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Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park To Showcase Jeff. Smiths Parlor Museum

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By NPT Staff - February 24th, 2016

The Jeff. Smiths Parlor before work was completed on the building's exterior/NPS

With restoration of the historic Jeff. Smiths Parlor Museum nearing completion, officials at Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Site in Alaska have scheduled an opening day celebration for May 6.

The parlor became famous in 1898 as base of operations for notorious swindler Jefferson "Soapy" Smith and his gang. In 1935, Martin Itjen converted the building into the “Jeff. Smiths Parlor Museum,” a homespun tourist attraction featuring animatronic mannequins and a wildlife diorama centered on two moose locked in combat, the Park Service notes. Skagway residents George and Edna Rapuzzi operated the tourist attraction in the mid-1960s and it was available in varying degrees to the public until George's death in 1986.

The building was donated to the park in 2008 by the Rasmuson Foundation as part of the Rapuzzi Collection, an array of 30,000 gold rush era objects, and five buildings. This spring's grand opening follows an eight-year restoration with original artifacts on display. The Jeff. Smiths Parlor is a noteworthy addition to the park as it represents not only gold rush history but also the development of early Alaskan tourism, the Park Service said in a release.

The celebration on May 6 will include a special dedication, a ribbon cutting ceremony, free tours, and more.

“This event will kickoff the National Park Service Centennial celebration for our park and exemplifies our mission of preserving America’s heritage for future generations,” says Superintendent Mike Tranel.

You can stay up to date on the evolving grand-opening schedule of events by checking this website from time to time.

Much-needed exterior work has the building now in good condition. Interior restoration is continuing/NPS

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