‘Why Seward?’ discussion begins on Founders’ Day
Resurrection Bay Historical Society
Seward pioneers land on the shore of Resurrection Bay on Aug. 25, 1903.
A community discussion, titled “Why Seward?” What brought us here and why we stay,” will be held by Seward Community Library Museum in celebration of Founder’s Day from 6:15-9 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 28 in the library basement. The event is one of the series of events planned to commemorate the Incorporation of the City of Seward Centennial.
According to Mary Barry’s “History of Seward Volume I: Prehistory to 1914,” John Ballaine declared on Aug. 28, 1903 as the proper birthdate for Seward. “The following day we organized a temporary government by mass meeting… to maintain a safe, law-abiding community.”
The Ballaine crew had a lot on their minds; foremost of which was preparing for winter. But settling in for the long haul to establish a community with businesses, streets and houses for families was their goal. Seward has come a long way since 1903 and spread far from the shores of Resurrection Bay. Local businesses and homes are found from Lowell Point to Bear Creek and beyond. Yet the community has an opportunity to practice “government by mass meeting” — more commonly referred to today as deliberative democracy.
This Aug. 28 is planned as the first of a possible series of discussions dealing with issues of importance to the community and an extension of that mass meeting of 1903.
The discussion will be facilitated by Bill Hall, UAF Cooperative Extension Service Engagement Outreach Coordinator. Hall writes “…civic discourse or deliberative democracy, …is important as a method for creating the relationships that are the foundation of our society. Civic discourse is also important because it is the way we create knowledge — both personal and public. As a deliberative process, civic discourse is the way we make the personal, societal and economic choices that determine our futures.” Libraries are neutral spaces where citizens can participate in civic discourse and help guide their community’s future.
Seward Community Library Museum welcomes all citizens, young and old, residing within city limits and/or beyond, year-round resident or seasonal to participate in “Why Seward?”
Participants will gather for hearty refreshments at 6:15 p.m. in the library basement. Discussion begins at 6:30 p.m. and lasts until 9 p.m. Call 224-4082 for information.