About the Gastineau Channel Historical Society

Founded in 1956 and headquartered in Juneau, Alaska, the Gastineau Channel Historical Society (GCHS) is a non-profit organization that seeks to promote the history of the Gastineau Channel area, operate the Last Chance Mining Museum, and care for the Sentinel Island Lighthouse. The GCHS also seeks to promote the preservation of historic buildings, monuments, markers, and other historic edifices in the Gastineau Channel area. The GCHS produces newsletters, publications, and programs, as well as organizes activities and host of other events assocated with the history of the Gastineau Channel area.

Volunteering with GCHS

The GCHS’s activities, such as caring for the Sentinel Island Lighthouse or serving at the Last Chance Mining Museum, are often accomplished with the help of volunteers. Volunteers have long played a valuable role in the stewardship of Gastineau Channel area and we seek to work with individuals, community organizations, universities, and local businesses. If you would like to volunteer or learn more about what opportunities are available please contact the GCHS by phone at 1-907-586-5338 or by email at glrrlg 'at' alaska.net.

The Last Chance Mining Museum

The Gastineau Channel Historical Society also operates the Last Chance Mining Museum located at Juneau, Alaska. The Museum is located in the former Alaska Juneau Gold Mining Company’s historic Compressor Building, which was used by the mining company from 1912 until 1944. Concerning displays and what you can expect when visiting the Museum, visitors will encounter one of the world's largest mining air compressors, a host of industrial mining tools and artifacts associated with hard rock gold mining, as well as electric locomotives and rail cars which hauled men to the mine and ore to the mill. Access to the Museum is via a short hike up a scenic hill on a trail of uneven terrain, but is well worth the effort. The Museum is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and Alaska Gold Rush Properties. The Museum is open daily from mid May to late September from 9:30 am to 12:30 pm, then from 3:00 pm to 6:30 pm. The admission fee is $4. For additional information about the Museum or about visiting the Museum, contact the Last Chance Mining Museum at 907-586-5338 or glrrlg@alaska.net, or by mail at 1001 Basin Road, Juneau, AK 99801.

Sentinel Island Lighthouse Transferred to GCHS

The Gastineau Channel Historical Society has been caring for the Sentinel Island Lighthouse since 1998. In 2004 official ownership of the Sentinel Island Lighthouse was transferred to the Gastineau Channel Historical Society under the National Historic Lighthouse Preservation Act of 2000 (for press releases about this click here or here). The lighthouse dates back to 1902 and is situated on the north end of Sentinel Island on a 6.5 acres lot, and features an art deco lighthouse, shop, boat house, dock, and tramway. During this time the Society has been working to preserve, protect, and restore the lighthouse to its original glory. The Society organizes annual member trips to Sentinel Island to clean and repair parts of this important Gastineau Channel treasure. Upon advanced request, the Society can arrange overnight stays and/or helicopter or boat tours to enjoy the spectacular views of the Gastineau Channel and the lighthouse. For additional information about the Sentinel Island Lighthouse or about visiting the lighthouse, contact the Gastineau Channel Historical Society at 907-586-5338 or glrrlg@alaska.net.