Ed Eller, at right, received the Glen Bishop Founders Award from Board Chairman Jan Donelson. In addition, the Board of Directors announced the staff offices at the Boat House and Museum would be named in honor of the contributions made by Barb and Ed Eller. |
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Karen Ronk accepts the Volunteer of the Year Award from Board Chairman Jan Donelson |
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Davy Cain, at right, was honored as Member of the Year. With him is John Meyer. |
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Jim Daum, at right, receives the New Member of the Year award |
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Annual awards honor outstanding contributions by volunteers
The DESC annual banquet was highlight by the organization's top honors:
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The Glen Bishop Founders Award went to Barb and Ed Eller, whose generous contributions of time and funds made significant renovation of the entry way and staff offices possible. In addition to the award, the new signage for the Barb & Ed Eller Staff Room and Executive Office was unveiled, honoring their generosity.
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The Member of the Year award went to Davy Cain, for always answering the call for volunteers, dedication to the organization and ongoing support for the organization.
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The Volunteer of the Year award went to Karen Ronk, who supported re-enacting events, made contribution so crafts for the gift shop and was always dependable when called on.
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The New Member of the Year award went to Jim Daum, who has worked on the Keelboat as preparation for next year's filming and re-enactment.
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Our Christmas Weekend 2021
By Brigitte Bowers, Phase leader
We had a good start with our Hospitality night at the Boat House. Food, drink, friends, the film series, everything was going along good when all of a sudden our phones started howling and tornado sirens sounded. That brought the party to a standstill in a hurry. One Tornado came down 15 miles west of us, one just on the east side of the Missouri river and the 3rd one on the Illinois side that totally destroyed the new Amazon warehouse and 7 lives were lost. No damage was taken at the Boat House.
On Saturday morning we gathered for our General Membership meeting. Jan Donelson and Bob Foster told us what a successful year we had and how DESC would go forward with plans for 2022.
At 6 PM we gathered for our Military Ball at the All Occasion Banquet Center. We had Capt. Lewis, Mimi Jackson and Bob Foster in the receiving line to great the guests that had come from New Jersey, Texas, Nebraska, Tennessee, Kentucky, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois and from all parts of Missouri.
After the cocktail hour we enjoyed a lovely meal. The Booneslick Strings played for our entertainment and for those dancing. Thanks to those that added to our ball from the podium, special thanks to Scott Ballentine who presented “The men that made the map”.
We were also treated to bagpipes music by our good friend Robert Fix from Texas. We had not heard that sound for many years, thank you Rob for coming such a long way to be with us. Several awards were given by our Executive Director: Member of the Year award went to Davy Cain, Volunteer of the Year was Karen Ronk. A special thank you went to Barb and Ed Eller for all the contributions they have made to the Boat House and group.
We had a large silent auction with wonderful items. I would like to thank Bonnie and Doug Dillard for getting items sorted and ready to be auctioned. The auction was a complete success ringing up a total of $3,000 in sales and donations. All the monies were donated to DESC.
On Sunday morning a devotional meeting with Bob Plummer and Jan Donelson officiating was inspirational held in the classroom at the Boat House. Thank you Mimi Jackson for bringing coffee and goodies. In summary, our weekend went quite well and we are thinking strongly about doing the same for next year.
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Lewis & Clark Trail Heritage Foundation awards two grants toward education:
film series, scavenger hunt
The Discovery Expedition of St. Charles was delighted to learn that two projects were each funded by the Lewis and Clark Trail Stewardship Endowment: A National Council of the Lewis and Clark Expedition Bicentennial Legacy Program.
The Dec. 17 announcement includes:
- A grant of $7,500 toward the educational film series being produced by the Discovery Expedition. The series (View a preview here: Lewis & Clark Film Series Trailer) will include 11 episodes and bonus material.) "This series brings the journey of Lewis & Clark to life for a new generation of students," said DESC Board Chairman Jan Donelson.
- A grant of $7,500 toward updating the animal and plant displays in the Museum in St. Charles. "One of the highlights for young visitors is finding the animals hiding in our displays," said Executive Director Bob Foster. "This grant allows us to build on their experience and better educate about the role of Lewis & Clark as pioneering naturalists."
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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
December 17, 1804 – "a verry Cold morning the Thrmt. Stood a 43 degrees below 0. We found Mr. Henny a verry intelligent man from whome we obtained Some Scetches of the Countrey between the Mississippi & Missouri, and Some Sketches from him, which he had obtained from the Indins. to the West of this place also the names and charecktors of the Sceoux &c about 8 oClock P M. the thermometer fell to 74 degrees below the freesing pointe... " - 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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