Naske to speak to historical society

PALMER — Prominent Alaska historian and author Claus-M. Naske will speak at the Palmer Historical Society at 6:30 p.m., April 17 at the Palmer Public Library about his immigration to the U.S. from Germany.

Naske is the author and co-author of numerous books on politics and the history of Alaska. His book “Alaska: A History” is widely considered the gold standard work on this state. He will sign copies of his latest book “Alaska: A History,” third edition 2011.

During World War II, the Naske family tried unsuccessfully to flee Stettin, Pomerania in advance of Russian troops. In 1954, the German population was evicted from the province. His family walked across Germany to Goslar, in the Harz Mountains, where he attended school.

Naske immigrated to the U.S. from Germany and left Goslar in the ninth grade to start an apprenticeship of agricultural management in Palmer.

In January 1957, Claus moved to Fairbanks to attend the University of Alaska, graduating with two Bachelor of Arts degrees, in political science and history. He went on to earn his Master of Arts degree from the University of Michigan, returned to UAF as faculty in 1969, then went on to earn his doctorate from Washington State University in 1970.

The public is welcome, and the fun includes refreshments and door prizes.