ASHLAND — The Lewis and Clark expedition of 1804-06 was very well-documented. The journals of Meriwether Lewis and William Clark give a lively glimpse into the adventures of that expedition.
These journals will be the subject of Ashland Chautauqua’s first virtual book discussion of the season, Thursday, Nov. 17.
The journals of Lewis and Clark were not published until 1904, 98 years after the expedition ended. The first rendition of them filled 8 volumes. Later, in 1953, the skillful editing of Bernard DeVoto brought factual observations, a sense of the daily rhythms, and the exciting adventure of the journey into one more manageable volume, The Journals of Lewis and Clark.
The discussion of this volume will be led by Chautauqua scholar Brian “Fox” Ellis, who will portray Meriwether Lewis at the in-person July 2023 Ashland Chautauqua event. Reading the book is encouraged but not necessary to join in the virtual session. Participation is free, but advance registration is required.
Register online through Eventbrite by visiting the Eventbrite page at https://bit.ly/3uCeHNz.
Starting time is 7 p.m.
The expedition, also known as the Corps of Discovery, had been commissioned by President Thomas Jefferson. Even before the Louisiana Purchase of 1803, Jefferson was eager for the United States to control commerce across the western side of the continent. Indeed, Jefferson wanted to be sure that the United States — not France, Great Britain, Spain, nor any separationist movement — claimed the western land and all its riches.
Thus, the Corps of Discovery was charged with the task of finding a water route to the Pacific Ocean and of learning about the geography, the flora and fauna, and the inhabitants of that vast area.
Ellis is a professional storyteller, author, and performer. He portrayed John James Audubon in the 2019 Ashland Chautauqua. He is founder and artistic director of Prairie Folklore Theatre, an ensemble of folksingers, storytellers, actors, and songwriters based in Illinois, who educate and entertain audiences with programs about midwestern American history.
The Lewis and Clark book discussion opens a series of five virtual book discussions based on the theme, “History’s Real Action Figures,” Ashland Chautauqua’s theme for the July 11 to 15, 2023 summer event.
Other characters to be portrayed in the first-person performances at Brookside Park are Jackie Cochran portrayed by Karen Vuranch, Pauli Murray portrayed by Becky Stone, Samuel Bellamy portrayed by Joey Madia, and Harry Houdini, portrayed by Larry Bounds. There will be a virtual book discussion based on each character. All the dates and book titles appear on the website:
https://www.ashlandchautauqua.org.
Ashland Chautauqua’s virtual book discussion series is supported through the generosity of Explore Ashland, Peace Lutheran Church, and WebDev Works, LLC. Donations to Ashland Chautauqua are an important source of revenue that allows us to produce these virtual book discussions. Donations can be made online or by check.
Full information is available on our website (ashlandchautauqua.org/support.php).
