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Seward’s Day

Discover Seward's Day! Commemorating the bold move of 1867, which grew our nation and celebrated every last Monday in March in Alaska.

Monday

March 2027

Last updated February 7, 2026 · by the Holiday Calendar Team

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YEARLY DATELast Monday in March

OBSERVED INUnited States

CATEGORYCulture

SUBCATEGORYCivics

INTRO

Introduction

PHOTO

Get ready to delve into some fascinating history this Seward's Day on March 25! Named after the then-secretary of State, William H. Seward, this legal holiday is celebrated with plenty of vigor in the wonderful U.S. state of Alaska. Seward, known for his decisive action, negotiated the Alaska Purchase treaty and made it official on March 30, 1867. Talk about a significant purchase! This savvy negotiation saw Alaska, a land of majestic wildlife and scenic landscapes, become an integral part of our nation. So, let's appreciate Seward's foresight every last Monday in March and celebrate the expansion of our nation!

TIMELINE

Seward’s Day Timeline

Alaska Purchase Treaty

The Alaska Purchase treaty was signed on March 30, 1867, which led to the Alaska territory being sold from Russia to the United States.

Alaska Becomes Territory

On July 7, 1912, Alaska officially became an organized incorporated territory of the United States.

Statehood for Alaska

After lengthy lobbying efforts, Alaska was admitted as the 49th state of the United States on January 3, 1959.

First Seward’s Day Celebration

On the centennial of the Alaska Purchase treaty, the first Seward's Day was celebrated in Alaska to commemorate the historic event.

Record-breaking Seward's Day Event

In 2019, a record number of Alaskans turn out to celebrate Seward's Day, enjoying festivities including historical reenactments, presentations, and local food specialties.

GET INVOLVED

How to Celebrate Seward’s Day

Visit the Alaska State Museum

To fully appreciate Seward's Day, pay a visit to the Alaska State Museum in Juneau. This museum offers a comprehensive history of the state, and is a great way to understand the historical significance of Seward's purchase.

HOST

Host an Alaskan-themed party

Celebrating Seward's Day could be as simple as hosting a party that honors Alaskan culture. Serve traditional Alaskan food, invite guests to dress in Alaskan attire, and play Alaskan music.

TAKE

Take a virtual tour of Russia

Alaska was purchased from Russia, so what better way to celebrate than by immersing yourself in Russian culture? You can do this virtually these days - from taking a virtual tour of the Kremlin to learning some Russian recipes.

WRITE

Write an essay or create an art piece about William Seward

You can honor the historical significance of Seward's Day by writing an essay about William Seward, or creating a piece of visual art that celebrates his achievements. Share your completed work with friends, family, or even on your blog!

WATCH

Watch a documentary about the Alaska Purchase

Dive into history and learn more about the Alaska Purchase by watching a documentary on the topic. This could be followed by a discussion with friends or family to share what everyone has learned.

WHY THIS DAY MATTERS

Why Seward’s Day is Important

Seward's Day fosters creativity

Whether it's writing essays about William Seward, creating art pieces that celebrate his achievements, or cooking traditional Alaskan food, Seward's Day allows room for creativity. It prompts us to express our thoughts, share knowledge, and honor history in our unique ways, creating a feeling of community and shared heritage.

Seward's Day provides a rich perspective of history

Seward's Day offers a unique opportunity to learn about the history of Alaska and its purchase, which played a pivotal role in the expansion of the United States. We love it because it not only sheds light on the past but also encourages us to appreciate the strategic decisions that shaped our nation as we know it today.

Seward's Day celebrates culture and diversity

By celebrating Seward's Day through Alaskan-themed parties or immersing in Russian culture, we get to experience the essence of diverse cultures and traditions. This enriches our understanding and appreciation of the cultural heritage that became a part of America through the Alaska Purchase.

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