Modern Day adventurers in the Explorers Club delve into Lewis & Clark History

Past, present and future exploration intertwined Oct. 20 at the Boat House with a visit from the St. Louis chapter of the Explorers Club of St. Louis. The Explorers Club is an international multidisciplinary professional society dedicated to the advancement of field research and the ideal that it is vital to preserve the instinct to explore. Since its inception in 1904, the Club has served as a meeting point and unifying force for explorers and scientists worldwide.

“We’re honored to share the story of Lewis & Clark, especially the Expedition’s local ties to Saint Charles, with the Explorers Club of St. Louis,” said Bob Foster, Executive Director of the Lewis & Clark Boat House and Museum.  “Our organizations have the common interest of sparking the spirit of discovery, advancing understanding of the natural world and unfamiliar cultures, and telling compelling stories of adventure.  It’s good to see the pioneering spirit of the Lewis & Clark Expedition is alive and well in the 21st century, as exemplified by the Explorers Club.”

Founded in New York City in 1904, The Explorers Club promotes the scientific exploration of land, sea, air, and space by supporting research and education in the physical, natural and biological sciences. The Club’s members have been responsible for an illustrious series of famous firsts: First to the North Pole, first to the South Pole, first to the summit of Mount Everest, first to the deepest point in the ocean, first to the surface of the moon—all accomplished by our members.

The Club provides expedition resources including funding, online information, and member-to-member consultation. And our famed annual dinners honor accomplishments in exploration. But probably the most powerful resource available to those who join the Club is fellowship with other members—a global network of expertise, experience, technology, industry, and support. The Explorers Club actively encourages public interest in exploration and the sciences through its public lectures program, publications, travel program, and other events. The Club also maintains Research Collections, including a library and map room, to preserve the history of the Club and to assist those interested and engaged in exploration and scientific research.

Here’s a few facts about the Boat House:

• The Lewis & Clark Museum has been an educational facility in St. Charles since September, 1985. Areas of focus are the expedition and St. Charles history.  We own and operate the only full-size, fully operational replica fleet of Lewis & Clark Expedition boats. 
• The boats, and our re-enactors, are active throughout the Midwest.  During the Bicentennial of the Lewis and Clark Expedition, our organization re-enacted the full journey of Lewis and Clark, following the journals as closely as possible.
• We average 2,000 guests monthly right now.   We are listed as #2 of 29 Things to Do in St. Charles (Trip Advisor).  Although a privately managed not-for-profit, we are a partner on the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail, and partner with the National Park Service on programs such as the Junior Ranger program and Missouri River Wildlife Walk.
• All desk staff are retired teachers and they provide custom presentations to school groups.  We developed a strong curriculum for Zoom courses during the pandemic for schools, veterans groups and homeschool groups. 
• Following a collaboration with HBO, we are currently self-producing a video series on the Expedition, partially funded by the National Park Service and Bass Pro Shops.
• Our outdoor space includes an heirloom garden, nature path and access to the river.  We host special events, including corporate team-building, weddings and even “mini-proms.” We are the finish line for the MR340 canoe and kayak race each July.