Writing letters of encouragement and gratitude in honor of Dr. Walter Soboleff

During the month of November, the Juneau-Douglas City Museum and Juneau Public Libraries will provide free note cards, U.S. postage, and an insert honoring the late Dr. Walter Soboleff to use for writing letters of encouragement and gratitude to someone in your life.

Dr. Walter Soboleff (November 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 Alaska Native Brotherhood, participating in the Juneau Lions Club, teaching 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. In 2014, HB217 was signed into law by the 28th Alaska State Legislature, 2nd session, “an act establishing November 14 each year as Dr. Walter Soboleff Day”.

Throughout his long life, Dr. Walter Soboleff encouraged others with recognition and kindness. Those who knew him remember his frequent handwritten notes and cards. Through this simple act of recognition and caring, the Juneau-Douglas City Museum invites community members to send someone a note of encouragement this November in his honor. As Dr. Soboleff once said, “When you give, feel good about it.”

Note cards, inserts, and stamps may be picked up at the City Museum between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays in November. As an additional complimentary service, the Museum will mail completed cards.

(Photograph courtesy of Sealaska Heritage Institute)