Electronic Press Kit Unveiled

Working in partnership with Travel Montana and the Montana Historical Society, the state Commission now can direct media inquiries to a new electronic press kit. On-line at: www.lewisandclark.montana.info.org the press kit offers a wide range of Lewis & Clark information ranging from a general expedition overview, to a Bicentennial intro-duction, to an array of material very specific to Montana projects and events. The new press kit will be continually updated with fresh information, and will also facilitate the state Commission's efforts to enhance in-state Bicentennial publicity.

Upcoming Meetings

MT L & C Bicentennial Commission:
- May 27-28, 2003, Missoula
- Oct. 1-2, 2003, Lewistown

Natl. Council Meeting:
- April 13-16, 2003, Great Falls

"Confluence of Cultures" Symposium:
- May 28-30, 2003, Missoula

Annual Fall Conference:
- October 2-3, 2003, Lewistown

Grantees Announced for 2003 Grants Programs

The state Commission announced at its February 11, 2003, meeting that $36,298 was awarded to 14 Regional Bicentennial Commissions, and 5 Tribal governments within the state to assist with various planning and organizational tasks. Additionally, the state Commission made the decision to immediately award $54,500 to five project grant applicants, and defer the payment of $42,630 for eight additional project grant applicants to Spring 2003. The Montana Department of Commerce/Travel Montana joins the state Commission in providing funding for the 2003 project grants. The following initial recipient projects are as follows:

• Montana Committee for the Humanities Speakers Bureau - sponsored by Montana Committee for the Humanities ($10,000)
• Missouri Headwaters State Park Lewis & Clark Interpretive Programming - sponsored by Missouri Headwaters State Park ($12,500)
• Relive the Lewis & Clark Adventure - sponsored by Museum of the Rockies ($12,500)
• Following in the Footsteps - Before and After Lewis & Clark - sponsored by Historical Museum at Fort Missoula ($7,500)
• Bitterroot Lewis & Clark Interpretive Trail - sponsored by Kids First of Ravalli Co. ($12,000)

The eight recipient projects slated to receive funding by May 28th (contingent on available funding) include the following:

• Lewis & Clark Murals - sponsored by Golden Triangle Lewis & Clark Bicentennial Commission ($3,600)
• Twin Bridges Lewis & Clark Interpretive Park - sponsored by Twin Bridges Lewis & Clark Committee/SW Montana L&C Bicentennial Committee ($5,128)
• Clark Days at Pompeys Pillar - sponsored by Pompeys Historical Association ($9,800)
• Lewis & Clark Native Plant Garden & Original Specimen Procurement - sponsored by "Rivers Across" Sweet Grass County Bicentennial Commission ($2,600)
• Mini Interpretive Site: Marias River - sponsored by North Central Regional Bicentennial Commission ($9,050)
• "The Blackfeet Encounter with Meriwether Lewis"- sponsored by Going to the Sun Institute ($5,000)
• Teaching the Science and History of the Lewis & Clark Expedition - sponsored by Montana Science Institute, Inc. ($4,000)
• Lewis & Clark Upper Missouri River Institute - sponsored by (Fort Peck) Lewis & Clark Upper Missouri Institute ($3,452)

Lewis & Clark Legacy Campaign Update

Since November 2002 much has happened with the Lewis & Clark Legacy Campaign. A statewide Leadership Steering Committee has been created with Thomas W. Scott, CEO of First Interstate BancSystem, serving as Campaign Chair. Joining Mr. Scott on the Steering Committee are: Stephenie Ambrose-Tubbs, Betty Babcock, John G. Connors, Ian B. Davidson, Dr. George Dennison, Dr. Geoff Gamble, Michael R. Gulledge, Darrell R. Kipp, and John L. Olson. Stephen E. Ambrose (in memoriam), and Ken Burns are Honorary Co-chairs. Regional fundraising teams are actively being structured and key fundraising strategies outlined. Highlighting early campaign success were pledges secured from First Interstate BancSytems ($500,000); Ian B. Davidson Companies ($50,000), E.H. Oftedal & Sons ($25,000), and MDU Resources ($50,000). Significant contributions were also made by the Boards of the five campaign partners, and from campaign staff. To date the campaign pledges total nearly $650,000. Persons interested in assisting with fundraising efforts, or contributing financially are urged to contact the state Commission, or the Legacy Campaign office directly at 406-457-9080.

Inaugural Events Mark National Bicentennial Kick-Off

January 18, 2003, witnessed the official start of the National Commemoration of the 200-year anniversary of the Lewis & Clark Expedition. On a national level the week long Jefferson’s West National Signature Event in Charlottesville, VA culminated with a grand outdoor celebration on the West lawn at Monticello on that Saturday. Of special note throughout the Monticello activities was the very significant Indian presence and participation, the un-veiling of the Corps of Discovery II, and the almost unbelievable press coverage. A special thanks for all reporters and photographers who brought the Monticello Inaugural Event to Montana’s newspapers, radios and television screens! The National Council’s web site (www.lewisandclark200.org) offers a summary of comments made by key presenters during the West Lawn festivities.

