Students

Janine Dorsey

Northern Studies was the closest I could get to a Master's program in Alaska History, but I never dreamed it would bring me this close to history! Here I am standing inside the subject of my Master's thesis--the historic Fairbanks Coal Bunkers. This magnificent structure was recently the focus of a massive historic preservation effort. Shortly after this photograph was taken, more than one hundred volunteers joined forces to save the Bunkers. Using big cranes, giant forklifts, and lots of ingenuity, they moved the Bunkers across the road in sections, out of the way of the business expansion that threatened them. I spent my summer at the Bunkers, chronicling all aspects of the dramatic move with camera and notebook.

My thesis research has opened up a host of exciting opportunities--I've interviewed fascinating local folks, met historians from around Alaska, conducted research at several archives, designed a museum display, tracked down related structures on the East coast, and presented slide shows and lectures. I can't say enough for the great professors in Northern Studies, the super resources at the UAF library and archives, and the warmth of the Fairbanks community. I hope to finish my Master's thesis in the next few months and then go on for a Ph.D.