2022 Report to the Community
Annual Report to the Community
The new year marks the 20th Anniversary of the Boat House and Museum. We continue to see momentum as we build for the future. Here’s a roundup of our 2022 and preview of 2023!
- 28% increase in paid attendance
- Exciting new artifacts
- Visits from VIPs
- Publication of our first films
- Events from weddings to workshops
- Stellar reviews online
Connecting Lewis & Clark 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.
Extraordinary River History
In April, we were delighted to host archaeologists and 80 visitors to share the remarkable history of a dugout canoe that was traversing small streams in the days of Lewis & Clark. On loan from the Sifford family, the Osage orange craft is a rare artifact and offers a fascinating look at the past.
Among our guests: Missouri First Lady Teresa Parson! Also in 2022, we invested in a second dugout that shows the characteristics of Western river craft, typical of the kind used by Lewis & Clark. Watch for news of this new addition to our collection, coming in early 2023. With these new (to us) craft, and of course our visitor-favorite Keelboat and two pirogues, we offer a comprehensive display of the river life in 1800, displayed on the banks of North America’s longest river.
We even have a grant from the Lewis and Clark Trail Heritage Foundation from the Lewis & Clark Trail Stewardship Endowment: A National Council of the Lewis & Clark Expedition Bicentennial Legacy Project.
Home Sweet Home
We love our riverside location, but as early explorers knew well, the elements can be brutal. Thanks to a grant from the Harmon Foundation, we completely replaced one set of windows and sealed another set. The updates improve our efficiency, the view outside and enable some new display space.
Building for the future!
Construction has started on a transformational improvement to the Boat House and Museum. The open (and unused) south patio is being expanded and enclosed to create the Holton Family Education Room. The new space will be perfect for small classes, meetings and exhibits. With a huge window overlooking the Missouri River, teleconferencing capabilities and added space for our growing list of special events, the project is our signature statement to the community!
Animal tendencies
More than 5,000 children visit the museum each year, and many of them look for our collection of animals – and win a small prize. Thanks to a grant from the Lewis & Clark Trail Heritage Foundation, we’ve worked with award-winning taxidermists to display some captivating creatures and even added a new display highlighting the role of fishing on the Lewis & Clark expedition.
Help Us (Literally!) Build on an Amazing Foundation
With the 20th anniversary of the dedication of the Lewis & Clark Boat House and Museum, we are re-launching the Brick Dedication for the 2023 Anniversary Year. Now is your chance to make your mark on history and have your dedication seen by more than 25,000 people each year. Perfect for remembering loved ones, sharing your blessings or inspiring others, the bricks are being offered at special 2003 pricing!
All proceeds go toward the educational mission of the Discovery Expedition of St. Charles and the Lewis & Clark Boat House and Museum. Your donation may be tax-deductible.
Visit polarengraving.com/discoveryexpeditionofstcharles
Movie magic
We didn’t roll out a red carpet, but excitement abounds over the online release of the first episodes in our film series about Lewis & Clark. Focusing on the preparations for the expedition, the episodes highlight the drama and national significance of the mission to explore the American West. Highlights of the year include filming at the Historic Daniel Boone Home in St. Charles County.
Americana Lives Here
“Americana Corner is happy to help your organization tell the incredible story of America’s founding era and its first century as a nation. Through our collective efforts, we further hope that the “love of country” – the Amor Patriae – will be rekindled in the hearts of all Americans.” So reads the congratulations letter from American Corner notifying us February 22 that we had been selected for a $7,000 grant to add part-time interpretative staff. We look forward to further engaging museum visitors and vividly telling the story of the Corp of Discovery to our guests!
Mark Your Calendars!
April 29-30, Film Shoot, location TBD
Details to follow, but we’re excited to film the next scenes in our film series. There might be chances for acting roles! TO ACCESS AND DOWNLOAD THE VIDEOS, see the QR code above or visit our website!
May 20, Cape Girardeau, Missouri
The Missouri-Kansas Riverbend Chapter and Southern Prairie Region of the Lewis and Clark Trail Heritage Foundation invite you to the Mississippi river town of Cape Girardeau. Speakers will include Foundation past president Lou Ritten. www.southernprairieregion-lewisandclarktrailheritagefoundation.org
July 1, Boat House 20th Anniversary Bash!
Celebrating two decades of education, immersion and memories, we’re hosting a 20th birthday party for the Boat House on July 1. Plans include traditional music and dancing, cannon fire and tours, food and fellowship. We’ll show off the new education center, fresh exhibits and reunite friends and make new friends. Look for information soon!
August 2-4, Missouri American Water MR340 Canoe and Kayak Race
August 18-20, Festival of the Little Hills, St. Charles
September 24-26, Walk Back in Time, Mexico, MO
October 21-22, Fort Massac Encampment, Metropolis, IL
December 2-3, Holiday Celebration, St. Charles
By the book
A fascinating discussion of the circumstances of Meriwether Lewis’ death fills the pages of “So Hard To Die.” Authors David and Marti Peck brought their expertise to the Boat House in September to offer their professional opinions. We also hosted the Missouri Association for Museums and Archives annual meeting reception, the Board of the Missouri Society of Association Executives and tons of family events, corporate gatherings and just plain old parties. Look for more authors to join us in 2023! First up will be Amanda Hoenes, who has chronicled her canoe journey from Three Forks to the Gulf of Mexico in Digging Deeper, published earlier this year. She will be at our July 1 anniversary bash!
We’d love to host your event!
Last year we hosted two dozen special events from baby showers to memorial services to everything in between. On the last day of 2022, a couple said “I do.” With a large classroom, balcony overlooking the river, museum space and park-like setting, we can make your event memorable and unique. DESC members get a discount on their rental!
Message from the Chairman:
WOW! 2023 is our anniversary year for the Boathouse & Museum. The Boathouse is buzzing, literally, with saws and hammers as workmen begin to enclose the south porch of our new Holton Education Room. It will be a place to host meetings, presentations, media and a resource center: A great addition to our museum where the education, exploration, and the adventure of Lewis & Clark will continue.
In late April, our Lewis & Clark Film Series will film the second part of the St. Charles episode with the boats on the water. I invite members who are interested in helping with this endeavor to contact us to see where we can use your talents and assistance.
Another area of need to exercise your talents and resources would be our anniversary celebration, July 1st. Call the Boathouse (636-947-3199) if you want to be in on the planning process or help with anything that needs to be done, big or small.
In closing. I encourage all to get involved. Our purpose is not to create a new Mission but to “elevate our existing Mission” which we are embarked upon.
Finally, thanks to our many old and new members. Together we will encounter exciting new horizons as, We Proceed On! – Jan P. Donelson
We cordially invite you to join or renew for 2023, and enjoy the privileges of your membership, including our twice monthly newsletter, free admission to the Boat House, discount at the Gift Shop and access to member-only events and notices! If you are so inclined, please consider an additional donation!
Thank you for your support!