2023 Report to the Community
Annual Report to the Community
2023 marked 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 2023 and preview of 2024!
- Record-setting paid attendance
- Internships with docents
- Visits from VIPs
- Completion of a new classroom
- Major building enhancements
- Stellar reviews online
Connecting Lewis & Clark to the Community
We welcomed 25,670 museum visitors last year, from all 50 states and more than 40 countries, from tiny Andorra to distant Mongolia. We’re at the center of community celebrations, such as the Festival of the Little Hills and our 20th Anniversary Celebration, the destination 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.
Bringing History to Life
Thanks to a grant from Americana Corner, we hired three part-time docents to interpret the history of St. Charles and the Expedition. Leah (Grinnell College), Christian (University of Missouri Graduate Student), and Megan (George Washington University grad), used displays from the Corps of Engineers and other items to share history with our visitors.
In May, we were delighted to take the Keelboat out on the Mighty Mississippi for crew training and equipment check out. The sight of the Keelboat underway was stirring and a wonderful milestone.
Gift Shop Goodness
Record-setting gift shop sales were a testament to new seasonal items such as custom Christmas ornaments and hoodies, locally sourced items such as stunning geodes and history books, and a remarkable assortment of educational and National Park-themed items. We hear often that people consider the gift shop a destination on its own!
New-found Newfoundland and Historic Boats
Inspired by donated prints from John Fisher, we created a display about Seaman: Lewis’ (other) remarkable companion. We added a second dugout canoe – originally from the Pacific Northwest – to round out our exhibits of watercraft. Our displays are funded thanks to 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. We battened down the hatches with window sealing, roof repairs, upgrading to energy-efficient lighting and most significantly, the creation of a new classroom thanks to the Lotsie & Rick Holton family.
Testimonials Galore
The Mayor of St. Charles proclaimed our 20th Anniversary July 1, 2023 as Lewis & Clark Boat House and Museum day, recognizing the museum as “a most welcome presence as a landmark on our historic waterfront.” But his remarks weren’t the only kudos. In November, we were named a “Travelers Choice” destination by Trip Advisor and in December, we earned honors from Yelp for being highly reviewed by visitors.
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
Be Part of History with the Discovery Expedition!
Calling history enthusiasts, riverfolk and adventurers – if you are interested in getting hands-on in telling history aboard and around our magnificent boats, we’d love to talk to you. We’re seeking volunteers to (literally) learn the ropes and dress the part as we get the boats onto the river and expand our educational mission. To get involved, call 636-947-3199 or email director@lewisandclarkboathouse.org.
Seeking: Pontoon Boat Trailer
We received a 1989 White River Sun Tracker 24 foot pontoon boat in 2023 but could REALLY use a trailer to help with hauling and storage. Got a lead? Drop us a line!
Mark Your Calendars!
Richard Greeves Sculpture Reception, April 11, 6-9 pm, Lewis & Clark Boat House and Museum
St. Louis-born sculptor Richard V. Greeves (1935-2023) was inspired by the Lewis & Clark Expedition to honor the Native people who were at the center of the journey. Beginning with an evening reception, we will showcase a dozen of his bronze busts and other figures depicting the people of the west.
Hawken Classic Rifle Weekend, May 17-19, Lewis & Clark Boat House and Museum
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. See (and handle) historic weapons, witness primitive skills demonstrations, view one-of a-kind artifacts and learn about America’s frontier life from re-enactors and enthusiasts at this major gathering of history buffs and collectors.
Film Shoot, May 31-June 2, Lewis & Clark Boat House and Museum
Weather and river levels permitting, we will be filming scenes of the arrival and departure of the expedition from St. Charles. There will be plenty of opportunities for costumed volunteers in front of the cameras and worker-bees behind the scenes.
July 23-26, Missouri American Water MR340 Canoe and Kayak Race
August 16-18, Festival of the Little Hills, St. Charles
December 6-8, Holiday Celebration, St. Charles
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:
2024 will be an exciting year coming your way with new events being planned. Now that our new Holton Education Room has been completed, with only a few minor tweaks left, we have found it has attracted many outside groups inquiring of its availability. It will be a place to host meetings, presentations, media, in addition to a history resource center. It will be a great addition to our museum where the education, exploration, and the adventure of Lewis & Clark will continue.
We are extremely excited to be hosting the Hawken Annual Classic in mid May and hope it will be the first of many. With lectures, demos, & exhibits, there should be something for all history buffs.
From May 31st to June 2nd, our Lewis & Clark Film Series will film the second part of the St. Charles episode “Doorstep to the Westward” with all 3 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. Follow the newsletters for developing details.
In July from the 23rd-26th, the annual internationally known one-of-a-kind river race, the Missouri American Water MR340 Canoe and Kayak Race, will again finish at the Boathouse.
Coming in October we have been asked by the communities of Omaha & Atchison to bring the Keelboat with the whole crew for a Bicentennial encore. We are investigating the viability of this request. Since funding has been pledged, all we need are participants to staff the Keelboat and the schedule we are developing. We are mustering a call out to our existing members in addition to those who would be interested to exercise your talents and resources for a fall trip on the Missouri from Omaha through Atchison and beyond. Call the Boathouse (636-947-3199) to get your name on the list to participate. This trip is currently taking names of those that will want to be part of this exciting “Encore on the River”. Don’t miss out, let us know if you want to be in on the planning process or help to reprise Lewis & Clark’s Discovery Expedition journey down the Missouri.
In closing. I encourage all to sign up and get involved. Our purpose is not to create a new Mission but to continue to “elevate our existing Mission”.
Finally, thanks to our many old and new members. Together we will encounter exciting new horizons as, We Proceed On!
– Jan P. Donelson, Chairman
We cordially invite you to join or renew for 2024, 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! Remember, only members have access to our “Boats on the River”. Don’t be left behind on the dock, join or renew today. We always welcome additional donations!
Thank you for your support!