HB 259-ESTABLISHING ALASKA HISTORY WEEK 8:23:22 AM CHAIR LYNN announced that the last order of business was HOUSE BILL NO. 259, "An Act establishing the first week of every March as Alaska History Week." 8:23:45 AM REPRESENTATIVE ANNA FAIRCLOUGH, Alaska State Legislature, presented HB 259 as prime sponsor. She said the bill proposes that the state recognize the first week of March as Alaska History [Week]. Representative Fairclough reported that for many years, Alaskans have participated in the National History Day program, which she stated is the largest history education program in the nation, with over 700,000 students and 40,000 teachers participating annually. In Alaska, she said, approximately 3,000 students and 50 teachers participate annually. Representative Fairclough concluded, "We're hoping to bring recognition day to Alaska so that we can join the rest of the nation in the celebration and recognize Alaska's heritage and our rich culture." 8:24:42 AM REPRESENTATIVE ROSES expressed his support of the HB 259. 8:25:02 AM REPRESENTATIVE FAIRCLOUGH, in response to Chair Lynn, explained a pin she wore showing a wooly mammoth. 8:25:32 AM REPRESENTATIVE COGHILL said he likes the idea of having a week [dedicated to appreciation of Alaska's history], and he said he would one day like to see a whole curriculum offered. He asked Representative Fairclough to describe what she imagines would be the venue of an Alaska History Week. REPRESENTATIVE FAIRCLOUGH responded that there is a national participation framework, in which research papers are submitted, exhibits put up, performances offered, and web sites built. She noted that the Anchorage School District has sent a letter of support for the bill, as well as Southcentral Foundation, and she said there would be no mandate that would add any additional responsibilities to any of the school districts. REPRESENTATIVE COGHILL said it would be interesting to find out more about the process, because he would like to encourage participation. 8:27:42 AM REPRESENTATIVE FAIRCLOUGH, in response to Representative Doll, said the bill sets up language in statute to promote history and awareness throughout the state. 8:28:25 AM REPRESENTATIVE COGHILL asked why this legislation was being proposed by statute, rather than by resolution. REPRESENTATIVE FAIRCLOUGH replied: History, in itself, is something that's perpetual and is recognized. I mean, we recognize on an annual basis Sexual Assault Awareness month - that's what I'm most closely affiliated with - and so, someone has to bring that forward every year - which is a good thing, to make sure that you recognize it. But history is so much of our foundation, that it seems codifying it and placing it in statute is an appropriate celebration of that. 8:28:56 AM REPRESENTATIVE JOHANSEN said he thinks highlighting the history of Alaska is an excellent idea. He said there are so many people flowing into the major population centers that have no idea what the history of Alaska is, and he said it bothers him that there is no focus on the state's history, which is unique. CHAIR LYNN concurred. 8:29:57 AM REPRESENTATIVE COGHILL moved to report HB 259 out of committee with individual recommendations and the accompanying fiscal notes. There being no objection, HB 259 was reported out of the House State Affairs Standing Committee. 8:30:29 AM REPRESENTATIVE FAIRCLOUGH said she would appreciate any co- sponsorship of the bill, if any of the House State Affairs Standing Committee members would be so inclined.