Call Us At: 636-947-3199
Corps of Engineers visits Corps of Discovery
Keeping the river passable for barges (and we hope stabilizing our bank!) the Army Corps of Engineers stopped by to drop a few hundred tons of rock along our banks. We're glad to see the work crew and also very glad the work is done now - the MR-340 Kayak and Canoe Race is just around the corner!
Repairs force postponement of
June Film Shoot at Truman Lake
Despite heroic efforts at the May Muster (see report below), the Keelboat won't be lake-ready in time to film scenes for our education video series in June. Work continues on the boats and look for details of the September filming at the Historic Boone Home in St. Charles County.
May Muster volunteers tackle long list of projects

By Marty Aubuchon
For the spring muster work weekend, we knew we had the goal of getting the boats ready for the upcoming film shoot scheduled in June. We hoped to get the motor operating on the Keel Boat and to complete all the work required to get the white boat back into operation for the water.  
Twenty-five individuals contributed their skills and labor during the weekend. Words cannot fully express my thanks for their time and labor and their personal expense to travel from their hometowns to work on the boats or other tasks at the Boat House. Some individuals had the additional expense of lodging. This year the weather was cold and with rain on Saturday and Sunday morning. We were even greeted with a tornado warning on Thursday evening. While we weren’t able to accomplish everything that was necessary, it was a very productive weekend.  
RED BOAT
The boat is in good shape and basically ready for the water. A thorough inventory and equipment list was made. Thanks to Davy Cain for taking ownership of the boat and supervising the tasks. An inspection of the interior hull by Josh Bennett found a crack in the surface of one of the forward ribs and upon further investigation a lot of rot was found in the rib and some of the floor area. Fortunately, no other areas have been found. Subsequently these areas been repaired with penetrating epoxy by Tim Hirzel and the bad wood replaced and the area strengthened with the addition of a bulkhead by Larry Boschen. The repaired interior area requires new painting. A new bilge pump will be installed. John Meyer and Davy checked the power supply. The bottom of the hull could be painted.
KEEL BOAT
The trailer axles were inspected and checked by Larry Boschen. Information has been obtained.
The motor was operated. Further work and investigation are required because of a new problem. Thanks to Larry Boschen, Old Jim, Kenny Berkemeyer and Steve Mansfield, new tires have been purchased and will be installed.  The general condition of the boat is good. Thanks to Tom Ronk for assisting in the inspections and getting ropes ready.
WHITE BOAT
The front end of the boat or bow has undergone major reconstruction work due to the presence of rot. New wood has been installed. A new bulkhead has been installed with the help of Bud Clark, Steve Young and Larry Boschen. New braces for floorboards have been installed and new floorboards are being made by Steve Mansfield. The existing interior of the hull requires new painting. The new wood of bow area has been covered with a layer of fiberglass by Tim Hirzel and Martin Aubuchon prior to the May Muster. Scott Ballentine provided some new positive energy and assistance in placing a second layer of fiberglass. All new areas require painting. Unfortunately, we weren’t able to get to this this weekend. The plan is to repaint the complete interior of the hull and the complete exterior.
LOFT AREA ABOVE THE FIRST FLOOR BATHROOM
The existing area served as a storage area and should I say a collection area for junk or unused items. There were also many cardboard boxes of educational materials. This area was decluttered or reorganized by moving the cardboard boxes upstairs into the museum or the loft area above the second floor. Tipi poles and wood pieces for wood oars were moved to the ground floor and will be stored on new brackets to be installed above the gates on the interior south wall of the Boat House. An inventory of useful items stored in boxes or tubs, (for example tipi, sails, etc.) was made and stored in the loft area. There was a lot of dust, etc. that had accumulated over the years in that area. A major effort was made to clean the area. The area is much more organized and there is much available space to store items from the first-floor lockers and have the items above any high floodwater level. Other tent poles and storage tubs for tents were moved from the first floor to the loft area. Thanks to Tom Ronk, Ed Eller, Mack Thornton, Vicky Ballentine, Bob Foster, Tim Foster, Steve Mansfield.
Photos:
Top: Karen Ronk pauses in her work prepping the white pirogue. Middle: Tim Hirzel applies fiberglass under tough conditions.
Bottom: Tim Hirzel, Scott Ballentine and Marty Aubuchon take an all-too brief break!

If there is any interest for another work weekend or if you can help, please talk with us - and if you are interested in helping us defray the costs of materials and supplies, please let us know!
LANDSCAPING AREAS
Thanks David Jaeger for helping Mimi Jackson in the museum and completing her request for spreading new mulch in the landscape areas.
BOAT HOUSE IRON GATES.
There is a lot of rust on the lower level of the iron bars around the exterior of the boat house. In addition to sweeping the interior of the hulls and vacuuming the lower levels of the boat hulls, Joy Young, Karen Ronk, Vicky Ballantine and Charleen Thornton took time to wire brush the rods to remove loose paint and rust. Thank you, ladies.
MEAL SUPPORT
Brigette Bowers provided breakfast, lunch and dinner throughout the weekend. 116 meals were provided. Thank you also for that nice homecooked meal on Saturday night. Drinks consisting of water and soda was also provided for us. Thanks Norm and Brigette.

I also want to thank Larry Kluesner for assisting in getting the paint and fiberglass and any other materials that were needed. It was also good to see Steve Meyer on Sunday morning who was there on Sunday to assist as he was needed. Thanks to Steve Mansfield for being there as a point man to answer questions and sometimes guide us on where to store items. The weekend was busy, wet, and cold but thanks to the efforts of many people a lot work was accomplished. This organization depends on volunteers. I hope I haven’t forgotten anybody. It was great to see everyone and have the help from each of you. Thanks Josh Bennett for bringing Flynn and Everett to assist you. There is still much work to do, especially with the painting of the white boat. Any help is appreciated. Since Larry Boschen, Tim Hirzel, and myself are near St. Louis, we will continue to help according to our personal schedules.
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. 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!
The Race to Volunteer for the MR-340 is ON!
 
The MR 340, 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. 
Wed. July 13 – 8-10 am: Help move the boats out
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
 
Please Sign up! brigitteandnorm@gmail.com or 314-304-7877 or at museum.  
 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.
Eagle Day
Congratulations to Izaiah Vasseur on attaining the rank of Eagle Scout. We were proud to host his Court of Honor on May 22!
Fast Company
The Boat House parking lot was fast and furious with more than 100 Firebirds on May 20. We played host to the annual Firebird Fest, with 150 drivers and friends visiting the museum.
Coming events

July 20 or 27: Reception honoring historic dugout canoe
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
December 3: Christmas Party
Missouri River Wildlife Walk
Thanks to our friends at the National Park Service for sending a sidewalk stickers highlighting the wildlife large and small native to the Missouri River and its basin. The stickers highlight animal's special abilities and encourage visitors to compare their abilities to the wildlife. "Are you as tall as an adult Pallid Sturgeon?" "Wiggle your fingers like a False Map Turtle!"   
Planning your summer reading list?
We have some outstanding titles in stock!
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.
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. 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
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.
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. 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)
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

June 4, 1804 – "Set out Clear morning 2 miles By ouer Stersman Let the Boat Run under a lim and Broke our mast off. 3 miles past a Creek no the South Side Called mast creek, a Butifull a peas of Lands as ever I saw. (Charles Floyd)