Call Us At: 636-947-3199
Prep the Boats for This Year's Floats:
Muster Weekend in St. Charles April 26-28

To All Members,

This spring is shaping up to be a busy time. Due to the Hawken Classic Muzzle Loader Rifle event taking place on our usual Muster weekend, and the absolute need to ensure our fleet is prepared for our filming the end of May, I’m moving the Muster date to the last weekend of April, April 26, 27, and 28th.

Please add that weekend to your calendar.
As I opened with, this spring has a lot happening. If your schedule makes you choose between DESC events, I would suggest prioritizing one of the others. If you can attend the Muster, please do. We will always have tasks to work on, they’re boats after all. I expect this year’s Muster will have a smaller turnout, but we don’t have as much progress to make as we did last year. What a Muster that was!

Our priority this year is to make sure the fleet is ready to be on the water for filming the end of May. If you can attend, it is important to schedule as soon as possible with Brigitte at brigitteandnorm@gmail.com . Or you can call her at 314 304 7877. We need a head count of attendees so we can plan what tasks can be completed. DESC (by DESC I mean Brigitte) will also be providing several meals, and we want to have enough food for everyone without excess waste.

Keep an eye out for updates as the Muster approaches in the newsletter and by emails. You can email me with any questions jmeyer4973@gmail.com
Schedule the dates in your calendar, grab your old work clothes and come get the fleet ready for the year!
John Meyer, Chair of the Boat Committee
Hawken Classic @
Lewis & Clark Boathouse

Mark Your Calendars for May 17, 18 & 19, 2024

By Larry Boschen, Phase Leader
We will be hosting the Hawken Classic event this year! The Hawken Rifles were built here in St. Louis and the main rifle for heading out West during the Mountain man period. Samuel Hawken is buried in Bellefontaine Cemetery not 200 yards away from Captain Clark's grave.
Look for more info soon, and contact Phase Leader Larry Boschen (aka. Sergeant Charles Floyd)
Lboschen56@yahoo.com
314-910-7582
Lewis & Clark Among the Indians:
Sculptures by Richard V. Greeves April 11
Join us at the Lewis & Clark Boat House and Museum for a captivating in-person event! Immerse yourself in the incredible world of Lewis and Clark as you witness the extraordinary sculptures by the talented Richard V. Greeves (1935-2023). Through his art, Greeves brought to life the fascinating encounters between the famous explorers and the Native American tribes they encountered on their historic journey.
Explore the intricate details of Greeves' sculptures, which beautifully depict the cultural exchange, challenges, and triumphs that unfolded during this significant chapter in American history. Marvel at the skillful craftsmanship and the artist's ability to capture the essence of each encounter.
Speakers at the event will include brief presentations on the artist, Richard V. Greeves; the history of the Lewis & Clark Expedition; and the process used to create the sculptures.
Don't miss this unique opportunity to experience the Lewis and Clark expedition from a new perspective. Join us at the Lewis & Clark Boat House and Museum for an event that will transport you back in time and leave you with a deeper appreciation for the historical significance of their journey.
Tickets are free, but you can register now at Eventbrite.
Renew your membership dues now!
Dues are paid by the calendar year: You can renew online, call 636-947-3199 or send a check to DESC, 1050 S. Riverside Drive, Saint Charles, MO 63301. Thank you for your support and for being a member!
Be Part of History with 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
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!
You can also mail a tax-deductible contribution to:
Discovery Expedition of St. Charles, 1050 S. Riverside Drive, Saint Charles, MO 63301.
Film Series Special Offer:
The first release of our film series capturing key moments in the journals of Lewis & Clark is now available for purchase and viewing. As members of the Discovery Expedition of St. Charles, you can subscribe to the initial introductory release of the Series at a greatly reduced price for a limited time offer of $29.99, a discount of 50 percent for the first six episodes. TO ACCESS AND DOWNLOAD THE VIDEOS, CLICK HERE.
Thanks to our friends and supporters!
We have been blessed by hundreds who helped along the way, but a special shout out to the following for their financial support! New for 2024: Lifetime Memberships and Corporate Memberships. Call 636-947-3199 to learn more!

