Our Museum Staff is one of the most gracious, friendly teams you will meet. And why not? Most are retired teachers, well-versed in Lewis and Clark history and always willing to help ensure you have a great experience at the Museum.  No wonder we get top marks from rating services like TripAdvisor and Yelp.

Museum Co-founders: Mimi and Darold Jackson
Mimi started the Lewis & Clark Museum in 1985. While developing the museum, she and her husband, Darold, got to know and work with Glen and Joanne Bishop, who started the Lewis & Clark Discovery Expedition of St. Charles, Missouri. Starting in 2001, they joined forces to build a new facility and create one non-profit organization. Mimi gifted the exhibits from the old museum to the new facility and spearheaded the efforts to significantly expand the exhibits and programs. She also led the development of the classes and programs in the newly enlarged classroom to accommodate the growing number of school classes, scout groups and tour groups. Prior to her interest in Lewis & Clark, Mimi developed and taught classes at the Museum of Science and Natural History, the Museum of Art & History in Brussels, Belgium, and the Missouri Botanical Garden. She has received numerous awards, including the Sacagawea Award. She served as the Executive Director for the new facility, and continues to teach classes and work in the Museum shop.

Executive Director: Robert Foster (director@lewisandclarkboathouse.org)
Bob is a not-for-profit executive with 35 years’ experience in executive leadership, publishing, organizational development, and strategic communications. Serving as executive director since January 2021, Bob earned a graduate certificate in Museums, Heritage and Public History in 2022 from the University of Missouri- St. Louis. Previously, Bob served as Executive Director of the Missouri State Parks Foundation, Executive Director of the World Affairs Council of St. Louis, and Executive Director of the American Optometric Student Association. As a volunteer, he was founding chair of an alternative transportation not-for-profit and project manager for a federally funded bike parking program. He is certified as a Teacher of English to Speakers of Other Languages, Editor in the Life Sciences (ELS), speaks Mandarin conversationally (HSK2) and holds commercial drone operator certification. He is on the Advisory Committee for the Lewis & Clark Trail Experience.

Museum Director of Education: Bill Brecht
Bill taught Earth Science at Jefferson Junior High/Middle School in St. Charles, Missouri for 30 years. Shortly after retirement, he worked part-time at the Lewis & Clark Museum teaching classes and manning the shop. Several years after moving to the Museum’s new facility, Bill became the Executive Director. For the last 30 years, Bill has had an interest in historical re-enactment, mostly from the American Revolution to the War of 1812. He first participated in the Lewis & Clark Heritage Days in 1986 and has been on the event’s planning board since 1991.

Education Staff and Welcome Desk/Gift Shop Associates: 
Shown from left are Jan Heist, Susan Marsh, and Jaycyn S., who serve as daily staff, educational coordinators and oversee the experiences of our guests. All are retired educators.

Facilities Staff and Tour Leader: Ed Eller

Staff members can be reached at lewisandclarkmuseum@yahoo.com.