Alaskan Prospectors Society

Join the Anchorage Prospector's Society for an enlightening evening with Rod Perry, renowned Iditarod historian and Alaska musher, as he delves into "How the Gold Rush Era Iditarod Trail Came to Be." This presentation, the first in a three-part series, will explore the fascinating origins of the iconic trail that shaped Alaska's history and the legendary sled dog race.
Rod Perry brings unparalleled expertise to the discussion. As one of only six surviving participants who competed in the inaugural 1973 Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race—a true plunge into the unknown akin to a modern Lewis and Clark expedition—he offers firsthand insights into the trail's pioneering spirit. In 1979, he was appointed by President Jimmy Carter's Secretary of the Interior, Cecil Andrus, to the inaugural Iditarod National Historic Trail Advisory Council. Rod is also the author of the authoritative two-volume series TRAILBREAKERS: Pioneering Alaska’s Iditarod, with Volume I specifically chronicling the gold rush era origins of the trail.
As one of just three individuals remaining who can recount the full, behind-the-scenes story of the race's birth from personal involvement, Rod's perspective is irreplaceable. He co-founded the Iditarod Official Finishers Club (IOFC) and designed its iconic embroidered emblem, and he also co-founded the Yukon Quest sled dog race. Today, he serves on the Board of Directors for the Anchorage Mushing District as its official Historical Interpreter.
Don't miss this opportunity to hear from a living legend and gain a deeper appreciation for Alaska's mushing heritage. The event takes place on January 6th at 7:00 PM—mark your calendars and join us for an unforgettable journey through history!

Join the Anchorage Prospector's Society for an enlightening evening with Rod Perry, renowned Iditarod historian and Alaska musher, as he delves into "How the Race over the Trail was Born." This presentation, the second in a three-part series, will explore the fascinating origins of the iconic trail that shaped Alaska's history and the legendary sled dog race.

Rod Perry brings unparalleled expertise to the discussion. As one of only six surviving participants who competed in the inaugural 1973 Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race—a true plunge into the unknown akin to a modern Lewis and Clark expedition—he offers firsthand insights into the trail's pioneering spirit. In 1979, he was appointed by President Jimmy Carter's Secretary of the Interior, Cecil Andrus, to the inaugural Iditarod National Historic Trail Advisory Council. Rod is also the author of the authoritative two-volume series TRAILBREAKERS: Pioneering Alaska’s Iditarod, with Volume I specifically chronicling the gold rush era origins of the trail.

As one of just three individuals remaining who can recount the full, behind-the-scenes story of the race's birth from personal involvement, Rod's perspective is irreplaceable. He co-founded the Iditarod Official Finishers Club (IOFC) and designed its iconic embroidered emblem, and he also co-founded the Yukon Quest sled dog race. Today, he serves on the Board of Directors for the Anchorage Mushing District as its official Historical Interpreter.

Don't miss this opportunity to hear from a living legend and gain a deeper appreciation for Alaska's mushing heritage. The event takes place on January 20th at 7:00 PM—mark your calendars and join us for an unforgettable journey through history!