If there’s someone in your life who could use a little inspiration or support, consider writing them a letter of thanks or encouragement in honor of Dr. Walter Soboleff this November. Stop by the Juneau-Douglas City Museum for a free notecard, U.S. postage, and an insert honoring and remembering Soboleff, which can be included with your letter.
In 2014, House Bill 217 was signed into law by the 28th Alaska Legislature, second session, “an act establishing November 14 each year as Dr. Walter Soboleff Day.”
Soboleff (Nov. 14, 1908 – May 22, 2011) was an influential member of the Juneau community and throughout the state of Alaska. Of Tlingit and Russian-German descent, he contributed to many organizations, including serving in all of the offices at Grand Camp ANB, participating in the Juneau Lions Club, teaching Alaska Native Cultural Studies at the University of Alaska Fairbanks, serving in the Alaska National Guard, and his lifetime avocation as Presbyterian pastor for the Juneau Memorial Church and as a traveling preacher. He spent his life working with people, with the goal of higher education, self-respect, spiritual values, tolerance and equality.
Those who knew him remember his frequent handwritten notes and cards. Through this simple act of recognition and caring, Juneau-Douglas City Museum invites you to send someone a note of encouragement this November in his honor. As Soboleff once said, “When you give, feel good about it.”
