Heritage You Can Hold: Celebrating Alaska Statehood
Alaska Statehood Day 2026 marks a milestone in America’s story, and Holland America is joining the celebration. For nearly 80 years, we’ve been sharing the wonders of Alaska — crafting journeys that reveal its glaciers, wildlife, and rich cultural heritage. From immersive Alaska Up Close™ programming to exclusive Denali and Yukon cruisetours, our commitment runs deeper than the Inside Passage, offering experiences as vast and unforgettable as the Great Land itself. As we forge ahead with our America 250 campaign, we’re partnering with American brands rooted in heritage — and we’re excited to announce Pendleton as our newest partner.
Pendleton Partnership: A Story Woven in Tradition
To commemorate Alaska Statehood Day, we’re proud to partner with Pendleton and introduce our exclusive, limited-edition Alaska Blanket to commemorate Alaska Statehood Day — a tribute to the spirit, resilience, and untamed beauty of the 49th state. Our exclusive, limited-edition Alaska throw brings the Great Land’s rugged beauty to life through iconic design. Each numbered piece is available for sale on Alaska 2026 cruises and cruisetours, offering guests a tangible treasure that wraps them in America’s story.
Ready to experience the Great Land? Learn more about our cruises to Alaska.
As America prepares to celebrate 250 years, Holland America is reflecting on our more than 150-year legacy of connecting cultures and shaping travel history. Pendleton, crafting iconic blankets since 1863, shares this spirit of American resilience and artistry. Together, we honor these intertwined stories with a design that transforms Alaska’s landscapes into a keepsake — symbolizing two enduring brands united in commemorating the nation’s past while inspiring future journeys.
The Origins of Pendleton Blankets
Pendleton Woolen Mills began in Pendleton, Oregon, with a vision to craft wool blankets and robes that carried meaning beyond warmth. From the start, Pendleton built deep connections with Native American communities, creating designs that honored cultural traditions and storytelling. Patterns and colors were never arbitrary — they reflected preferences gathered directly from tribes such as the Cayuse, Umatilla, Walla Walla, Navajo, Hopi, and Zuni. This commitment to authenticity established trust and set the foundation for Pendleton’s enduring reputation.
Designers like Joe Rawnsley immersed themselves in tribal motifs, studying symbols and meanings to translate them into intricate jacquard patterns. These machine-woven blankets combined artistry with innovation, offering Native American buyers designs that resonated with heritage while introducing modern craftsmanship.
More than a product, each Pendleton blanket became a bridge between cultures — a legacy of respect, creativity, and collaboration that continues to define the brand today.
Design Inspired by Tradition
From its earliest days, Pendleton embraced a vision of design rooted in respect and understanding. By engaging with tribal communities, the company wove Indigenous traditions into jacquard patterns — marrying artistry with modern craftsmanship. This pioneering approach created blankets that carried cultural significance while setting new standards for quality and innovation. Today, that same spirit of collaboration and creativity continues to guide Pendleton, shaping designs that honor heritage while inspiring future generations.
