Ambiguity in an Alaskan History Theme Park: Presenting “History as Commodity” and “History as Heritage”

America's most northern history theme park has been located in Fairbanks, Alaska since 1967. This article focuses on the evolution of the Alaskaland/Pioneer Park: from a tourist attraction where Alaskan traditions of progress and boosterism ruled into a community park with a sincere concern for preserving the local past. Due to its origins, and in spite of decades of controversies, the park became an excellent example of “partnership” between public and private sectors which determine the park's profile and destination. The result is a popularized presentation of Fairbanks' early twentieth-century pioneer experience where historic authenticity and commercial activities co-exist harmoniously.