Betty and John Venables pose with U.S. Senator Mark Begich, center.
Rik Pruett of KATH-TV films John Venables during his recent visit to Washington D.C. to present his history program, "The Journey to Statehood: Celebrating the 50th Anniversary of Alaska Statehood."
Story last updated at 11/4/2009 - 12:22 pm
In honor of the 50th anniversary of Alaska Statehood, several Alaskans traveled to Washington D.C. to celebrate Alaska Day last month.
Historical reenactor and storyteller John Venables presented "The Journey to Statehood: Celebrating the 50th Anniversary of Alaska Statehood" at the Mary Pickford Theater in the James Madison Building at the Library of Congress. The program had Venables dressed as William Henry Seward, Judge James Wickersham and U. S. Senator E. L. "Bob" Bartlett while telling stories of Alaska's journey to statehood.
While in Washington, a warm welcome was received from U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski and U.S. Senator Mark Begich. Each Senator gave special thanks to the group for its efforts to promote awareness of Alaska Day in the 50th Anniversary of Alaska Statehood.
Venables said a highlight of the trip was having his picture taken in the Rotunda of the U. S Capitol next to statues of Bob Bartlett and Ernest Gruening.
