Photo description: Last year, “Taking Flight” was unveiled at the Anchorage Museum during a gathering of partners, past and present Rasmuson Foundation staff and board members, and members of the Rasmuson family.

Taking Flight is a quiet landmark in downtown Anchorage; for us, it’s a favorite spot.  Shaped like the wing of a plane, the art installation sits in the shade of the Anchorage Museum lawn. The bench was installed in honor of our late board chair Ed Rasmuson. It is a place to pause and reflect on the power of community.

This summer, on two sunny afternoons, we invited community members to sit and share what they love about Alaska.

At Rasmuson Foundation, we believe that helping others is an Alaska tradition. It is a value that Ed’s father, Elmer, instilled in all of us. That spirit of giving keeps us grounded in Alaska and is part of the reason we love this place so deeply.

To celebrate the Foundation’s 70th anniversary, we sat down with our neighbors to learn more about what makes Alaska feel like home.

Some spoke about the land—mountains, rivers, and the places that ground them. Others shared stories about family, cultural identity, and the warmth of communities that show up in hard times.

We believe a sense of belonging and being part of something greater than yourself is worth celebrating. It is what fuels our mission and shapes how we invest, connect, and convene across the state.

Thank you to everyone who joined us. We invite you to explore their stories below.