In the melting pot of Alaskan colonization, a new people were born. The product of Russian marriages to indigenous people, this new generation was instrumental in the development of the fur, fish, and gold industries. Beginning with a name and an anecdotal birthplace, authors Bev Sims and Dianne Zitnik traced their family heritage back to the eighteenth century. Through historical records and church archives, they pieced together a rich account of survival, adventure, and wealth. They unveil the stories behind their family tree in , complete with glossary, footnotes, maps, and historical photographs. Contrary to a history textbook, tells factual, yet personal, stories of historical figures and their families. From personality clashes and power plays to the ubiquitous evidence of Russian influence, Sims and Zitnik weave together the fascinating tale of intrigue, morality, and legacy that lives in their past.