Sacagawea’s Club ($10,000 and over)
Mr. and Mrs. Barbara and Ed Eller
FHC Foundation
Ms. Marilyn Geery
Ms. Carlota (Lotsie) Clark Hermann Holton and Mr. Rick Holton
Lewis and Clark Trail Heritage Foundation (Lewis and Clark Trail Stewardship Endowment: A National Council of the Lewis and Clark Expedition Bicentennial Legacy Program)
Ron Lowery and family
National Park Service
Mr. and Mrs. Sue and Lynn Schneider

Jefferson’s Club ($1,000 and over)
Americana Corner
Audrain County Historical Society
Mr. Rex Becker (Lifetime Member)
Mr. Bryant Boswell
Mr & Mrs. Bill and Teri Brecht
City of St. Charles
The Explorer’s Club, St. Louis Chapter
Mr. John Fisher
Fort Massac State Park
Mr. Jerry Garrett
Raymond & Grace Harmon Charitable Foundation
Friends of Lotsie & Rick Holton
Mr. Duane Parker
Mr. & Mrs. Tom and Karen Ronk
Friends of Sue Schneider
Ms. Connie Tesson
Mr. & Mrs. Mack and Charleen Thornton
Paric Construction
Mr. & Mrs. Tom and Joy Young

Captain’s Club ($500 and over)
Mr. & Mrs. Jan Donelson
Ms. Anna Laughlin
Mr. Bob Learned
Kluesner Kreations
Lewis and Clark Indiana Foundation
Lewis and Clark Trust
Ms. Janise Manchester
Mr. Richard Prestholdt

In Honor of
Donations in Memory of Jay Coble
Donations in Memory of Barb Eller
Donation in Honor of Gene Glandt
Donations in Honor of Darold Jackson
Donations in Honor of Bob Kilmer
Donation in Honor of Marita Ulhaas Parker
Donations in Honor of the Wedding of Lynette Trotter and Gaylen Medders
Donation in Honor of Gene Olson
Donation in Honor of William J. Wolf
Donation in Memory of Donna Whitton, from her Knit-Wit Group
Donations in Memory of Bob Anderson
Donations in Memory of All DESC members who have passed: Presented by Bob & Pat Learned

The list is updated continually on our website! Visit and learn more about how you can get involved. And a special shout out to our Board and Staff for giving selflessly all year long.
You can be involved in many different ways:
  • Become a member or consider making an extra donation!
  • Volunteer at the Museum.
  • Consider adopting a part of the museum, such as a new display or upgrade.
  • Consider sponsoring an educational program or video series.
  • Does your company have services or products to donate? From cleaning services/supplies to printing to items for our raffle, we are always interested in partnerships.
  • Adopt a part of the museum, such as a new display. Consider sponsoring an educational program or a film in our mini series.

Just as the Corps of Discovery depended on teamwork, dedication and perseverance, so does your Museum and Discovery Expedition. We are incredibly proud to be recognized as an official site on the Lewis & Clark National Historic Trail. We have the only fleet of river-worthy replica boats in the United States. And most importantly, we are proud to be a living, working Museum! Thank you for being part of our journey.
Information about your Corps

Form 990, Annual Tax Filing As a 501(c)3 non-profit, the Discovery Expedition of St. Charles is required to file an annual statement for public viewing. The report is published here for your reference.

Guidestar Listing We have Silver Certification from Guidestar, a trusted directory of all U.S. nonprofits (free log-in may be required)
Interested in Qualified Charitable Distributions? We can help!
We're glad to accept gifts of cash via our online portal and we are a 501(c), with donations eligible for tax deductions. We hold Silver Certification from Guidestar, so you can feel comfortable donating.
Our mailing address is 1050 S. Riverside Dr., St. Charles, MO 63301.

Seeking a tax-advantaged way to handle your retirement plan's Required Minimum Distribution? Consider a Qualified Charitable Distribution, with our helpful IRS resources here.

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