SUBMITTED BY MARYANNE
The Ted Stevens Papers Collection of the Alaska and Polar Regions Collections of the Elmer E. Rasmuson Library at the University of Alaska Fairbanks dedicates the Senator Ted Stevens Gallery July 21, 2011 with its first exhibit, Ted Stevens and Alaska Statehood: The Process and the Passion.
Building from materials in an overstuffed, leather-bound notebook belonging to Ted Stevens while he served as legislative counsel in the United States Department of the Interior (1956-61), the exhibit tells the story of the final years of Alaska’s struggle to join the Union, portraying how Stevens’ mastery of the congressional process combined with popular support resulted in legislative success.
Ted Stevens and Alaska Statehood: The Process and the Passion also represents the diversity of people who worked toward Alaska statehood, the importance of personal relationships surrounding the legislative process, and the dedication and excitement of those involved.
Selected items from statehood collections held in the Alaska and Polar Regions Collections and the Museum of the North are included in the exhibit, as well as material from the Fred A. Seaton Papers housed in the Eisenhower Library.
Ms. Susan Covich will be representing the family of Senator Stevens at the exhibit opening.
Ted Stevens and Alaska Statehood: The Process and the Passion will be on display through December 2011.
The dedication is hosted by the Alaska and Polar Regions Collections of the Elmer E. Rasmuson Library at the University of Alaska Fairbanks with support from BP and the North to the Future Foundation.