of Alaska is a fraternal organization that was founded in Nome, Alaska in 1907 and is the only one of many Alaska based fraternal organizations still in existence and going strong .

The purpose of the Pioneers of Alaska is “to preserve the names of all Alaska’s pioneers on its rolls; to collect and preserve the literature and incidents of Alaska’s history; and to promote the best interests of Alaska.” The Pioneers of Alaska have a rich history in Alaska’s territorial and early statehood days. They have many accomplishments that continue to make Alaska “The Great Land” that it is today.

Originally restricted to white males who entered Alaska before 1900, the organization today has about 5000 members, who must be residents of Alaska for at least 20 years to be eligible to join. Once led by men, women became eligible for all leadership positions in 2012.

Founded in Nome, Alaska, the organization works at "gathering and preserving the relics and early history of Alaska", and at improving its economic and social conditions.

The organization has 35 local chapters, which are called "igloos". The group operates the Pioneer Museum at Pioneer Park, in Fairbanks.