The Race to Volunteer for the MR340 is ON!
The MR340, the midwest's premier canoe and kayak race is July 13-15, 2022. We are finalizing details with River Miles.
For site preparation and food and beverage sales, we need volunteer support for the following:
Boat House Prep – the keel boat, trailers and pirogues will be moved out, either Tuesday afternoon or Wednesday morning.
Wed. July 13 – 10 am-12 pm: Clean up the Boat House
Wed. July 13 – 5 pm: Set up coolers and concessions
Boat House Security
Wed. July 13 – 10 pm – Thursday 6 am – 2 people
Thursday July 14 – 10 pm – Friday 6 am - 2 people
Thursday July 14 – 6 am - 10 am – 2 people
Friday July 15 – 6 am - 10 am – 2 people
Concessions – Food and Beverages for sale 11 am-7 pm Thursday and Friday. Beverages, watermelon and hotdogs overnight.
Thursday, July 14
10 am–1:00 pm - Setup; serving food; beverage and food sales
1:00–4:30 pm - serving food; beverage and food sales
4:30 pm–7:30 pm - serving food; beverage and food sales; clean up
Friday, July 15
10 am–1:00 pm - Setup; serving food; beverage and food sales
1:00–4:30 pm - serving food; beverage and food sales
4:30 pm–8:00 pm - serving food; beverage and food sales; clean up
Saturday, July 16 - ?? Move boats back in
Nancy Jackson is the main contact for concession sales. 314-239-4650 text or voice
Thank you in advance for all your support and please pass on this information to anyone involved, interested in participating or to help promote our event
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Ceremony July 20 to learn about remarkable historic canoe
Now on display at the Lewis & Clark Boat House and Museum, a remarkably well-preserved dugout canoe offers a fascinating glimpse of trapping, hunting and exploring in the late 18th century Ozarks. Miraculously, it was rescued from final indignity as a garden decoration by Larry and Judy Sifford of Branson West, Missouri.
In the early 1800s, as Lewis & Clark’s huge craft navigated the Missouri River, this small dugout may have been gliding the small streams and creeks of the Ozarks. Light enough for one man to drag over land, this canoe would be as valuable in the wilderness as a musket or an axe.
This rare example of a watercraft crafted in the tradition of indigenous boatbuilders is extremely well preserved. Techniques and local knowledge refined by indigenous boatbuilders for thousands of years in North America proved vastly superior to other styles of watercraft construction used by the settlers and was almost universally adopted by trappers and explorers. Seeing the canoe in person, one appreciates the refinement and expertise of the design and construction.
On July 20, join us for a brief lecture and presentation telling the story of this remarkable artifact by Mr. Sifford and others. Appetizers and refreshments will be served. The event is free and open to the public. Register here: Reception and Talk – Centuries-old Ozark Canoe.
Key to its remarkable condition is Osage orange wood, the hardest and most naturally rot-resistant lumber in North America. Northwest Louisiana/southwest Arkansas is consistent with “the pre-settlement distribution of Osage orange, from which it was constructed,” notes Dr. Neal Lopinot, director of the Center for Archaeological Research at Missouri State University.
Dr. Lopinot’s team used radiocarbon dating to establish the construction between 1777 and 1823 (68.2 percent probability) and the builder probably “dug out” the trunk with fire. Dr. Lopinot noted the dugout has visible signs of charring (as opposed to having metal axe cut marks) and is modified with a stepped platform made from a separate piece of wood.
At 13 feet long and weighing 175 pounds, the dugout was purchased by the Siffords in 2020. Mr. Sifford acted on a hunch and had archaeologists confirm the age and significance of the little canoe.
Placed on loan by the Larry and Judy Sifford family, Branson West MO.
