June 2004, Volume 4, Issue 6
INTERPRETIVE WAYSIDES PROJECT UPDATE LEWIS AND CLARK TRAIL IN WASHINGTON
Interpretive waysides exhibits have been installed at most Pacific, Wahkiakum, Cowlitz, and Clark county locations. Installations are due to start in the Columbia River Gorge (Skamania and Klickitat counties) in July. Installations in the eastern part of the state are scheduled for later in the summer. The team has been working hard to finalize and fabricate all of the interpretive panels so they may be installed at approximately 65 sites across Washington by the end of the summer. A ribbon cutting ceremony was recently held for the kiosk at Skamokawa Vista Park in Wahkiakum County. If you have any questions about the project, please contact Mandi Roberts at 206.949.2741.
 The Wayside marker dedication ceremony was preceded by a Lower Columbia River Water Trail marker placement, introduced by the arrival of kayakers at Vista Park. |
 Water Trail marker placement. |
 An example of the new highway trailblazer marker system creating advance warning that Lewis & Clark markers are ahead. |
 New Wayside Kiosk at Skamokawa Vista Park with Columbia River in the background. |
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BEYOND LEWIS AND CLARK: A SYMPOSIUM ON ARMY EXPLORATION AND NATIONAL EXPANSION
September 26 - 27, 2004
Washington State History Museum
The Washington State History Museum will host "Beyond Lewis and Clark: A Symposium on Army Exploration and National Expansion." This symposium will explore themes and issues raised in the nationally touring exhibition "Beyond Lewis and Clark: The Army Explores the West." Presenters include leading historians James Ronda, John Logan Allen, Tom Chaffin, Ron Tyler and Brian Dippie.
Conference Schedule:
- September 26: Opening Reception for WSHS Members: 5:30 PM - 8 PM
- September 27: Conference Sessions: 8:30 AM - 5 PM
- Closing Reception: 5:30 PM - 7 PM
Registration:
- Members of the WSHS have the opportunity to participate in a private opening reception with WSHS Director David Nicandri and the presenting scholars on September 26.
- Registration for the general public includes admission to all sessions, viewing of the exhibition "Beyond Lewis and Clark: The Army Explores the West," light refreshments on Monday and closing reception.
- For discounted rate, registration must be received on or before September 13. After September 13, registration will only include the September 27 sessions.
Cost:
- WSHS Member - Opening Reception, Monday Sessions + Monday Reception: $55.00
- WSHS Member - Monday Sessions and Monday Reception: $35.00
- General Admission - Monday Sessions and Monday Reception: $40.00
- Student Admission - Monday Sessions: $15.00
- Late Registration (after September 13) - Monday Sessions: $50.00
For additional information, or to register, call (253) 798-5877. Teacher registration is also available. Please call for details.
U.S. FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE AND COWLITZ TRIBE SIGN AGREEMENT
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and Cowlitz Tribe signed a memorandum of understanding on June 16, 2004, defining the role of the tribe in the development, planning and production of certain educational and interpretive materials on the Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge, Ridgefield, Washington.
Tom Melanson, project leader for the refuge, says the agreement assures the Cowlitz that they will be included in the planning and production of educational and interpretive materials concerning their historic presence on what is now the Refuge, where supported by historical records and archaeological evidence.
In return, the Cowlitz agree that the technical aspects of the design and construction of a Chinookan-style plankhouse will continue to be coordinated by a technical committee guided by the findings of Dr. Ken Ames and through consultation with the Chinook Indian Tribe. Dr. Ames is chairman of Portland State University's Department of Anthropology and the lead scientist conducting archaeological research at the Chinookan village site of Cathlapotle. The Cowlitz tribe also recognizes the longstanding and continuing involvement of the Chinook tribe in the archaeological research and the plankhouse project.
The Cowlitz Tribe further pledges to assist in securing funding for interpretive exhibits and programs at the refuge. A $220,000 U.S. Department of Transportation grant for the plankhouse project had been blocked by the Cowlitz Tribe over concerns about the Fish and Wildlife Service's consultation process.
The Cowlitz Tribe is federally recognized. The Fish and Wildlife Service is required by federal laws and executive orders to consult with recognized tribes in government-to-government relations on cultural issues related to refuge management.
"The refuge's cultural interpretation and education programs are open to all tribes with interest," says Melanson. Other tribes whose members may trace their lineage to Chinookan ancestors include the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde, Yakama Nation, and Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs.
The plankhouse is one of several legacy projects in Clark County being developed in anticipation of the Lewis and Clark bicentennial and is modeled after those visited by the explorers. They documented the thriving Chinookan community of Cathlapotle near the confluence of the Lake and Columbia rivers in 1805 and 1806, counting 14 plankhouses and estimating the population at 900 people.
Participation in the community-based plankhouse construction project is open to all interested individuals, tribal and non-tribal alike. For more information regarding the project, volunteer opportunities and events, go to www.plankhouse.org.
