Alaska, as a relatively late component in American territorial expansion, offered a set of opportunities to establish American institutions in a new frontier. MD Snodgrass became a key figure in the creation of many institutions new to Alaska. Snodgrass was neither influential or prominent in Kansas when he left for Alaska at the age of 31. In sharp contrast to his relatively uneventful Kansas years, he took advantage of frontier opportunities during his sixty years in Alaska to become a key player in the creation of Alaskan institutions.
This is the first talk in the Cook Inlet Historical Society’s 2023-2024 Speaker Series. These presentations are virtual, free, and open to the public via Crowdcast; the same link can be used to review the recorded event after the program conclusion. Those attending in person should use the 7th avenue entrance to access the auditorium.
ABOUT THE SPEAKER
Talis Colberg is a third-generation Alaskan, born in the Territory of Alaska in 1958. He graduated from Palmer High School in 1976, Pacific Lutheran University in 1979 and Pepperdine University School of Law in 1983. He earned a Ph.D. in Northern Political History and Culture from the University of Alaska Fairbanks in 2008. Governor Palin appointed him as the twentieth Attorney General for Alaska in 2006. He has also been twice elected to the Matanuska-Susitna Borough Assembly and twice elected as borough mayor. In 2015 Governor Walker presented Dr. Colberg with Alaska’s Distinguished Service to the Humanities Award. He has been a history instructor at the college since 1992.