The Pioneers of Alaska is a fraternal organization that was founded in 1907 to preserve the early history of Alaska. [1] [2]
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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]
