Making room for history
An incredibly well-preserved orangewood canoe, carbon-dated to approximately 1800 is slated for exhibition in the museum starting next month. The dugout, likely chiseled in northwest Louisiana/southwest Arkansas, certainly fits with the pre-settlement distribution of Osage orange, from which it was constructed. Archaeologists believe the canoe was likely first made and used by trappers and explorers as early as the 1700s. We're planning a reception welcoming the canoe and publicly thanking the Sifford Family for loaning us the exceptional historic watercraft in the next month or two.
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Remembering Barb Eller
Dear DESC Family,
It is with a heavy heart that we share news of Barb Stiegemeier-Eller's passing on Saturday, March 12. A devoted and long-time member of the DESC community, she and Ed have been at the very heart of our organization for many years. They are among our most ardent supporters and good friends.
In December, Barb and Ed were recognized with DESC's top honor, the Glen Bishop Founders Award and the Boat House Staff Room and Executive Office were named for them. Many of us know she has long suffered with severe illness and leaves behind Ed, who will be in our prayers and need the support of those close to him.
In Historical Sketches and Crew Biographies, the "yearbook" of the Bicentennial Expedition, Barb wrote the following, "Knowing Glen and Joanne Bishop for many years, Glen was a large part of my wanting to be a part of HIS dream. Watching Glen and his brother work on the first keelboat, I was able to join Glen, Joanne, Mayor Grace Nichols, three of the Clark cousins, Wayne Crane, John Dengler, Archie Scott, the Milicia de San Carlos and the Lewis & Clark Fife and Drum Corps to travel to Washington, DC, for their Fourth of July parade with the help of the Anheuser-Busch Clydesdales. I had a lasting and wonderful trip that I will never forget. I was also part of the beginnings of the Lewis and Clark Heritage Days. It will always be a pleasure and an honor to be part of the Lewis and Clark Corps of Discovery Membership. Getting to know many of our members and having you as a friend is like having a large family and I hope it will always continue with your help and your love of history."
We have been honored to have Barb as part of our family.
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Barb was with DESC in the 1992, Washington, DC, 500-Year Celebration Parade. She and Ed have been part of the "Backbone" of DESC for well over 30 years. Barb's quiet presence has been an integral part of our L&C Family at every St. Charles event and countless events along the Trail. Her warm and gentle ways won the friendship, love and admiration of all who were blessed to know her.
Barb always had a warm greeting and a hug whenever our trails crossed.
I think it is human nature to sometimes take things for granted. For me, I always knew Barb and Ed would be a part of every DESC gathering, that's just the way it's always been. Brother Ed and family, please know Barb will always be part of our DESC Legacy. She will forever be in our hearts and minds, and the memories we share. May God Bless You my friend and welcome you into His loving care. - Bud Clark
Words are simply not enough to express how much I will miss this dear friend. She was a friend to so many people, not just in DESC, but to all of St. Charles. She seemed to know everyone. If you wanted to know about an historical event that occurred on Main Street, she would have the answer. I will never forget Ed and Larry leaving early for camp and her and I leaving together a little later from the motel.....we just wanted those few extra winks. After I could no longer drive because of health issues, she was always willing to take me to where I wished to go or she would pick me up and take me back to the motel. I enjoyed hearing her share all of her knowledge of St. Charles and its' people. And how I enjoyed all of the older pictures taken by her father throughout his career. I enjoyed discussing any upcoming antique auctions with her and Ed and which one they would be attending during the upcoming weekend. I enjoyed, enjoyed, and enjoyed everything about her! I especially loved the devotion her and Ed had for one another. She loved her man! Life will not be the same without her but I thank God for all the beautiful and wonderful memories. - Betty Kluesner
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I first met Barb after joining the Milicia de San Carlos living history group in 1990. She was working and volunteering at the Boone Home, and she recruited us to help at the Home’s first Christmas Candlelight event, a tradition we have carried on for many years. She was a friend ever since. She began officially working in the gift shop at the Lewis & Clark Museum in 2006 after retiring from the staff of the Academy of the Sacred Heart. If someone had a question about St. Charles, Barb was our go-to person. The Boat House and Museum was the site of her marriage ceremony to Ed. She played a big role in the placement of the plaques seen on many of the historic buildings on South Main Street. Her dedication to her hometown and the many organizations she belonged to should never be forgotten. We will miss her. - Bill Brecht
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Making room for history, part 2
On March 5, a March for Ukraine began and ended at the Boat House. In support of the community and to entice visitors, we offered discounted admission to community members. A second tip jar enabled us to make a small donation to Doctors Without Borders. The social media response was overwhelming, with nearly 450 likes on Facebook and 50 shares of the posting.
