OPINION: Alaska’s story is worth preserving

Alaska was built through remarkable accomplishments and the leadership of its people. Alaska history is one of discovery, ingenuity and perseverance in the far North. ConocoPhillips Alaska is proud to help honor that heritage and support a project that tells Alaska’s story to inspire future generations.

Our company’s roots in Alaska span the turning points of state history. We saw the early discoveries of oil and gas in the Kenai Peninsula and Cook Inlet. Our acquired partners drilled the first well, striking oil at Swanson River in July 1957, helping further the case for Alaska statehood. We worked alongside Alaskans in the historic effort to build the Trans-Alaska Pipeline System. That perseverance continues today as we work with Alaska leaders to advance energy development on the North Slope.

Milestones like these do not happen on their own. They are achieved through a common purpose and the determined leadership of Alaskans — elected leaders, industry leaders, citizens and Indigenous leaders. Alaskans have faced unique challenges in building a prosperous society in the Last Frontier, and these stories should be told.

We are excited to partner with the Ted Stevens Foundation as a lead donor to preserve and share our state’s history through the Alaska Leaders Archive. Sen. Stevens’ decades of service touched so many aspects of life and public policy in Alaska. His legacy is encapsulated in his archives, which were gifted to the University of Alaska Anchorage in 2023 by the Ted Stevens Foundation.

The collection is one of the largest documented congressional collections in history. The archives reflect his profound commitment to key issues in Alaska and our nation, including energy, education, health care, communications, Indigenous rights for Alaska Natives, amateur sports, infrastructure, military, the Arctic and much more. His papers tell the story of our state and its people. They also present an opportunity to create something impactful for Alaska. Think about how the service of Sen. Stevens can inspire and inform future generations of students and Alaska leaders.

At ConocoPhillips Alaska, our mission is to “power civilization.” We accomplish this through energy resources and investing in the future. Preserving and sharing our state’s history empowers future generations and retains our unique Alaska identity. This project, located at the UAA/APU Consortium Library, will preserve the historical records of Ted Stevens and more than 130 Alaska leaders currently in the archives. More than just a repository for papers, the Alaska Leaders Archive will feature interactive opportunities for Alaskans to connect with the history that built our state. It will be a place where the legacy of Alaska’s past leaders can inform and prepare our state’s future leaders.

ConocoPhillips Alaska recognizes the incredible value of preserving Alaska’s history. We are proud to contribute a lead gift for the Alaska Leaders Archive, which will be open to the public. We encourage everyone to explore this project for yourself and discover ways you can get involved. Together, we can honor our past and inspire future generations.

Erec Isaacson is the president of ConocoPhillips Alaska. He first moved to Alaska in 2006, where he first held the role of manager of Alaska exploration. He assumed his current position in January 2021. A native of Colorado, Isaacson earned a Bachelor of Science degree in geophysical engineering from the Colorado School of Mines in 1986. Isaacson is currently chair of the Alaska Oil & Gas Association board.

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