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"20 Treasures" include Boat House
We’re proud to be one of the 20 St. Louis region treasures located along the region’s great rivers. Hosted by Trailnet, you can discover the trail and river treasures of the St. Louis region. “The St. Louis region is blessed to be at the confluence of America’s two great rivers, and to have access to biking, walking, floating and tourism destinations all along the way,” said Bob Foster, executive director of the Lewis & Clark Boat House and Museum in St. Charles (Destination #7). “Thanks to the Holton Family Foundation for promoting the region’s outstanding destinations for outdoor experiences.”
Enjoy the outdoors, visit community sites and be entered for a chance to win an E-bike. Join the more than 150 people who have signed up. The Twenty Treasures Challenge is a free, months-long experience that takes you to sites that highlight some of the region's best in rivers, trails and community. Participants will be entered to win a free e-bike!
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DESC helps Pryor, OK celebrate the legacy of its namesake
The town of Pryor, OK, resting place of Nathaniel Pryor, a sergeant on the Lewis & Clark Expedition, celebrated his legacy with a daylong event on June 4. DESC had an important role, with Brian Barton performing as a Pryor re-enactor and Norm Bowers, who portrayed Sergeant Pryor during the Bicentennial Expedition, providing his perspective.
"Our connection to the past is not that far away. How many people know that the founder of Pryor, Oklahoma, who began his life’s journey on the Lewis & Clark Expedition, left a legacy as a peacemaker?" Barton said. "Thank you to the Southern Prairie Region of the Lewis and Clark Trail Heritage Foundation for making this possible and inviting me to portray Nathaniel Pryor!
Other attendees included Osage Elder Frances Williams, descendant of Nathaniel Prvor and Eddie Eagle, historian and writer Gary Moulton, Dan Sturdevant, chair of the Lewis and Clark Trail Heritage Foundation Southern Prairie Region. and the Mayor of Pryor, Larry Lees.
“Nathaniel who was a courageous ambassador for peace between frightened, warring and frequently starving Indians in an alien land. He told of the terrible misfortunes that plagued the steps of this worthy man, how he worked tirelessly without recognition and with little or no pay. Frontiersman Nathaniel was honored among both white men and red for his high principles, his adamant sense of justice.”
CHRONICLES OF OKLAHOMA, 1929
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Top right, Osage Elder Frances Williams, descendant of Nathaniel Prvor and Eddie Eagle with Brian Barton. Above, Brian Barton meets with Norm and Brigitte Bowers. At right, the mayor of Pryor, OK, Larry Lees. |
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Studies in Bronze
The Boat House and Museum is honored to display several sculptures by acclaimed Western artist Richard Greeves. The detailed, researched life-size sculptures portray all the Native Peoples that Lewis & Clark encountered, including this Yankton Sioux man. We are discussing an upcoming exhibition here with a St. Louis friend of the artist, John Steele, who lent us this piece. Examples of Mr. Greeves work a re displayed here.
Look for details about the Boat House exhibition soon.
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Coming events
August 19-21: Festival of the Little Hills, St. Charles
September 11: Book reading, David and Marti Peck, Authors "So Hard to Die"
September 23-25 Film series shooting, Daniel Boone Home, St. Charles County
October 15-15: Fort Massac Encampment
December 3: Christmas Party, St. Charles, MO
Book your event at the Boat House!
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Planning your summer reading list?
We have some outstanding titles in stock!
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Do you have a particular, specific interest in the Lewis & Clark Expedition? Chances are, we already have it, or can get the title for you! Check out our selection of more than 150 titles related to the expedition! Do you have a particular, specific interest in the Lewis & Clark Expedition?
Chances are, we already have it, or can get the title for you! Check out our selection of more than 150 titles related to the expedition! We have titles from Adventures Across America: On and Off the Trail Of Lewis & Clark to You Wouldn't Want to Travel with Lewis & Clark. Our selection includes 55 books geared to young readers.
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Thanks to our friends and supporters!
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. Marilyn Geery
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
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
July 17, 1804 – "The sunflower is in bloom and abundant in the river bottoms. The Indians of the Missouri particularly those who do not cultivate maze make great uce of the seed of this plant for bread, or use it in thickening their soope." (Lewis)
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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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