Alaska Association for Historic Preservation

10/09/2026

PRESS RELEASE U.S. Customs House/Pioneer Hall Ketchikan, AK
October 5, 2026
The restoration of the U.S. Customs House/Pioneer Hall continues with work scheduled for this fall/winter. A $50,000 Historic Preservation Fund grant was awarded by the National Park Service, Department of Interior through the Alaska Office of History and Archaeology. The City of Ketchikan Historic Commission is collaborating with the Ketchikan Pioneers of Alaska to complete the project.
Work consists of partial abatement of the interior of the building. During this project, hazardous materials including lead paint and asbestos, will be removed. Completion of this project will make way for structural repairs and installation of a new, historically appropriate cedar shingle roof.
The restoration of the U.S. Customs House/Pioneer Hall represents a major historic preservation project in the community. As the oldest building in town, the House/Hall as survived for 126 years and holds an incredible value to the community for its place in Ketchikan history.
Research indicates that the City of Ketchikan might not have been established in 1900 were it not for the opening of U.S. Customs House operations in this very building. In fact, rumor has it that if the builder, and Ketchikan Improvement Company member, Six Shooter Grant, had not built the House/Hall, the Customs operations would be located further north, probably in Loring, leaving Ketchikan to wither. In fact, according to newspaper articles at the time, there was considerable back and forth among the newly-forming city officials, the community of Loring and advocates wanting the Customs to remain on Mary Island.
Thankfully, Customs opened in downtown Ketchikan. With it came a plethora of ships and travelers through the community, some choosing to stay and prosper in the newly burgeoning town. It remained at this location from 1900 to 1907 when it moved operations to another town location. During this time, Customs records show shipboard traffic of people traveling to the gold fields in Nome, Skagway and Wrangell.
Today, our research shows that only three original circa 1900 U.S. Customs Houses remain in Alaska. Of the three, only the building in Ketchikan is in its original location and being actively used for community purposes, including history and cultural events.
We are grateful to the National Parks Service, Department of Interior for its invaluable support of the project, and that of the community of Ketchikan to help restore the building. The Hall will continue to be a center of community gatherings for years to come.

CONTACT: Samantha Forsko, Museum Director 907-228-5705

10/01/2026

Interesting program...
https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1Dd3KoKxVT/

09/03/2026

https://savingplaces.org/11-most-nominations

Do you know of an important site across the country that could benefit from the national spotlight? Learn more about the history of the America's 11 Most Endangered Historic Places program and details about the nomination process.

08/29/2026

08/28/2026

https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1Byfb4Lqjy/?mibextid=wwXIfr

08/15/2026

WE'RE $1,500 AWAY FROM FUNDING OUR 2026 PRESERVATION GRANT!
Each year, Preservation Alaska offers a $2,500 matching grant to one of the properties named to our Ten Most Endangered Historic Properties list.

This year, one generous donor has already given $1,000 specifically toward the grant. Now we need your help to raise the remaining $1,500 so we can make the full award.

If you receive an Alaska Permanent Fund Dividend, there is still time to help through Pick.Click.Give.

You can add to or increase your Pick.Click.Give. donation through August 31.

Already designated a gift to Preservation Alaska? Even increasing it by $25, $50 or $100 will help move us closer to our goal.

Haven't made a designation yet? We would be grateful if you would consider supporting Preservation Alaska and the work of preserving Alaska's historic places.

Simply log in to My PFD Status at PFD.Alaska.gov, open your dividend application, and follow the steps to add or increase your Pick.Click.Give. contribution.

Our historic places cannot be replaced once they are gone.
Help us raise the final $1,500 and keep this preservation grant available in 2026.

Not an Alaska PFD recipient? You can still help us reach our goal!
Make a direct donation to our Ten Most Endangered Historic Properties Grant Program:
Help Us Raise the Remaining $1,500 https://tinyurl.com/55y2ac9n

Whether you give through Pick.Click.Give. or make a direct donation, every gift moves us closer to being able to award the full $2,500 matching grant this year.