Delta Library to Host Wickersham & Seward Historical Re-Enactment

Get ready for something different! Friday, May 30 at 7:30 p.m., the Delta Community Library will turn into a time machine. You won't want to miss this chance to listen to Judge James Wickersham, who was born more than 150 years ago, reminisce about his extraordinary life as first territorial judge of Alaska. Besides serving Interior Alaska for almost eight years and bringing civil government to a previously lawless region, Judge Wickersham also served fourteen years as Alaska Delegate to the US Congress, was the first to climb Mt. McKinley, and helped establish Alaska's first college, which became the University of Alaska Fairbanks.

Also on the program is William Henry Seward presenting "My Greatest Legacy". As secretary of state under Presidents Lincoln and Andrew Johnson, Seward negotiated the purchase of Alaska from Russia for about 2 cents an acre in what some at the time called "Seward's Folly" or "Seward's Icebox."

Both historical characters will presented by John Venables, who played last year to standing room only crowds in both Juneau and Haines. The re-enactment is part of the Journey to Statehood Program which is a year long celebration in all three major cities of Alaska. The official kick off of the state celebration is in Fairbanks on Wednesday, May 28 and commemorates when Congress passed the first legislation leading to Statehood. Juneau celebrates on July 4, when the Senate passed the bill confirming statehood, and Anchorage plans festivities on January 3, 2009, the date President Eisenhower signed the proclamation in 1959 for Alaska to become the 49th state.

Mr. Venables graciously offered to bring his show to the Delta Library on May 30 as he is visiting family in the area over the weekend. The Delta Library Board is pleased to offer this night of historical fun to everyone free of charge.

Mr. Venables was recently told the Juneau Empire: "These two men were highly important figures in Alaska's history who should be remembered and celebrated for their contributions on the road to statehood." The audience will hear background on the characters, what they had to contend with in their lives and what they contributed to Alaska on the journey to statehood. The program is suitable for both adults and children and will include a slide show and question and answer period, music and refreshments.

The Journey To Statehood program is made possible by a grant from The National Endowment for the Humanities, the Juneau Arts and Humanities Council, The Alaska Humanities Forum We the People Grant Program and the Alaska State Library.

By Joyce McCombs