Thanks for 5 Years of Wrangell History

Written By Ronan Rooney
 
 
 
 

Five years ago this month, I released my first podcast episode and officially began this journey as an amateur historian. Here’s what it means to me.

 

Reflections on Five Years

To celebrate 5 years of Wrangell History Unlocked, I had the pleasure of being interviewed on Talk on the Rock by KSTK News Director Colette Czarnecki. It was a fun and thoughtful conversation that made me reflect on everything this project has become.

This experience has been humbling in the best of ways. I’ve had the chance to meet truly remarkable people, reconnect with old friends and family, and reach a younger generation—many of whom now know my name, if only in passing.

Looking back, I’m incredibly grateful. Here’s a little of what the past five years have held:

A beautiful, sunny spent blissfully among old newspaper clippings in an archive.

I’ve let this project grow slowly and organically, and I think it’s still evolving. Most days, it means long hours reading old newspapers and records, clipping sources, and trying to make sense of the past. No story is ever truly finished—new information can always change the picture.

Over the years, I’ve had the honor of being interviewed by the Wrangell Sentinel, KSTK News, the Juneau Empire, and Stikine Stories. I’ve also been invited to speak at:

  • 2022 – Sharing Our Knowledge Conference

  • 2023 – St. Philip’s Episcopal Church

  • 2024 – Oregon Historical Society

  • 2024 – Ketchikan Public Library, co-hosted by Tongass Historical Museum

Ronan Rooney standing with the directors of the American Association for State and Local History, holding his Award of Excellence.

In September 2023, I was deeply honored to receive the AASLH Award for State and Local History for the Star of Bengal series—thanks in no small part to Dr. Katie Ringsmuth. My wife and I attended the award ceremony in Boise, Idaho. That framed certificate on my wall is more than just a keepsake; it’s a reminder of an unforgettable moment.

One of the most touching experiences came after the Star of Bengal series was released. Bob Kennedy reached out to share an audio recording of his grandfather, James Kennedy, recounting the night the ship was lost. To bring James’s words to life, I asked my friend John Schenk—his great-great-grandson—to read the lines. That connection across time and family is exactly what makes history feel so alive.

Ronan Rooney standing with a sign advertising his Star of Bengal presentation in Ketchikan, Alaska.

I’m especially thankful to Peter Metcalfe, who invited me to speak at Sharing Our Knowledge in 2022. That talk on the origins of Christianity at St. Philip’s was an adrenaline rush I won’t forget. I’ve since spoken about podcasting at the Oregon Historical Society, virtually addressed the Alaska Society for Historical Preservation, shared Wrangell’s stories with teens through Stikine Stories, and gave a Star of Bengal presentation in Ketchikan.

Ronan Rooney speaking at the U.S. Army’s apology for the 1869 bombardment of Ḵaachx̱ana.áakʼw. (photo credit: Sumi Angerman)

But the greatest honor of all came in January 2025, when I was invited to speak at the U.S. Army’s official apology for the Bombardment of Wrangell. Standing behind Mike Hoyt as he spoke about the event’s history was incredibly moving. After missing so many important moments in Wrangell over the years, it felt meaningful to be present for this one. In the program, they listed me as: Ronan Rooney, Historian. It was the first time I’d ever seen that title in print.

Throughout all of this, I’ve had the pleasure of connecting with other historians, including Pat Neal, who generously gave me ownership of wrangellhistory.com. To everyone who has helped shape this project: thank you. Especially to the audience—you’ve made this possible. Your encouragement, shares, reposts, and word-of-mouth support have been everything.

Looking Ahead

There are encouraging signs of Wrangell’s ongoing story: the Killer Whale Totem once again stands in its rightful place, the Fire Department sign is back, and there’s now a Star of Bengal memorial. Wrangell’s past is part of its future.

As for me, I plan to keep going—through the podcast, the website, or whatever form this work takes next. History is fluid, expansive, and always open to new interpretation. I hope in some way, this work contributes to sustaining and strengthening Wrangell.

In the future, I’d like to share more about who I am. The voice of the narrator has its place, but eventually, people want to understand the person behind it.

I try to stay grounded in what I can realistically manage. I’m still a working dad, with a wife and two kids, and that balance shapes everything I do.

On a recent visit to Wrangell, I was joking with my friend Andrew about the ring of master keys he carries on his belt. “You have real responsibilities,” I told him. “I get to take my sweet time. Nobody’s counting on me to keep the lights on.” This pace suits me just fine.

Creating history has been a full-circle moment. I’ve always loved Alaska’s story, and Wrangell’s role in it is one I’ve tried to elevate. I’ve long believed Wrangell helped define Alaska, even if it’s often overlooked in the broader narratives. I’m just trying to do my part to tell its story.

Thank you for being part of it.

— Ronan Rooney

 

To listen to my Talk on the Rock interview, click here!

 
 
Ronan Rooney
Next

Presidential Passage: Warren G. Harding in Wrangell