{"id":1675,"date":"2025-02-24T17:24:09","date_gmt":"2025-02-24T17:24:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lewisandclarkboathouse.org\/?p=1675"},"modified":"2025-02-24T17:24:09","modified_gmt":"2025-02-24T17:24:09","slug":"annual-report-captures-big-events-previews-2025","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lewisclarkmuseum.org\/?p=1675","title":{"rendered":"Annual Report captures big events, previews 2025"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">2024 marked the 21st Anniversary of the Lewis and Clark Boat House &amp; Museum.\u00a0 <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">We continue to see momentum as we build for the future.\u00a0 Here\u2019s a roundup of 2024 and preview of 2025!<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Record-setting paid attendance<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">River Re-enactments<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Expanded docent program<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Historic Hawken Rifles<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Major building enhancements<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Stellar reviews online<\/span><b><br \/>\n<\/b><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><b>Connecting Lewis &amp; Clark to the Community<\/b><b><br \/>\n<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Lewis &amp; Clark Boat House and Museum welcomed 24,387 museum visitors, from all 50 states and more than 40 countries; from remote Kazakhstan to distant Nepal.\u00a0 We\u2019re at the center of community celebrations, such as the Festival of the Little Hills and the Hawken Classic, the finish line for hundreds of paddlers in the MR-340, a regular partner with the St. Charles Convention and Visitors Bureau and school field trips, senior centers, and tours.\u00a0 We\u2019ve opened the doors to culinary masterpieces, Methodist ministers and ABC 20\/20 producers!<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Bringing History to Life<\/b><b><br \/>\n<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In milestone adventures, we had all three boats and a full complement of re-enactors on the Missouri River bank by the Boat House in late May.\u00a0 Part of our in-production film series, the scenes depicted the arrival and departure of the Corps of Discovery from St. Charles in May 1804.\u00a0 In October, the Keelboat journeyed by land and river to spots from Omaha, NE, to Kaw Point, MO.\u00a0 The partnership with the National Park Service, Atchison, KS, Friends of the River, the Lewis &amp; Clark Trust and others, was a remarkable example of the interest in living history.\u00a0 Closer to home, thanks to a grant from Americana Corner and the Lewis &amp; Clark Trail Alliance, we expanded our docent program at the Museum.\u00a0 For the first time, one student earned 3 hours of college credit (at Lindenwood University) for interpreting history here.\u00a0 His successor, another Lindenwood credit student will be interpreting at the museum this spring.\u00a0 In March, we\u2019ll add a temporary Steward funded by Conservation Legacy and Americorps.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><b>Hawken Classic: 200 years of history<\/b><b><br \/>\n<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A premiere rifle of the early 1800s, the Hawken rifle was made in Missouri and cherished by early settlers and mountain men.\u00a0 In May, more than 1,000 visitors gathered at the Boat House to drool over priceless antique rifles (actual drool not allowed), fire a vintage rifle\u00a0 and learn from expert historians.<\/span><b>\u00a0 Mark your calendar for the 200th anniversary May 16-18, 2025.<\/b><\/p>\n<p><b>Changes at the Top<\/b><b><br \/>\n<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">We welcomed new Officers and Board Members in November, including Vice Chair Marty Martin, Treasurer Chris Collier and Board Member Josh Bennett.\u00a0 The infusion of energy and expertise speaks well for the future of our organization!<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Gift Shop Goodness<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Record-setting gift shop sales were a testament to new seasonal items such as custom Seaman Christmas ornaments, greeting cards featuring our fleet on the river by the Museum, locally sourced items such as custom-etched Keelboat models and history books, and a remarkable assortment of educational and National Park-themed items.\u00a0 We hear often that people consider the gift shop a destination on its own!<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Fresh displays make fascinating glimpses of history<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">With special thanks to John Fisher, we added handmade tools and colorful inks and tints to our display.\u00a0 A \u201csecret trigger\u201d flintlock pistol, dating to the early 1800s, is now on display, very similar to the one Lewis is believed to have carried. \u00a0 Our displays are funded, thanks to a grant from the Lewis and Clark Trail Heritage Foundation from the Lewis &amp; Clark Trail Stewardship Endowment: A National Council of the Lewis &amp; Clark Expedition Bicentennial Legacy Project. \u00a0 There\u2019s always something new to discover.