Alaska Trooper Museum – Anchorage, Alaska
Have you ever given thought to what it must be like to be a State Trooper in a region as vast and rugged as Alaska? The Museum will take you back to the time when the Alaska Highway Patrol was formed in 1941. It went through a series of name changes from the Alaska Territorial Police in 1953, to the Alaska State Police in 1959 (following statehood) and finally the Alaska State Troopers in 1967.
The Alaska State Troopers are responsible for both criminal and traffic law enforcement in Alaska. This is because of the remoteness of so many areas of the state and lack of local government.
The Museum tells the story of the Troopers in this unusual, rugged and far-flung jurisdiction of Alaska.
Some of the exhibits you will find at the museum include information on the first serial killer in Alaska. The guys name was Ed Krause who preyed on unattached men in southeast Alaska. He was an army deserter who left his regiment in China and came to Alaska. He even ran for the Territorial Legislature in 1912 as a prominent socialist. He was convicted of murder in 1917. He was also suspected of murdering at least 8 other men between 1912 and 1915. He was sentenced to death by hanging but broke out of jail two days before the scheduled execution. He was killed by a homesteader on Admiralty Island several days after his escape when he arrived there in a stolen skiff.
You will see some of the uniforms that were worn by the police early in their time. You can also see the 1951 Hudson Hornet which has been restored. The Hudson was a fabulous handling car, easy ride, lots of power and perfect for those days when you were sitting in a car for a long time while working. Then of course you can see the patches and insignias from law enforcement agencies from every state. They are arranged so you can find your state’s patches easily.
Think about the technology of today and then compare it to what was used years ago. The antique radios, communications devices, handcuffs and leg irons are on display for you to see.
The Museum is FREE to visit.
Open: 10 – 4 M-F and 12 noon to 4 on Saturdays. Closed the usual holidays and state designated holidays.
Location: 245 West 5th Ave, Anchorage, A
K 99501
Phone: 907-279-5050 or 800-770-5050
Email: contactus@alaskatroopermuseum.com
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