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More than 400 paddlers of all manner of vessels glided to the Boat House last month, finishing a 340-mile race that began near Kansas City. The Missouri American MR340, an annual fundraiser to benefit river cleanup and education, offered stories of struggle and triumph aplenty.

A dugout canoe that plied the streams of the Midwest hundreds of years ago drew 80 people to the museum on July 20, most notably Missouri First Lady Teresa Parson and archaeologists Jack Ray and Neil Lopinot. Radio-carbon dating shows the canoe to be more than 200 years old, and the archaeologists believe the craft was hewn from an Osage Orange tree that was hollowed out by nature. The wood is remarkably hard to cut and resilient. Highlighted as one of six prominent historic canoes in Missouri by the Missouri Archaeological Society in this month's newsletter, the owners are Larry and Judy Sifford of Branson West, Missouri. (Larry Sifford is shown above, describing how he came to learn about the canoe's pedigree.)

Missouri First Lady Teresa Parson, left, with Jackson, Judy and Larry Sifford at the museum July 20, checking out the historic canoe at left.

So Hard to Die authors at the Boat House

Steve Harris, reporter for CBS-affiliate KMOV-TV, interviews DESC Board Chairman Jan Donelson at the start of the Festival of the Little Hills. The annual celebration of St. Charles history and heritage included a large contingent of re-enactors and our keelboat. Thanks to all our volunteers, donors and friends for making the event a success for us and for the community.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Lewis and Clark Boat House and Museum of St. Charles, MO.  Online condolences may be shared and video tribute may be viewed at www.JamesODonnellFuneralHome.com.

Here is the link to his obituary.

What does a 7-time All-Star first baseman do after homering in back-to-back games (and slamming a home run in the All-Star Game?) For Cardinal Paul Goldschmidt, he takes the family to the Lewis & Clark Boat House and Museum on his day off August 15. Here he poses with one our own All-Stars, Jaye Schnell. Already the top candidate for National League MVP, Mr. Goldschmidt has a lock on our votes.

Discovering Lewis & Clark by Jim Winnerman highlights all the things to see and do at the Museum. "History buffs can retrace the steps of the famous explorers at the very place from which the Corps of Discovery launched more than 200 years ago," he writes. Subscribe here

We've been working with some gifted taxidermists on updating the animals in the museum as part of a Lewis & Clark National Historic Trail grant. The fish replicas are so awesome, we're wanting to create a display of the types of gear that Lewis & Clark Expedition members would have used. Lures, lines, creel baskets, poles, nets are all welcome as either donations or long-term loans. Give the museum a call or email if you'd like to discuss it!

Students in the Public History, Culture and Heritage graduate program at the University of Missouri-St. Louis, mapped the sounds of museums around the area and built a listener's resource online. You can have a listen and learn more here: History 6133 Aural History Project (arcgis.com)

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.

During the MR340, staff and volunteers fortified themselves with hot and cold-brewed Mississippi Mud Coffee. Now you can pick up some at the Museum and keep yourself energized and satisfied.

And while you are here, 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.

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.”

Lewis and Clark Trail Heritage Foundation (Lewis and Clark Trail Stewardship Endowment: A National Council of the Lewis and Clark Expedition Bicentennial Legacy Program)

University of Missouri-St. Louis Graduate Program in Museums, Heritage and Public History

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.

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 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)

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.

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.