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Home Sweet Home<\/b><b><br \/>\n<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">We love our riverside location, but as early explorers knew well, the elements can be brutal.\u00a0 Rising waters forced a July 4 move to higher ground. We completed a mold-remediation project thanks to the Harmon Foundation, continued upgrading to energy-efficient lighting, and refined the spaces to better host events such as the Missouri Conservation Heritage Foundation, Richard Greeves Art Exhibition and Veterans Administration meetings.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Special requests for 2025<\/span><b><br \/>\n<\/b><b><br \/>\n<\/b><b>Be Part of History with the Discovery Expedition!<\/b><b><br \/>\n<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Calling history enthusiasts, riverfolk and adventurers \u2013 if you are interested in getting hands-on in telling history aboard and around our magnificent boats, we\u2019d love to talk to you.\u00a0 We\u2019re seeking volunteers to (literally) learn the ropes and dress the part as we get the boats onto the river and expand our educational mission.\u00a0 To get involved, call 636-947-3199 or email <\/span><a href=\"mailto:director@lewisandclarkboathouse.org\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">director@lewisandclarkboathouse.org<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">We cordially invite you to<\/span><\/i><a href=\"https:\/\/secure.givelively.org\/donate\/discovery-expedition-of-st-charles-mo-inc\/join-or-renew\"><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> join or renew for 202<\/span><\/i><\/a><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">5, and enjoy the privileges of your membership, including our monthly newsletter, free admission to the Boat House, discount at the Gift Shop and access to member-only events and notices! \u00a0 Don\u2019t be left behind on the dock, join or renew today.\u00a0 We always welcome additional donations!<\/span><\/i><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n<p><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Thank you for your support!<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n<p><b>Chairman\u2019s Report to the Membership:<\/b><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><b>Review of 2024:<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What an exciting year we experienced! \u00a0 Just to mention a few 2024 highlights: There was our Muster to organize all that had to be done. \u00a0 The next big event was the Hawken Annual Classic which was a great first time success that meshed well with what we do.\u00a0 Then the St. Charles Filming captured some wonderful content which is being edited as you are reading this note.\u00a0 Along the way we recruited some talented people and had an awesome time preparing and filming.\u00a0 We had the total fleet on the river, an inspiring sight that captivated visitors.\u00a0 Many stories to be published later.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">I\u2019d be remiss if I didn\u2019t mention the MR340 or the Festival of the Little Hills.\u00a0 Both events are great to have for the public &amp; PR exposure.\u00a0 Thanks to the volunteers who are generous with their time.\u00a0 We can\u2019t possibly carry out our mission without the sacrifice of our members.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Our biggest adventure was the October trip from Omaha to Kansas City.\u00a0 We had some challenges but with an average of 25 participants and the passing of the baton from Tom Ronk to Dewayne Knott as phase leader with John Meyers help, it all went as smoothly as could be expected.\u00a0 We renewed old friendships and presented our message to communities and hundreds of students.\u00a0 Thanks to the communities and to our donors for funding that made our trip possible!<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><b>Looking to 2025<\/b><b>: We need volunteers for every event listed.<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Looking forward, this year looks just as busy. Some details are yet to be worked out, so schedule your time accordingly.\u00a0 The first big event is happening at Natchez, MS the last weekend in March.\u00a0 You won\u2019t want to miss what Bryant Boswell has planned.\u00a0 September will be active for Living History, many details are still pending, but we hope to launch the Keelboat.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">To update you about any Arabia News that you may have heard about moving to St. Charles:\u00a0 Nothing has happened except the commitment by the St. Charles Mayor to establish a National Steamboat Museum.\u00a0 Word is, it would be across the parking lot from the Boathouse using a part of the south end of Frontier Park.\u00a0 It\u2019s just discussions at this point with or without the Arabia Museum from Kansas City.\u00a0 The Arabia Museum has to move by the end of 2026 because Kansas City revoked their lease.\u00a0 No one knows anything for certain.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Without you, our membership, we would be unable to proceed with our mission fueled by your commitment of valued time &amp; treasure.