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Coming events
April 9: Leaps of Love Childhood Cancer scavenger hunt benefit visits Boat House
May 20-22: May Muster in St. Charles
May 27-29: New Haven cancelled due historic preservation project on the landing
June 24-26: Film series shooting, Mark Twain Lake
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With the reduction in COVID cases, we are delighted to welcome in-person school visits again. Here, instructor Susan Marsh tells Clark Elementary (Webster Groves School District) students about the Louisiana Purchase. |
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Report to the Community: 2021 Highlights
The year 2021 was much like the Lewis and Clark Expedition itself: We faced many unexpected
challenges, broke new ground and – thanks to teamwork, hard efforts and dedication – we ultimately made great progress.
Welcoming the World
The experience of visiting the Lewis & Clark Boat House and Museum begins online. We have a completely new website, Instagram and LinkedIn presence. New signage on Interstate 70 beckons visitors and locals and showcases our home in historic St. Charles.
Arriving visitors are greeted with “Now Open” signs that highlight our hours, status as a destination on the Lewis & Clark National Historic Trail and Groupon discounts. Climbing the steps, visitors see gleaming strands of 1,804 metal oak leaves above, an exhibit of the “possibles” bag and a new interpretative display bringing the history of St. Charles to life.
From Albania to Kenya to China to Argentina, we welcomed guests to the museum and via Zoom, we taught classes as far away as Seattle. We had 21,005 visitors in 2021!
“I didn’t know this place was here – and I grew up in St. Charles.” – an expression heard almost daily by first time visitors.
Brightening the Museum
New lighting and comfort improvements, such as ceiling fans and heaters, invite visitors to enter. We were delighted to see the percentage of people who enter the gift shop and then pay to enter the museum grow by 50 percent. In fact, despite keeping the admissions cost at the same low rate and having the same number of overall visitors, our revenue from admissions set a new record!
Thanks to donations from the Eller Family, staff have a new break room/ meeting area and the executive director’s office has space for displaying books and artifacts and room for meeting guests. Fresh paint, a new tactile map for visually impaired guests and comfortable furniture on the balcony (courtesy of the Bowers family), improve our guests’ experience.
Lingering in the gift shop
For some in St. Charles, the Trading Post represents destination shopping. This year, with a staff person dedicated to managing the shop, we added lighting, National Park Service products, and an expanded selection of books and items catering to cyclists and kayakers. Thanks to our dedicated board members, we obtained a huge selection of the coffee-table book “Chasing Lewis & Clark Across America” by Ron Lowery and custom-made Bicentennial Christmas Ornaments. For veterans, active duty service members and holders of the Park Service “America the Beautiful” pass, we offer a discounted admission.
Loving those Park Service Perks
As a destination on the Lewis & Clark Historic Trail, we offer the Junior Ranger program, stamp the Passports, have launched the Missouri River Wildlife Walk campaign and display a tactile map for the visually impaired. We added a selection of brochures for attractions near and far to ensure we can help guests on their journeys. In the Spring of 2021, an exhibit detailing the mapping skills of Lewis & Clark developed by the Lewis & Clark Trail Heritage Foundation was on display.
The Journey Continues
Despite the limitations inflicted by the pandemic, the Discovery Expedition was front and center for Miller’s Landing Days in New Haven, the Missouri Bicentennial events in St. Charles, the Governor’s Bicentennial Parade in Jefferson City, the Festival of the Little Hills in St. Charles, and the Walk Back in Time in Mexico, MO.
The group was also at the annual Encampment at Fort Massac, Illinois. In addition, we’ve been filming a series of 11 short films based on key episodes in the journals of Lewis & Clark, and have filmed on location in Falls of the Ohio State Park, Camp Dubois, Illinois; Portland, MO, St. Charles, MO, and Sioux Passage Park in North St. Louis County.
