Call Us At: 636-947-3199
Boat House hosts Christmas party
for friends old and new
The holiday season started with a warm and welcoming gathering at the Lewis & Clark Boat House and Museum. Guests on Friday, Dec. 1, included St. Charles Mayor Dan Borgmeyer and friends from near and far.
Saturday evening, we honored several people who have made a huge impact in 2023:
The Volunteer of the Year award went to Larry Boschen, who has worked tirelessly on the new classroom, getting the boats ready, coordinating the arrival and storage of a donated pontoon boat and working to bring the Hawken Classic historic rifle event to the Boat House next May (stay tuned for details!)
The Distinguished Service Award went to John Fisher, who's given very generously of his time and expertiise and made donations to support new displays about Seaman, the Newfoundland that was a key member of the expedition, canoe carving tools, Spanish mill dollars to help us illustrate the currency used in the early 1800s and much more.
Special recognition went to Tom Ronk, longtime director of re-enactment, for his many, many contributions of time and expertise to our organization. Tom is stepping down from his position on the board but we fervently hope he stays very much involved in our re-enacting and other activities.
With more than 60 items in the silent auction, live music and great fellowship, the evening was a great opportunity to connect, see all the improvements to the museum and learn about some upcoming events in the New Year!
Yelp on the Shelf!
We were pleasantly surprised to learn from internet review site Yelp "People Love Us." The news and marketing materials were earned by having top marks from reviewers. The recognition follows the Trip Advisor "Travelers Choice Award," attained by businesses in the top 10 percent of sites worldwide. All credit goes to our front desk staff and volunteers who ensure visitors feel welcome and appreciated. With docents on the weekends, new displays, expanded museum space and the best staff, there's a lot here for visitors to rave about!
Mack Thornton Go Fund Me
created for heath/travel costs
One of the stalwarts of DESC and a dedicated re-enactor, Mack Thornton, (shown on left with Tom Ronk at the Boat House 20th Anniversary Party this summer) was sorely missed at the Christmas party.
On November 15 after experiencing excruciating back pain for over a week and several other issues, one of which was a possible blood infection, Mack was advised by a retired doctor friend that he needed to check in to the Mayo Clinic ASAP. Because of the urgency another gracious friend who is a private pilot offered to fly Mack and Charleen to Mayo. After arriving and spending 18 hours in the ER Mack was finally admitted. There have been too many challenges to list but Mack is now in a skilled nursing facility near the clinic and beginning rehab. Charlene has been staying with Mack at the clinic and now that he is no longer a patient there she is staying at a hotel nearby.
Mack and Charleen have good insurance but with all the unknown expenses such a food, lodging for Charleen and who knows what else this will help them cope with some of those unknowns. Its hard to imagine what they are going through right now so please consider a donation. From the doctor who advised Mack to get to Mayo, the private pilot friend and so many other things, God's hand has been very evident in this journey. So with your continued prayers and donation, we can get Mack and Charleen home by Christmas. To learn more, visit https://gofund.me/a5353724.

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!
Annual Report to the Community

We welcomed 23,500 museum visitors last year, but our impact on the community is so much greater. We’re at the center of community celebrations, such as the Festival of the Little Hills and Fort Massac Encampment, the finish line for hundreds of paddlers in the MR-340, a regular partner with the St. Charles Convention and Visitors Bureau and destination for school groups, senior centers, and tour groups.

To learn about all we do, and plan to do, check out our
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!
We have been 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)
Americana Corner
Audrain County Historical Society
Mr. Rex Becker (Lifetime Member)
Mr. Bryant Boswell
Mr & Mrs. Bill and Teri Brecht
City of St. Charles
The Explorer’s Club, St. Louis Chapter
Mr. John Fisher
Fort Massac State Park
Mr. Jerry Garrett
Raymond & Grace Harmon Charitable Foundation
Friends of Lotsie & Rick Holton
Mr. Duane Parker
Mr. & Mrs. Tom and Karen Ronk
Friends of Sue Schneider
Ms. Connie Tesson
Mr. & Mrs. Mack and Charleen Thornton
Paric Construction
Mr. & Mrs. Tom and Joy Young

Captain’s Club ($500 and over)
Mr. & Mrs. Jan Donelson
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 Darold Jackson
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.


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