Timeline/History
The timeline/history of Wrangell Mariners' Memorial is being worked on. Stay tuned!
Were you part of past discussions/planning of the memorial? We would love to hear from you as we work to piece together it's very important history!
Were you part of past discussions/planning of the memorial? We would love to hear from you as we work to piece together it's very important history!
2005 - 2007
WHS Seniors begin discussions with City of Wrangell for a proposal to build a Wrangell Mariners' Memorial. One of our more unique shows of support happened in April 2007 following the loss of a Commercial Fisherman from Wrangell. A high school senior who had worked for the fisherman chose as his community service project fund raising for a memorial. He talked with all the elementary students in town and asked them to donate a quarter and sign a petition in support of the project. While the money raised in an event like this may seem small it really shows the breadth of the community support.
2012
The concept of a memorial in Wrangell started at least 30 years ago and developed sporadically over time. The latest push came in 2012 when a group of Wrangell residents came to the Wrangell Port Commission, an elected advisory body of the City of Wrangell, and asked them to facilitate choosing a location and a design for a memorial. Many open workshops were held over two years with public input and suggestions for both location and concept.
At the end of this process a location for the memorial was chosen that is adjacent to the newest harbor in Wrangell, Heritage Harbor, named for its close proximity to Native burial grounds in Wrangell and adjacent to the original cemetery. Waterfront location and the likelihood of maintaining the waterfront location over time as Wrangell changes and a quiet, peaceful location were the qualities that made this a good choice. The feedback from the community since has been extremely positive.
2017
WMM, Inc started in the Summer of 2017 asking individual, businesses and organizations to become supporting members of the project.
Wrangell Mariners' Memorial has a newly formed Board/Committee. The Board's first area of focus is to attain non-profit, tax-exempt status, which they were successful at. The Board consists of President, Jenn Miller, Vice President, John Martin, Treasurer, Brennon Eagle, Member, Gig Decker, and Member, John Yeager.
2018
In December of 2018 WMM, Inc signed a 30 year lease for a nominal sum with the City and Borough of Wrangell that gives use of the land to the us to develop and maintain a memorial. Wrangell Mariners' Memorial Board worked to fund-raise and gain memberships. We held two community wide fund raising events in 2018 with food available and various auctions items available for purchase. Over 200 people participated between the 2 events and over $17,000 was raised. Over 100 runners have participated in events that we have partnered with Southeast Beasts to sponsor, these runs have seen the highest number runners in Southeast Beasts events.
A website was launched, two events were held, and t-shirts with original logos were ordered. A sign was placed at the site that was crafted by WHS Art Department under the supervision of Ms. Anne Luetkemeyer. The WMM continues to take memberships and works on securing larger amounts of funding to start the project.
2019
The hope was to break ground by spring of 2019, we were able to reach this goal with the generous support of one of our local contractors.
WHS Seniors begin discussions with City of Wrangell for a proposal to build a Wrangell Mariners' Memorial. One of our more unique shows of support happened in April 2007 following the loss of a Commercial Fisherman from Wrangell. A high school senior who had worked for the fisherman chose as his community service project fund raising for a memorial. He talked with all the elementary students in town and asked them to donate a quarter and sign a petition in support of the project. While the money raised in an event like this may seem small it really shows the breadth of the community support.
2012
The concept of a memorial in Wrangell started at least 30 years ago and developed sporadically over time. The latest push came in 2012 when a group of Wrangell residents came to the Wrangell Port Commission, an elected advisory body of the City of Wrangell, and asked them to facilitate choosing a location and a design for a memorial. Many open workshops were held over two years with public input and suggestions for both location and concept.
At the end of this process a location for the memorial was chosen that is adjacent to the newest harbor in Wrangell, Heritage Harbor, named for its close proximity to Native burial grounds in Wrangell and adjacent to the original cemetery. Waterfront location and the likelihood of maintaining the waterfront location over time as Wrangell changes and a quiet, peaceful location were the qualities that made this a good choice. The feedback from the community since has been extremely positive.
2017
WMM, Inc started in the Summer of 2017 asking individual, businesses and organizations to become supporting members of the project.
Wrangell Mariners' Memorial has a newly formed Board/Committee. The Board's first area of focus is to attain non-profit, tax-exempt status, which they were successful at. The Board consists of President, Jenn Miller, Vice President, John Martin, Treasurer, Brennon Eagle, Member, Gig Decker, and Member, John Yeager.
2018
In December of 2018 WMM, Inc signed a 30 year lease for a nominal sum with the City and Borough of Wrangell that gives use of the land to the us to develop and maintain a memorial. Wrangell Mariners' Memorial Board worked to fund-raise and gain memberships. We held two community wide fund raising events in 2018 with food available and various auctions items available for purchase. Over 200 people participated between the 2 events and over $17,000 was raised. Over 100 runners have participated in events that we have partnered with Southeast Beasts to sponsor, these runs have seen the highest number runners in Southeast Beasts events.
A website was launched, two events were held, and t-shirts with original logos were ordered. A sign was placed at the site that was crafted by WHS Art Department under the supervision of Ms. Anne Luetkemeyer. The WMM continues to take memberships and works on securing larger amounts of funding to start the project.
2019
The hope was to break ground by spring of 2019, we were able to reach this goal with the generous support of one of our local contractors.
2020
Here we are near the beginning of April digging for concrete prep. Things are still happening at the Wrangell Mariners’ Memorial site!
Here we are near the beginning of April digging for concrete prep. Things are still happening at the Wrangell Mariners’ Memorial site!
Ready to pour concrete for the walls! Pavilion and two walls coming up later this spring/early summer.
Pouring concrete today!
Concrete poured! Ladies and gentleman, we have foundations!
Huge shout out to Brett, Russ, Brennon and teams. Another step closer to Wrangell Mariners’ Memorial!
Huge shout out to Brett, Russ, Brennon and teams. Another step closer to Wrangell Mariners’ Memorial!
Gazebo is going up! Cement foundations for two walls done!
It’s taking shape!
More progress at the Memorial!
Have you been meaning to become a donor, or interested in finding out more? Become on donor here.
Have you been meaning to become a donor, or interested in finding out more? Become on donor here.