\u00a0 No words can describe what every member means to this organization.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Thank You,\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Jan P. Donelson, Chairman<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n<p><b>Mark Your Calendars for 2025!<\/b><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><b>March 27-30 &#8220;Follow the Frenchman through Natchez&#8221;\u00a0 The Farewell Tour of Lafayette in Natchez, Mississippi.\u00a0 <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For information, visit Mississippi Society Sons of the American Revolution, \u00a0 <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.msssar.org\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">https:\/\/www.msssar.org<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0 \u00a0 Click onto the blue square reading &#8220;116th Annual Meeting of the MS SAR.\u201d \u00a0 The Fife and Drum and several DESC members are staying at the Hampton Inn.\u00a0 If you have questions, please email Bryant Boswell at <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">mtcreeklodge@aol.com<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> or call 601-966-0670.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><br \/>\n<\/b><b>May 10th &#8211; New Haven Heritage Days,\u00a0 Phase leader: Larry Boschen<\/b><b><br \/>\n<\/b><b>June 14-15\u00a0 &#8211; Muster at the Boat House (Jim Martin)<\/b><\/p>\n<p><b>Late June &#8211; Possible river trip from Jefferson City to St. Louis Arch (Josh Bennett)<\/b><\/p>\n<p><b><br \/>\n<\/b><b>Hawken Classic Rifle Weekend, May 16-18, Lewis &amp; Clark Boat House and Museum<\/b><b><br \/>\n<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Hawken Classic, presented by the Gemmer Muzzleloader Association, will take history forward a few decades, to the era of the Mountain Man and the age of the St. Louis-made Hawken rifle. (Phase Leader: Larry Boschen)<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>July 7-11<\/b> <b>Missouri American Water MR340 Canoe &amp; Kayak Race (Nancy Jackson)<\/b><b><br \/>\n<\/b><b>Aug, 15-17<\/b> <b>Festival of the Little Hills, Frontier Park St. Charles (Jan Donelson)<\/b><b><br \/>\n<\/b><b>Sept. 14-17<\/b> <b>Lewis &amp; Clark Alliance Annual Meeting, Kansas City (Pending)<\/b><b><br \/>\n<\/b><b>Sept. 26-28<\/b> <b>Walk Back in Time, Mexico MO (Tom Young)<\/b><b><br \/>\n<\/b><b>Dec. 5-7 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 <\/b> <b>Holiday Celebration, Boat House, St. Charles (Bob Foster)<\/b><b><\/p>\n<p><\/b><\/p>\n<p><b>We\u2019d love to host your event!<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Each year we host dozens of special events from baby showers to memorial services to corporate meetings and everything in between.\u00a0 With a large classroom, balcony overlooking the river, museum space and park-like setting, we can make your event memorable and unique.\u00a0 DESC members get a discount on their rental!<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>2024 marked the 21st Anniversary of the Lewis and Clark Boat House &amp; Museum.\u00a0 We continue to see momentum as we build for the future.\u00a0 Here\u2019s a roundup of 2024 and preview of 2025! Record-setting paid attendance River Re-enactments Expanded docent program Historic Hawken Rifles Major building enhancements Stellar reviews [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":1676,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"om_disable_all_campaigns":false,"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"_uf_show_specific_survey":0,"_uf_disable_surveys":false,"spay_email":""},"categories":[22],"tags":[],"aioseo_notices":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/lewisclarkmuseum.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/IMG_0253-scaled.jpg?fit=2560%2C1920&ssl=1","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/lewisclarkmuseum.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1675"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/lewisclarkmuseum.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/lewisclarkmuseum.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lewisclarkmuseum.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lewisclarkmuseum.org\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=1675"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/lewisclarkmuseum.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1675\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1677,"href":"https:\/\/lewisclarkmuseum.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1675\/revisions\/1677"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lewisclarkmuseum.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/1676"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/lewisclarkmuseum.org\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=1675"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lewisclarkmuseum.org\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=1675"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lewisclarkmuseum.org\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=1675"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}