GCHS History and Mission

History

Founded in 1956 and headquartered in Juneau, Alaska, the Gastineau Channel Historical Society (GCHS) is a non-profit organization that seeks to promote the history of the Gastineau Channel area,. operate the Last Chance Mining Museum, and care for the Sentinel Island Lighthouse. The GCHS also seeks to promote the preservation of historic buildings, monuments, markers, and other historic edifices in the Gastineau Channel area. The GCHS produces newsletters, publications, and programs, as well as organizes activities and host of other events associated with the history of the Gastineau Channel area.

The original corporation lapsed in the late 1970s. In 1984 a group of individuals reorganized the Society and reinstated its non-profit corporation status.

Mission

The mission of the Gastineau Channel Historical Society is the discovery, preservation, and dissemination of knowledge about the history of the Gastineau Channel area of Southeast Alaska.
The area of historical interest includes traditional lands known as ‘Lingit Ani.