Call Us At: 636-947-3199
Sunrise over the Missouri.
The return of longer days brings the bald eagles and a preview of warmer weather.
Mark Your Calendars!
April 29-30
Film Shoot
Details to follow, but we're excited to film the next scenes in our film series. There might be chances for gunning and running (see left) or riverbank au revoirs!
Want to check out the finished episodes? Check out the information below.
TO ACCESS AND DOWNLOAD THE VIDEOS, CLICK HERE.


July 1
Boat House 20th Anniversary Bash!

Celebrating two decades of education, immersion and memories, we're hosting a 20th birthday party for the Boat House on July 1. Plans include traditional music and dancing, cannon fire and tours, food and fellowship. We'll show off the new education center, fresh exhibits and reunite friends and make new friends. Look for more information soon!

August 18-20 Festival of the Little Hills, St. Charles
October 14-15 Boat Reunion, St. Charles
October 21-22 Fort Massac Encampment, Metropolis, IL
December 2-3 Holiday Celebration, St. Charles
That photo is 🔥!
When the Saint Charles Fire Department was looking for a glamour shot for their Facebook page, they rolled their ladder truck over to the Boat House. We're always glad to see the fire department - especially when it's a non-emergency.

Also, as part of our planning for the construction, of our new Holton Education Center, we've met with the St. Charles Fire Marshal to ensure our plans meet their high standards and protect our guests and staff.
Royals Treatment
Swapping his baseball bat for a Girardoni air rifle, former St. Louis Cardinal slugger (and current Kansas City Royals TV announcer) Rex Hudler stopped by. His longtime broadcast partner Steve Physioc is retiring. Physioc is a huge Lewis & Clark history fan, and would often refer to the expedition during game broadcasts. Hudler filmed a brief tribute to Physioc from "Lewis & Clark" for the retirement celebration.

Also note: Susan Marsh, gift shop manager, is resplendent in the new DESC hoodie. Perfect for any occasion, we have a full range of sizes for sale now.

Renew your membership dues now!
Dues are paid by the calendar year: You can renew online, call 636-947-3199 or send a check to DESC, 1050 S. Riverside Drive, Saint Charles, MO 63301. Thank you for your support and for being a member!

Re-enactors wanted:
Walk Back in Time in Mexico, MO Sept 22-24.
Dear DESC members,
Several of you attended the Mexico Missouri Walk Back in Time event in 2021. In discussions with the planners they don’t feel that they will be able to raise the funds to have the boats back for this year's event. This is one of the three events that I felt was worth keeping (along with Festival of the Little Hills in St. Charles and Fort Massac in Metropolis, IL). I’m afraid that if we don’t keep the door open we won’t be invited back. 

Initially the Cadre elected not to attend this event due to the lack of funding. After relaying this decision to the WBIT planners they were very disappointed. They asked if we could show up with a small contingent of men and a small camp. After meeting with the Cadre and informing them that the planners could provide a $1,000 stipend, it was approved that I could offer a small camp. 

My thoughts are a group of 4-6 Corps members and a small camp consisting of 3 or 4 tents. I think this would be an opportunity to do a lean and mean camp that may serve us well going forward if there is a lack of manpower. If any of the volunteers could bring their own camp setup that would be great. No kitchen tent or food. There are food vendors of all kinds on site, a inexpensive fish fry on Friday night, plus they put on a reenactors dinner on Saturday night that is free. We will not have to attend on Friday which is the school kids day but we can set up camp on Friday afternoon. 

This is such a great event and I would like to keep the door open for us in future years. Be thinking about this and if you would like to be one of the members contact me through the boat house or directly. The event is September 22-24. I know it is early but wanted to get it on your calendar. I already have a couple of members committed. While I’m only asking for 4 to 6 members we will be happy to have more and that way if you only can come for a day we will have enough to man the camp throughout the event. Don’t let my request for a small number of men stop you from attending.

You can contact me at tly361@gmail.com or at 573-253-0319.

For the good of the Corps, Tom Young -- Pvt. Patrick Gass
Remembering
"Mad Jack" Simmons
One of the true characters who made the Bicentennial Expedition so memorable, Jack Simmons passed away last month at the age of 81. A longtime resident of San Diego, CA, "Mad Jack" was "a very, very dear friend to me and to many others," remembers Betty Kluesner.
End of Year Grants
Show Investment in Our Mission

The end of the year brought glad tidings from several grantmaking organizations and individuals:
  • The FHC Foundation has awarded us $5,000 for general museum needs (thanks to Nancy for facilitating!)
  • The Lewis & Clark Trail Heritage Foundation has awarded us $5,000 for display and interpretation related to river travel (specifically the Portland Dugout) AND $5,000 toward the Lewis and Clark Film Series. These are funded in part by the Lewis and Clark Trail Heritage Foundation from the Lewis and Clark Trail Stewardship Endowment: A National Council of the Lewis and Clark Expedition Bicentennial Legacy Project.
  • We have received the first payment of $33,333.33 toward construction of the Lotsie & Rick Holton Education Center from the Holton Family Foundation. 
  • We've received a donation for lighting improvements inside and outside the museum from the Eller and Brecht families.

To make your end of the year donations, which can go toward Exhibits, Building Renovation, Education, the Film Series, Work on the Boats, and other uses, you can contribute online:
You can also mail a tax-deductible contribution to:
Discovery Expedition of St. Charles, 1050 S. Riverside Drive, Saint Charles, MO 63301.
Film Series Special Offer:
The first release of our film series capturing key moments in the journals of Lewis & Clark is now available for purchase and viewing. As members of the Discovery Expedition of St. Charles, you can subscribe to the initial introductory release of the Series at a greatly reduced price for a limited time offer of $29.99, a discount of 50 percent for the first six episodes. This offer will only be in effect until March 1, 2023. TO ACCESS AND DOWNLOAD THE VIDEOS, CLICK HERE.
Book your event at the Boat House!
Just this month, we hosted a 60th birthday party, wedding proposal (she said "yes!"), two days of corporate meetings and the return of school visits! We have booked a wedding rehearsal dinner for June 2023 and now have an ordained wedding officiant on staff.
Thanks to our friends and supporters!
Despite our challenges, we close out a very successful 2022 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
Lewis and Clark Trail Heritage Foundation (Lewis and Clark Trail Stewardship Endowment: A National Council of the Lewis and Clark Expedition Bicentennial Legacy Program)
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
Mr. Duane Parker
Mr. & Mrs. Tom and Karen Ronk
Friends of Sue Schneider
Mr. & Mrs. Mack and Charleen Thornton
Paric Construction
Mr. & Mrs. Tom and Joy Young

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

In Honor of
Donations in Memory of Jay Coble
Donations in Memory of Barb Eller
Donation in Honor of Gene Glandt
Donations in Honor of Bob Kilmer
Donation in Honor of Marita Ulhaas Parker
Donations in Honor of the Wedding of Lynette Trotter and Gaylen Medders
Donation in Honor of Gene Olson
Donation in Honor of William J. Wolf
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.
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.
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. The 2021 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)
Interested in Qualified Charitable Distributions? We can help!
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.

Seeking a tax-advantaged way to handle your retirement plan's Required Minimum Distribution? Consider a Qualified Charitable Distribution, with our helpful IRS resources here.

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
Corp of Discovery from the Journals

February 20, 1804 – "The Commanding officer directs that during the absence of himself and Capt. Clark from Camp, that the party shall consider themselves under the immediate command of Sergt. Ordway, who shall be held accountable for the good poliece and order of the camp during that period, and will also see the susequent parts of this order carried into effect -- (Lewis)
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