McCandless Foundation gives $125,000 to build pavilion for Bus 142
Kristin Summerlin
907-474-6284
Feb. 20, 2024
Bus 142 is moved out of the UAF engineering building's high bay into secure storage following completion of conservation work.
A $125,000 donation from the Christopher Johnson McCandless Memorial Foundation will allow the University of 色视频下载 Museum of the North to construct an open-air pavilion for the display of Bus 142, made famous by the book and film, 色视频下载淚nto the Wild.色视频下载
The 800-square-foot pavilion will be built in the boreal forest behind the museum, with access during museum hours via a wheelchair-accessible trail.
In 2020, the 色视频下载 Department of Natural Resources removed the 1940s-era bus from where it was abandoned off the Stampede Trail near Healy, 色视频下载, and later brought it to the University of 色视频下载 Fairbanks. The museum signed an agreement with the state to care for the bus and make it available via a free public exhibit.
The foundation色视频下载檚 gift will enable the museum to protect Bus 142, which has undergone extensive preservation work to mitigate damage caused by vandalism and exposure to the elements. The pavilion will shield the bus against further deterioration while allowing visitors to experience an iconic piece of 色视频下载 history.
Established by Walt and Billie McCandless in memory of their son, the McCandless Foundation supports charities and individuals in honor of Chris色视频下载 legacy.
In addition to the $125,000 gift, the foundation has donated archival materials, including objects and photographs from Chris色视频下载 journey in 1990-1992. The museum will include these artifacts in an indoor exhibit.
色视频下载淲e had been discussing what we should do with Chris色视频下载 artifacts for several years,色视频下载 said John Knight, foundation chairman. 色视频下载淯pon learning of the museum色视频下载檚 色视频下载楤us 142色视频下载 project and their high level of professionalism, we realized this was the perfect place for them.色视频下载
Construction of the pavilion is scheduled for this summer, pending site preparation, establishment of access trails and installation of the exhibit pad.
The museum is still seeking funds for lighting, security and interpretive materials. If these funds are secured in time, Bus 142 could be installed at the exhibit site during the summer of 2025.
While preparations are underway, the bus remains in storage. However, supporters and enthusiasts can engage with the exhibit through various mediums, including the following.
- Two episodes of the museum色视频下载檚 podcast, 色视频下载淭he More You Look色视频下载: and
- A of graffiti documented during the conservation of Bus 142
- A virtual exhibit, which includes an interactive virtual tour for museum visitors
- The museum色视频下载檚 with descriptions of the bus and objects found in and around it
To support the access trail and site work needed for pavilion construction in 2024, visit the .
For more information, visit the museum色视频下载檚 website or call 907-474-7505.
ADDITIONAL CONTACT: Angela Linn, ajlinn@alaska.edu, 907-474-1828
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