Dr. Stephen Haycox, University of Alaska Anchorage distinguished professor of history, will join Homer award-winning journalist and author Tom Kizzia to give a public presentation on “Seward: Alaska’s Indispensable Man” at 6:30 p.m. March 29 at the Kachemak Bay Campus of Kenai Peninsula College. This free program is offered in observance of “Seward’s Day,” Alaska’s annual commemoration of the purchase of Alaska from Russia on March 30, 1867. 

Haycox is professor emeritus in Alaska history and has written extensively on Alaska’s heritage.

Kizzia recently had published a review of the new biography of William H. Seward, the U.S. secretary of state who negotiated the purchase of Alaska.  The new book, by Walter Stahl, entitled Seward: Lincoln’s Indispensable Man, appeared in 2012 and reveals many new or little-known aspects of Seward’s role in the purchase, which took place 146 years ago.  

Discussion also will focus on the long-term impact of the purchase, as well as how it fit into the larger picture of the growth of the United States and anything else the audience wishes to explore.

The program is sponsored by KBC and KBC’s Campus Student Association. 

The public is invited. All are invited to discuss and engage in conversation. More information can be found at kpc.alaska.edu/KBC or phone number 235-1611.