The Edelmans: A family that helped shape Alaska
Message From Alicia Kresl, Executive Director, AGC of Alaska Meet the Match: A win through advocacy, partnership
From gold to oil to fishing, the legacy continues today EDITOR’S NOTE: Few families reflect the pioneering spirit of Alaska quite like the Edelmans. Their story spans gold pros- pecting, staking the first oil claim in Alaska, commercial fishing and generations of community involvement on the Kenai Penin- sula. Here is their story: The family’s Alaska roots begin with Edvin Jacobsen “Ed- win” Edelman, who was born in Porvoo, Finland, in 1856. Drawn by opportunity in the North, he arrived in Juneau in 1885 during Alaska’s early mining era. Like many newcom- ers, he sought his fortune in gold, prospecting throughout Southeast Alaska and later in Prince William Sound. In 1889, Edwin traveled to the Iliamna region, where he identified petroleum deposits near Oil Bay and Iniskin Bay. His claims are recognized as among the earliest attempts to develop Alaska’s oil resources, decades before petroleum became a cornerstone of the state’s economy. By the late 1890s, Edwin had settled around Cook Inlet. He sailed throughout the region and eventually made Ke- nai his home. There he married Domnina Oskolkoff, whose family reflected the blend of Native Alaskan and Russian heritage common in coastal communities of the era. Together they raised a large family that would become deeply connected to the history of Kenai, Seldovia and sur- rounding communities. Their children married into several well-known local families, including the Lund and Josefsen families, helping establish a network of descendants whose influence continues today. Among them was Nina Edelman, who married Carl John Lund and spent most of her life in Seldovia, where they raised eight children. Another daughter, Emma Edelman, became a familiar figure in the community after marrying Simon Josefsen. Through their families, the Edelman name became closely tied to the growth and development of Sel- dovia during the 20th century. Like many Alaska families, the Edelmans experienced both prosperity and hardship. One of the family’s most tragic losses came in 1951 when Pauline Edelman and her 11-year-old daughter, Jacqueline, died in a plane crash shortly after departing Seldovia. The accident deeply affect - ed the close-knit community. The next generation continued the family’s connection
A lliance Members and Friends: When Alaska entered fiscal year 2026 without the state match required to unlock fed- eral transportation dollars, the path forward wasn’t clear. AGC of Alaska stepped in to help find one, and launched its “Meet the Match” campaign. The public awareness effort brought industry, community partners and legislators together around a shared understanding of what was at stake: the jobs, roads and communities that depend on a healthy construction season and the funding that makes it possible. AGC members, Alliance mem- bers, local businesses, labor partners, chambers of commerce, economic development groups and community stakeholders all helped amplify the message that meeting the federal match is not simply a construction issue, it is an Alaska issue. It was an incred- ible show of support. Throughout the effort, AGC de -
months-long effort that kept the issue at the forefront of policy discussions and ultimately helped secure approval of the funding needed to keep Alaska’s transpor- tation program on track. Ulti- mately, the effort was a success and the match was, in fact, met. A big win for everyone. Meet the Match was a remind- er that effective advocacy is built on relationships, persistence and partnership. Together, we demonstrated the power of a united message and helped secure an outcome that will benefit Alas - ka for years to come. AGC and the Alliance will continue advocating for the in- vestments and policies needed to support long-term economic growth and opportunity for future generations of Alaskans. Thank you for helping us en- sure the match was met! Alicia Kresl is the Executive Director of the Associated General Contractors of Alaska
ployed a comprehensive strategy that included direct engagement with legislators, targeted com- munications, grassroots outreach, earned media and member mo- bilization. The campaign ensured lawmakers heard directly from those affected by transportation investment decisions, including employers, workers and commu- nity leaders who understand the real-world impacts of funding uncertainty. The result was a sustained,
Photo Courtesy Edelman Family
Edvin Jacobsen “Edwin” Edelman and his wife, Domnina Oskolkoff.
to Alaska’s maritime traditions. Edwin “Ed” Edelman Jr., born in Kenai in 1908, spent much of his life as a commer- cial fisherman. He remained active in community and Na - tive organizations while sharing his love of Alaska’s waters and outdoor lifestyle with future generations. Today, the Edelman family story stands as a reminder of the diverse people who helped build Alaska. From a Finnish immigrant prospector exploring a frontier territory to de- scendants who helped sustain coastal communities through fishing and public service, the family’s history mirrors the larger story of Southcentral Alaska. More than a century after Edwin Edelman first arrived in Alaska, his legacy lives on in the communities, families, and traditions that continue to shape the Kenai Peninsula.
Scan the QR code to learn more about Meet the Match and the importance of federal transportation funding in Alaska
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THE LINK: The Official Magazine of the Alaska Support Industry Alliance | SUMMER 2026
www.AlaskaAlliance.com
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