LEWIS AND CLARK PAINTING UNVEILING AT THE BURKE MUSEUM
The Burke Museum at the University of Washington will hold a ceremony on Sat., July 10th to unveil a large (8ft. by 6ft.) oil painting by Northwest artist Chris Hopkins illustrating an event that occurred in March 1806 on the return trip of the Lewis and Clark Expedition. The Corps of Discovery landed at the Chinookan village of Cathlepotle, where they met and traded with local chiefs and villagers. The archaeological site of Cathlepotle was the subject of a five year excavation project by Professor Ken Ames of the University of Portland. Dr. Ames will be present to discuss how his findings informed the painting, in a program following the unveiling.
Dr. George MacDonald, Director of the Burke Museum, will also describe the intent of this work of art, which is to portray the extensive trading relationships that characterized the Chinookan people in the early nineteenth century, at the time of the Lewis and Clark visit.
The public is well acquainted with the primary role of the Chinookan language as the major facilitator of aboriginal trade on the Northwest Coast, from the Columbia River to Yakutat Bay in Alaska. This broad zone of exchange is represented in the painting by the blankets, hats, and other apparel from communities north of the Columbia River, worn by Chinookan chiefs as symbols of their trading contacts. Also featured are suits of elk hide armor with typical Chinookan designs that were highly desired by tribes as far north as Sitka, Alaska.
Tony Johnson, Chair of the Chinook Cultural Committee, contributed a wealth of historical detail to the painting on the economic activities of the time, based on his rich store of traditional knowledge. Some of these details include head deformation and personal adornments. Johnson will treat our guests to additional commentary on many other historical features incorporated into the painting. An opportunity to ask questions of the artist and historical advisors will follow the program.
The display will include a series of pencil sketches from the artist's studio, as well as selected Chinookan artifacts from the Burke Museum collections. The exhibition is on view through November 28, 2004.
The unveiling ceremony begins at 2 pm in the Burke Room of the museum. The event is open to the public and is included with admission.
LEWIS AND CLARK COINAGE AND CURRENCY SET SELLS OUT
Limited Edition Reaches 50,000 Sets in First Week of Issue.
WASHINGTON. -- The United States Mint today announced the sellout of the 2004 Lewis and Clark Coinage and Currency Set in its limited edition of 50,000 just six days after it went on sale at 12:00 noon, Wednesday, May 12, 2004.
Based on the high number of sets per order received in the first few hours, the United States Mint imposed a limit of 10 sets per order to ensure the widest possible distribution of this historical offering while still maintaining its limited mintage of 50,000 units.
Taking into account the 100,000 coins contained in the two limited edition sets; the Lewis and Clark Coinage and Currency Set and the Lewis & Clark Coin & Pouch Set; and early sales of the individual proof and uncirculated silver dollars, fewer than 300,000 coins are still available.
The limited edition Lewis & Clark Coin & Pouch Set, priced at $120 each, will become available on September 7, 2004. The set contains a proof Lewis & Clark Bicentennial Silver Dollar and a handmade American Indian pouch with its own Certificate of Authenticity, individually signed by the American Indian artisan who made it. No two are exactly alike. Because of the unique design of the American Indian pouches, each will be randomly selected by the United States Mint.
The Lewis and Clark Expedition Bicentennial Commemorative Coin Act authorizes a maximum mintage of 500,000 Lewis & Clark Bicentennial Silver Dollars with a portion of the proceeds authorized to be paid to the National Lewis and Clark Bicentennial Council and the National Park Service. The funds will support activities associated with the commemoration.
Customers can purchase the Lewis & Clark Bicentennial Silver Dollar by using the United States Mint's secure website, www.usmint.gov
Contact: Press inquiries: Michael White (202) 354-7222
Customer Service information: (800) USA MINT (872-6468)
RECRUITING FOR TRAIL CREW MEMBERS TO CONSTRUCT THE FORT TO SEA TRAIL
Thanks to a generous grant from the Student Conservation Association and from the Oregon Historic Trails Fund of The Oregon Community Foundation we will have a trail crew, consisting of high school students with adult supervisors, begin work constructing the Fort To Sea Trail this summer.
A Student Conservation Association Conservation Crew is a tuition-free, month long, co-educational outdoor experience where members complete essential conservation projects as a team in some of the most scenic locations imaginable. Crews consist of six-to-ten 19 to 15 year old high school students, and are directed by two highly trained and experienced adult crew leaders.
SCA crews participate in projects such as trail building and maintenance; the construction of shelters, rock walls, and bridges; habitat and riparian restoration; and invasive species removal. These projects may take place deep in the backcountry, in more accessible parklands, or within well-populated communities. In all cases, crews live and work out of a base camp - sleeping in tents and sharing camp responsibilities such as cooking and cleaning.
Living in the outdoors for a month is an extraordinary experience, but this is not a summer camp. Participants must often engage in strenuous work, lengthy hikes and long days. Crew members must be between the ages of 15 and 19, physically fit, and able to undertake the challenges of outdoor living. No other experience is necessary.
So whether you've never seen a trail before or you're a natural in the woods, come enjoy this unique and exciting opportunity to make new friends, learn new skills, and explore a whole new world.
By spending a month this summer with SCA you will receive many benefits - some tangible others intangible. But we promise you are in for an experience that you will never forget!
