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Alaska's First Gentleman Todd Palin opened the doors of the Governor's House on Saturday to host five former first ladies and honor their contributions to the state.

Former first ladies Neva Egan, Ermalee Hickel, Bella Hammond, Susan Knowles and Nancy Murkowski met with Gov. Sarah Palin and her family, former residence managers, and some Juneau residents for a luncheon and reception to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Alaska statehood.

"It's just an honor for all of us to be a part of this house's history," Todd Palin said. "It's an honor for me and my family to be here and just listen to their stories and what they've done to this house."

Also honored at the gathering were former residence managers Connie Moss and Karen Newton.

The gathering was an opportunity to look back on the many fond memories of living in the Governor's Mansion, Knowles said. There is a lot of history associated with the residence of Alaska's first family, she said.

"We all, I think, treasure the time we spent here and the sense we had that we were part of the history of ... a very special building in Alaska," she said. "There's so much symbolism associated with the building and so many memories of events, families, you name it."

Knowles said being in the Governor's Mansion again brought back two kind of memories from the eight years she called it home.

"One is, you know, a lot of the projects I had at the house in terms of painting this or covering that, hosting events, things like that," she said. "But probably more importantly, just the strong family memories. I can visualize my kids and the slumber parties they would have here in the ball room here."

Hickel said she has a lot of great memories from her time living in the residence.

"We had some great gatherings of people, sharing the house with others, which was very nice," she said.

One of those guests included famed aviator Charles Lindbergh when he visited in 1969. Saturday's event also gave her the opportunity for another dance in the ballroom with former Gov. Walter Hickel.

"It just feels really good to be back," she said.

Knowles said the former first ladies all share a certain type of connection.

"It's a bond that we all share, that we've had a similar life experience," she said.

"To be here with all the other former first ladies is really a treat," said Nancy Murkowski.

The occasion was a nice opportunity for the former first ladies to reminisce and share stories about their times in the Governor's House, she said. There was one topic that was not discussed, she added.

"We've not said one word about politics," Murkowski said.

"I was telling bear stories earlier today," Hammond said laughing.

Capital City Celebrations, a group of volunteers coordinating statehood anniversary events in Juneau, helped organize Saturday's gathering of first ladies. Chairman Kathy Hildre said they wanted to bring the former first ladies and the present first gentleman together to share their experiences.

"I think the wives all had a special part," she said. "They volunteered a lot in the community. They did things for people in the community and the state. They all have their uniqueness about them."

Todd Palin said the former first ladies have played an important role in the state and have championed numerous causes over the years, from combating underage drinking to breast cancer.

"They're such an awesome part of Alaska's history, and it amazes me to think of the history that was made in this house," Gov. Sarah Palin said.

Hildre said she hopes the gathering of former first ladies, which was filmed by KTOO, will be remembered when Alaska celebrates the 100th anniversary of statehood.

"I think it's grand that we have the opportunity to bring this whole group together and be able to visit with them and share their experiences and what they're doing, and how they feel about statehood," she said.

Murkowski said it's hard to believe that the 50th anniversary of Alaska statehood is coming up on Jan. 2.

"It's so important to make the rest of the Unites States realize, my gosh, it's only 50 years since our statehood and we're still trying to catch up in a lot of areas," she said. "They don't realize that because they're so much older than we are."

Knowles also said it is hard to believe the state of Alaska is only 50 years old.

"In some ways it seems, 'Gosh, it's already 50 years,' because we are such a young state. And then on the other hand it's like, 'We're only 50?'"

Todd Palin said the anniversary is an exciting milestone for the state.

"It's just a great time for Alaska and Alaskans," he said.

• Contact reporter Eric Morrison at 523-2269 or eric.morrison@juneauempire.com.