In December 1976, members of the Cook Inlet Historical Society and the Anchorage Historical and Fine Arts Museum attended a private showing of the country's largest bas relief art project, four-years in the making. The twenty sculpted murals adorned the mezzanine of Anchorage’s Alaska Mutual Savings Banks on the corner of 5th and F. Guests received the book “A Parade of Alaska History”, written by Alaskan authors and historians, Herb and Miriam Hilscher, which recounts the events depicted in the panels created by well-known sculptors James Tapscott of Anchorage and John Svenson from California. These murals were intended to be a permanent and lasting contribution to Alaskans, visitors, and art of the Western world. Just thirteen years later, however, the fate of this monumental undertaking took a dramatic turn.

Jim Tapscott’s daughter, Lynn Maier, and the Hilscher’s daughter Hilary - who were classmates at West Anchorage High - will present their quest to see their parents’ legacy preserved. They’ll be joined by noted Alaskan bronze artist Pat Garley, who is skillfully restoring these exquisite murals to their original grandeur.

This is an event in the 2025-2026 Cook Inlet Historical Society Speaker Series. These presentations are virtual, free, and open to the public via Crowdcast; the same link can be used to review the recorded event after the program conclusion. Those attending in person should use the 7th Avenue entrance to access the auditorium.

Image: Bronze bas-relief panel, Treaty of Cession,” commemorating the signing of the Alaska Treaty of Cession by US Secretary of State William Henry Seward, March 30, 1867, that purchased Russian America. Photograph courtesy of Hilary Hilscher, Lynn Maier, and Pat Garley.

Anchorage Museum

Lite Year

Cook Inlet Historical Society Presents: The Quest to Restore and Display “A Parade of Alaska History,” the Country’s Largest Bas-Relief Art Project in 1976