Said Lewis to Clark, "Are we there yet?"

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It's over! The bicentennial commemoration of the Lewis & Clark Corps of Discovery mission comes to a close this weekend in St. Louis, under the arch at the Jefferson National Expansion Memorial. The associated press have a nice wrap-up summary of the entire bicentennial which can be read here. There is also a 'welcome home' piece written in the St. Louis paper. The end of the trail holds special significance for me. Over the last four years, I have been fortunate to have had the opportunity to participate in projects involving different aspects of the commemoration.

I was traveling towards Lolo Pass with a small film crew on the 200th anniversary of the day when the first official entry was made by Lewis in his expedition journal (August 30, 1803 - "Left Pittsburgh this day at 11 ock with a party of 11 hands" ). That seems like so long ago now. And here it is, three years later and the journey is complete (September 23, 1806 - "we were met by all the village and received a harty welcom from it's inhabitants").

I met a lot of folks along the trail who's dedication to the Lewis and Clark story inspired me. In August I introduced you to one of these guys, Craig Rockwell of the Army Corps of Engineers who portrays Captain Clark. Today, I would like to introduce you to a living history interpreter who I think is as talented as anyone I've ever met at his craft. This fellow is named Hasan Davis, he is an educator and makes his home in the St. Louis area but has traveled coast to coast telling the story of York, Captain William Clark's slave. I recorded this performance in July at the Signature Event at Pompey's Pillar in Montana. This recording was part of a larger program which also included performances by Hal Sterns as Captain Clark, and Amy Mosset as Sacagawea. This segment below is the 10 minute presentation given by Hasan. Have a listen, I think you'll hear why I think this guy is so good.