Be Our Guest
With the MR-340 Canoe and Kayak Race back to full operations, more than 1,000 people partied at the Boat House in July, with events including 24/7 operations, a live band, vendors and food and refreshments aplenty. We also hosted a bicycle-themed wedding, a corporate team building event (complete with axe-throwing and filet mignon), an exhibit of the mapping skills of Lewis & Clark, and scores of school and seniors groups, including the Missouri School for the Blind and the University of Missouri St. Louis – Graduate Program in Museums, Heritage and Public History.
The St. Charles Municipal Band was slated to perform eight times at the Boat House. We hosted a Firebird Club and even a “mini-prom” for high school students dressed to the nines. The Explorers Club, St. Louis Chapter, had an event at the Boat House and among our many international visitors were people from Kenya, Ecuador, China, Ireland, and the Philippines.
Spread the News
As if widespread media coverage of Mo. Governor Mike Parsons on our Keelboat wasn’t enough, we had front-page coverage in the St. Charles County Community News and a feature segment on NBC affiliate KSDK-TV. Our Facebook page reached people more 140,000 times.
We had a live helicopter fly-over from the Fox affiliate KTVI. As the new year begins, we are looking forward to feature articles in St. Louis Magazine and Show-Me Missouri Magazine. As we seek to expand the number of events, we are now listed on The Knot/Wedding Wire and Eventective sites and joined the Greater St. Charles County Chamber of Commerce.
Building for the Future
A climate-controlled and light-controlled section of the Museum is planned in the hope of acquiring and displaying some original relics in the future. With the building having its 20th anniversary in 2023, the project is part of a capital campaign, already funded with $70,000 in pledges from private donors Carlota (Lotsie) Hermann Holton, the Schneider family and the Eller family. Also funding new displays and an educational film series is The Lewis and Clark Trail Heritage Foundation, as part of the Lewis and Clark Trail Stewardship Endowment: A National Council of the Lewis and Clark Expedition Bicentennial Legacy Program.
Movie Magic
The Discovery Expedition of St. Charles has been developing a Film Series that depicts in brief episodes, the key moments of the Lewis and Clark Expedition. Each 4- to 8-minute segment highlights a brief chapter in a relatable, engaging format. The series complements our online education program and fits perfectly with our Mission to educate new audiences, especially the young, on the importance of Lewis & Clark as the first naturalists and conservationists to journey west of the Mississippi and map lands and rivers and document species of flora, fauna and wildlife; survive in an unknown wilderness through grit and teamwork; and thus, change the history of our nation.
Each episode follows a pivotal moment in the expedition and its prelude:
- Pilot- The Journey Begins
- The Handshake
- Nine Young Men from Kentucky
- York Steps into History (pending)
- The Shooting Match
- Pathway into the Westward-MacKay’s Maps
- The Charge of Mutiny
- Road to Redemption
- Death’s Door
- The Election
Supplemental Feature:
11. Falls of the Ohio State Park Interview – Dale Brown, Property Manager
Message from the Chairman:
Our future has never looked brighter since the Bicentennial concluded. Many exciting opportunities are opening up on the horizon. You can sense a renewed optimism permeating through the organization. I encourage all to get involved and be part of the new Mission we are embarked upon. Thanks to many old and new members, I believe some of our best days are ahead of us. We Proceed On! Jan P. Donelson
We cordially invite you to join or renew for 2022, and enjoy the privileges of your membership, including our twice monthly newsletter, free admission to the Boat House, discount at the Gift Shop and access to member-only events and notices! If you are so inclined, please consider an additional donation!
Thank you for your support!
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Curious Expedition: St. Louis Magazine highlights keelboat history
Hearing about our filming at Sioux Passage County Park last fall, reporter Nick Phillips of St. Louis Magazine shared the history of the Keelboat in the February issue, which goes to about 40,000 readers. "But as part of the NPS’s Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail, this private museum draws visitors from all over the world—from Germans and Brits to Kenyans and Chinese—and many people are focused on the boat, which is usually stored on the ground level, below the museum." Read more here:
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In Memory: Col. Edward Donnally
By Tom Ronk, DESC Board Member
I was saddened to learn of the passing of my friend Colonel George Donnally. George and Virginia were very good friends of DESC and we owe so much to the generosity and loyalty of George and Virginia.