As an SCA Conservation Crew member you'll receive:
- A tuition-free summer conservation service opportunity
- Outdoor training and work experience
- Environmental education
- The opportunity to explore some of this country's most spectacular sites
- A chance to meet new friends from all over the world
- The satisfaction of knowing you are working for the greater good of our land
Food, shelter, and group equipment is provided for all crew members. Individuals are responsible for their own personal gear as well as transportation to and from the site. Financial aid is available for eligible crew members.
Interested? Learn more and apply online at http://www.thesca.org/cc_exp.cfm
SYRINGA IN BLOOM
The Syringa is in bloom here at L&C Trail State Park. I wanted to share a picture of this plant which is known scientifically as, Philadelphus lewisii. I only wish you could smell it, too. I suspect such moments as encountering a plant like this were life long memories for members of the Expedition.
- Gary Lentz
GOVERNOR'S COMMITTEE RECEIVES WASHINGTON MUSEUM ASSOCIATION AWARD
Barb Kubik, chair of the Governor's Lewis and Clark Trail Committee, accepts the 2004 Board Award of Excellence at the Washington Museum Association's annual conference in Seattle on June 10. The Governor's Committee, founded in 1964, was honored for providing expertise and support to communities and organizations preparing for the Lewis and Clark Bicentennial.
LEWIS AND CLARK AT THE WASHINGTON STATE HISTORY MUSEUM IN TACOMA
Exhibits
Beyond Lewis and Clark: The Army Explores the West
Nearly two hundred years ago, army captains Meriwether Lewis and William Clark and their Corps of Discovery headed west with orders from President Thomas Jefferson to find a route to the Pacific Ocean and document the land and peoples they encountered on their way. The Lewis and Clark expedition became a model for subsequent army expeditions. An eight-decade story of army exploration west of the Mississippi is traced in the exhibition. Among the hundreds of images and objects in the exhibit are Meriwether Lewis's air rifle, original field notes and maps drafted by William Clark, and items associated with the Isaac Stevens railroad survey and treaty tour. WSHM will be the only West Coast venue to present this nationally touring exhibit. Sunday, February 15, through Sunday, October 31, 2004.
WEBSITE OF THE MONTH
By Sharon Hultman, WSHS Digital Projects Manager
BEYOND LEWIS & CLARK
Long before Lewis and Clark set out on their historic expedition, as the Revolutionary War was coming to completion, plans were being made for western expansion, which was seen as the inevitable right of a new nation. Beyond Lewis & Clark, the companion website to the national touring exhibition, Beyond Lewis and Clark: The Army Explores the West, examines the political and social forces that led up to the Lewis and Clark Expedition, as well as the continuing incursions into the west that followed it.
Brief illustrated essays take the user through the story, which begins at the end of the American Revolution in 1783. It moves quickly into the Jeffersonian era, with the Commander-in-Chief sending Captains Meriwether Lewis and William Clark out into the unknown reaches of the new nation with specific orders to see and describe "the face of the country." Army explorers continued in the footsteps of Lewis and Clark, with generations of Army men charting waterways, surveying terrain, and collecting rocks, plants and intelligence. Beyond Lewis & Clark continues the tale right up to and beyond the Civil War, to the climax of the Indian Wars.
This site has more to offer, however, than just good storytelling. There are several Flash activities that provide a sense of hands-on involvement. Of particular note is the Taking Bearings activity, which gives the user a 360 view of a mountainous wilderness area, and invites him or her to chart landmarks on a map. Another interactive addresses the impact of the addition of color to the science of mapmaking, and a third demonstrates the shrinking domain of the Native American as maps are used to place them in smaller and smaller reservations.
For those whose curiosity extends beyond the website, there is a section that provides the schedule of the touring exhibition, currently showing at the Washington State History Museum in its only west coast venue.
EVENTS LISTING
We are now listing bicentennial events and promotions in a large, searchable database, with several different search criteria, freeing up space in the electronic newsletter for more news-related items. If you would like to have an event or promotion listed in this new database, please direct all information to Mark Vessey at mvessey@wshs.wa.gov and he will post the listing.
To access this new feature, visit our website at www.washingtonhistory.org/lewisandclark and click the Bicentennial Events Calendar Database at the top of the page —or click on the link below.
PLEASE LOOK for additional information and updates on Bicentennial planning activities and projects in next month's e-newsletter.
ALSO - if you have articles or news-worthy information that you would like to contribute to this e-newsletter or to Washington's quarterly bicentennial newsletter, please contact Mark Vessey at 360.586.0219 or mvessey@wshs.wa.gov.
The Washington State Historical Society, lead agency of the state's Agency Assistance Team (AAT) for bicentennial planning, will send this newsletter via e-mail on a monthly basis to provide updates on events, projects, and activities going on around the state in preparation for the commemoration.
Your name is in the state's Lewis and Clark Trail database as someone who has expressed interest in the bicentennial. If you do not want to continue to receive this newsletter and/or other bicentennial communications, reply to this e-mail or contact Mark Vessey at the Heritage Resource Center 360.586.0219.