Special events were also held in Montana to mark the official start of the Bicentennial. Among these was a “Lewis & Clark Day in Montana” event held at the state Capitol. The Lewis & Clark Honor Guard, accompanied by President Jefferson (portrayed by Fort Benton’s own Bob Doerk), presented the colors to both the House and Senate on Friday, followed by a special program emceed by President Jefferson in the Capitol Rotunda on Saturday the 18th. Governor Judy Martz, Tony Incashola (Salish Cultural Committee Chair), Senator Dale Mahlum, Representative Doug Mood, and Brigadier General Randy Mosley (Montana National Guard) were guest speakers. An estimated crowd of 1,000 people visited the numerous display tables and demonstrations within the Rotunda area. Other “kick-off” events included Livingston presenting a Friday evening show and auction, Billings hosting a Friday Lewis & Clark breakfast, and Traveler’s Rest staging a press conference with Lewis & Clark on Saturday. Thanks for all who worked to ensure the success of these Montana events!

Art as a Lewis & Clark Legacy

The state Commission has chosen a statewide Bicentennial legacy project, and has joined Senator Duane Grimes in pursuing legislation in the current 2003 Legislative session to allow for a piece of Lewis & Clark bronze bas relief art to be created, and then displayed long-term on the West wall of the Montana Senate Chambers. With the passage of the necessary legislation, an advisory committee comprised of former Senate members will work with the state Commission and the Montana Historical Society to select an artist and define the art’s theme and focus. The project will be “self- funding,” with collector-size art pieces being cast and sold.

So, Your Group is Planning an Event?

Is so, then your group needs to attend the Retrospect of Success conference in Great Falls on April 13-16, 2003. This national conference will offer program tracks allowing attendees to gain the knowledge necessary to plan and present a top-notch event. Conference tracks will include: Event Planning and Packaging, Finance, Tribal, Marketing, Hospitality and Security.

Adjoining the conference will be meetings of numerous national Lewis & Clark partners including the National Council of the Lewis & Clark Bicentennial, Signature Event Coordinators, the Circle of Tribal Advisors, and the Circle of State Advisors. For more information, and to register, access the National Council web site at: www.lewisandclark200.org. A link will also be provided on the state Commission web site.

Education Committee Update

The state Commission’s Education Committee met in February and re-affirmed the following as its top priorities:

• Confluence of Cultures Symposium – The international symposium will be held on the University of Montana campus from May 28-30, 2003. A wide variety of presenters and performers will challenge many long-held perceptions as Indians and non-Indians take a challenging look at the Lewis & Clark Expedition. For registration information access the symposium’s web site at: www.umt.edu/cultures, or call 406-243-6093.
• Lewis & Clark Educator’s Resource Guide – Having experienced a strong demand this past year, Project WET at Montana State University has been hard at work coordinating the publication of a second edition. Look for this revised and expanded resource guide to be available in late Spring 2003.
• Lewis & Clark: Montana’s Story – this 22-minute educational video has also proven to be in demand through the Montana Superhost Program as 800 copies have been sold thus far. More videos will be ordered for resale, and a printed supplement highlighting local Lewis & Clark attractions will be compiled.
• Lewis & Clark Guide Training – In October 2002, the Lewis & Clark Training Academy offered a second round of Lewis & Clark Guide training with a series of five, 1-day sessions at the Interpretive Center in Great Falls. Having successfully demonstrated their tour guiding expertise, presently 16 Montana individuals have their names and credentials included on the state Commission’s resource list, a list being made available to parties desiring a qualified Lewis & Clark guide in Montana. A third round of classes will be offered this coming Spring.

Commission Update

The state Commission is back to its full membership as Governor Martz recently appointed Wyman McDonald to fill the un-expired term of Germain White. Wyman served as the Coordinator of Indian Affairs of Montana from 1996 to 1999. Wyman lives in Polson, MT, and will serve on the Commission with endorsement of the Salish Tribal Council.

The Bicentennial license plate sales and renewals continue to provide significant, on-going revenue for statewide Lewis & Clark projects. A request for everyone reading this newsletter: on a yearly basis please renew your plate, and make a pitch to at least one other person to let them know the value of their purchasing or renewing of a Lewis & Clark plate. Thank you in advance.

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Montana Lewis & Clark Bicentennial
P O Box 201203
Helena, MT 59620-1203
406-443-2109 ph.
406-444-2686 fax
www.montanalewisandclark.org