I first met George and Virginia during the winter of 2004-2005. Several of us were doing a recon of the Lewis and Clark trail through Montana. I was given a name to call while on this recon and the message said, "this man has contacts throughout Montana and will be your 'go to' for anything you need". As we approached central Montana near the town of Twin Bridges I called George and introduced myself. George said I will meet you for lunch in Twin Bridges and we will talk. I met George and Virginia that day and what a God-send for DESC. During 2005 we traveled over 400 miles through Montana following Lewis and Clark during the Bicentennial reenactment, traveling the same time line of the original expedition during 1805.
George told us if we need anything to give him a call, and we did. George knew all the people in Montana that could help us if needed, including his position with the Montana National Guard. He followed us on the trail, joined DESC and never once failed to help when needed. We owe him and Virginia a deep gratitude for all their help, support and dedication to making our Montana voyage following in the footsteps of Lewis and Clark a magical moment for all of us.
George's dedication to DESC did not stop with the end of the Bicentennial reenactment. He and Virginia continued to support DESC. One example was a logistical problem we had when getting set decoration following the closing of the HBO mini-series "Lewis and Clark". George and Virginia traveled to Alberta, Canada hauling a large stock trailer and picked up numerous items used in the movie production and brought them back to their home near Helena, stored the items until we could get them later in the year. This is just one example of George and Virginia's wonderful hospitality to the many friends they met during the Bicentennial reenactment.
Everyone that had the privilege to have known George, will miss him greatly. DESC has lost a dear friend in George's passing and I can only reflect on the good times we had during the Bicentennial and his help and hospitality during the following years. I miss George and was so blessed to have visited George and Virginia just last summer where once again this wonderful couple extended their home to us during this great visit.
Thank you George for making the Bicentennial a tremendous success and for the friendship that ensued. Virginia, I am sorry for your loss. George will be with us always and I hope to personally shout his name at Fort Massac in October during the flag ceremony honoring all those that have passed in the last year. God Bless Virginia, and I hope your memories of this great man will help with your loss. My memories of George will remain in my heart forever.
Tom Ronk
The family has requested that all memorial donations be made to the Great Falls Clinic Legacy Foundation. www.gfclegacy.org, (406) 216-8057, gfclegacy@gmail.com
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In Memory: Dick Doeren
Richard L Doeren (Dick) passed away peacefully Feb. 17, with his partner at his side. Dick was born in Oconto, WI, to Margaret & Sebastian Doeren on April 23, 1942. He attended Pensaukee School and after graduating from Oconto High School in 1960 he went to California and was employed by Lockheed Martin. Dick was very proud that he had a part in working in the space program. In 2005 and 2006, Dick took part in The Lewis and Clark reenactment in St. Louis, MO and always said "it was an experience of a lifetime". He was a proud Army Veteran, and it was with great joy he was able to go on the Glory Honor Flight in 2019. He had a vast knowledge of history and nature and his many photos have been enjoyed by all. For the past 25 years, he owned and operated the Lumber Mill Gallery on the river in Oconto, WI. He held a seat on the City Council for two terms and presently held a seat on County Board, and UW Extension. Dick truly loved Oconto, its History and its people!
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Fife and Drum Corps fundraiser
On April 29, 2022, the Lewis and Clark Fife and Drum Corps will be hosting the inaugural “Peace and Friendship Gala.” The event will feature a delicious dinner and open bar at The Old Stone Chapel in St. Charles, MO and multiple performances by the Corps. Funds raised from the gala will be used towards new uniforms for the musicians, new drums and repairs, instructor compensation, and for the purchase of a new trailer where equipment can be stored and transported to events. In order to obtain these funds, we are holding live and silent auctions throughout the course of the gala and are currently accepting sponsorships from companies and individuals that wish to contribute.
Tickets for the event can be purchased through our website at https://www.lewisandclarkfifeanddrum.com/fundraiser or via the attached mail in form. Proceeds from each ticket and any additional donations will go directly to benefit the Corps. Keep an eye on our Facebook page as well for more information about the event and our generous sponsors.
For questions or for more information regarding the event, tickets, and/or sponsorship opportunities, you can reach me at janellestoneheffner@gmail.com or at 636-288-3650.
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Reenacting Opportunity
The Rotary is hosting an Early Settler/War of 1812 Re-enacting event May 14-15 at Beall Woods State Park near Mt. Carmel, IL Set up Thurs or Friday. Vendor opportunities are available and fiddler Dennis Stroughmatt (he played Cruzat during the Bicentennial) will play Creole music Saturday afternoon. For more information, contact Patrick Haskell at patrickhaskell68@yahoo.com or 618 384 8341
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Thanks to our friends and supporters in 2021!
Despite our challenges, we close out a very successful 2021 poised for exceptional growth. We were blessed by hundreds who helped along the way, but a special shout out to the following for their financial support!
Sacagawea’s Club ($10,000 and over)
Mr. and Mrs. Barbara and Ed Eller
FHC Foundation
Ms. Carlota (Lotsie) Clark Hermann Holton
Ron Lowery and family
National Park Service
Mr. and Mrs. Sue and Lynn Schneider
Jefferson’s Club ($1,000 and over)
Audrain County Historical Society
Mr. Bryant Boswell
Mr & Mrs. Bill and Teri Brecht
City of St. Charles
The Explorer’s Club, St. Louis Chapter
Fort Massac State Park
Friends of Sue Schneider
Mr. Mark McKenzie
Paric Construction
Captain’s Club ($500 and over)
Mr. John Fisher
Mr. Jerry Garrett
Ms. Anna Laughlin
Mr. Bob Learned
Kluesner Kreations
Lewis and Clark Indiana Foundation
Lewis and Clark Trust
Ms. Janise Manchester
Mr. Richard Prestholdt
Mr. Tom Young
In Honor of
Donations in Memory of Jay Coble
Donation in Honor of Gene Glandt
Donations in Honor of the Wedding of Lynette Trotter and Gaylen Medders
Donation in Honor of Gene Olson
Donation in Memory of Donna Whitton, from her Knit-Wit Group
Donations in Memory of Bob Anderson
Donations in Memory of All DESC members who have passed: Presented by Bob & Pat Learned
The list is updated continually on our website! Visit and learn more about how you can get involved. And a special shout out to our Board and Staff for giving selflessly all year long.
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You can be involved in many different ways:
- Become a member or consider making an extra donation!
- Volunteer at the Museum.
- Consider adopting a part of the museum, such as a new display or upgrade.
- Consider sponsoring an educational program or video series.
- Does your company have services or products to donate? From cleaning services/supplies to printing to items for our raffle, we are always interested in partnerships.
- Adopt a part of the museum, such as a new display. Consider sponsoring an educational program or a film in our mini series.
Just as the Corps of Discovery depended on teamwork, dedication and perseverance, so does your Museum and Discovery Expedition. We are incredibly proud to be recognized as an official site on the Lewis & Clark National Historic Trail. We have the only fleet of river-worthy replica boats in the United States. And most importantly, we are proud to be a living, working Museum! Thank you for being part of our journey.
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Information about your Corps
Form 990, Annual Tax Filing As a 501(c)3 non-profit, the Discovery Expedition of St. Charles is required to file an annual statement for public viewing. We've just completed the 2020 report and it's published here for your reference.
Guidestar Listing We have Silver Certification from Guidestar, a trusted directory of all U.S. nonprofits (free log-in may be required)
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Interested in Qualified Charitable Distributions? We can help! |
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We're glad to accept gifts of cash via our online portal and we are a 501(c), with donations eligible for tax deductions. We hold Silver Certification from Guidestar, so you can feel comfortable donating.
Our mailing address is 1050 S. Riverside Dr., St. Charles, MO 63301.
Also, we are in the midst of a major renovation of the museum. We'd love to make a new home for your gently used office equipment including:
- Bookshelves
- Large flatscreen monitors (Smart TVs)
- Patio Furniture
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Corp of Discovery from the Journals
March 28, 1805 – "the ice Stoped running owing to Some obstickle above all prepareing to Set out but few Indians visit us today they are watching to catch the floating Buffalow which brake through the ice in Crossing, those people are fond of those animals tainted and Catch great numbers every Spring - William Clark)
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Bishop's Landing
1050 S. Riverside Drive
St. Charles, MO 63301
Phone: 636-947-3199
Text KEELBOAT to 44-321 to donate
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