By Michael F. McDonald

Through original songs and stories, McDonald leads a lively celebration of the challenges and adventures faced by the members of Lewis and Clark’s Corps of Discovery.

George Drouillard: Hunter, Interpreter and Sign-Talker for Lewis and Clark
By Darrel Draper
In full expedition costume and voyageur accent, Draper combines history and acting ability to portray the life of Lewis and Clark’s most valuable expedition member. Half French and half Shawnee Indian, this expert hunter, Indian sign talker and wilderness woodsman was called upon by the two captains whenever they needed a nearly impossible task to be completed. The audience will relive the humor, dangers, miracles and hardships of the expedition and receive a rare glimpse of how Shawnee spirituality contributed to the success of this amazing story of human perseverance and voyage of western discovery.

Lewis and Clark Meet the Sioux

By Joyzelle Gingway Godfrey

A family on the Lower Brule Sioux Reservation in South Dakota is descended from Meriwether Lewis according to their oral family history. Using the event descriptions from the personal journal of Lewis and the material collected by Ella Deloria of the historical society of the Sioux, we explore the possibilities for such a liaison.

Lewis and Clark: What was Their Value Worth--Seaman, York, Sacagawea and Pomp Stories
By Renae M. Hunt
The Corps of Discovery was a fascinating group of individuals. But there were four members of the corps that were "valuable" but not paid. Hunt discusses these four members and tells stories of their adventures. She also dispels a few myths about these members. This program is appropriate for all ages.

Lewis and Clark's Corps of Discovery Through the Eyes of a Crew Member
By Dale Clark
The quest of Lewis and Clark to discover the interior of the continent of North America was one of the most successful expeditions in American history. Between May 14, 1804, and Sept. 23, 1806, the Lewis and Clark Expedition traveled about 8,000 miles with the loss of only one man. This presentation, which can be tailored for any age group, features a fictional member of the Corps a few days after returning to the United States. As he unpacks his chest of mementos, he reminisces with the audience about the 28-month journey. A Newfoundland dog, representative of the one that went on the original expedition, accompanies Clark.

The Lewis & Clark Songster: Greatest Hits of 1803
By Mary Green Vickrey
This program presents songs from five collections of popular music published in the United States in 1803. Mary’s scholarship in these musical publications from the turn of the 19th century has uncovered lost musical treasures, including hits from the American and British theatre. She weaves the historical context of the music into her performance and involves the audience in singing along on the choruses of the songs. For grades 9 through adults.

Medical Care on the Lewis and Clark Voyage of Discovery
By Dr. Richard Fruehling
Fruehling reviews the state of medicine at the time of the Expedition and the medical treatments employed by Lewis and Clark. Over the 28 months and the 8000 miles of their journey, only one man died. The men of the Expedition encountered many medical problems. The Commanders treated many of the Native Americans along the way. This program is for grade 9 through adult.

The Otoe-Missouria Tribe: The Forgotten Nebraskans
By Matthew "Sitting Bear" Jones
This program, uniquely presented through storytelling by a member of the iowa/Otoe-Missouria Tribe, offers a glimpse of the lives, lifestyles and personal feelings of his tribe, a proud and honorable people who once lived and hunted on the Nebraska prairie. Sitting Bear Jones, who makes this presentation attired in his native dress, can alter the program to accommodate a variety of audience types. This storytelling presentation is particularly suited for intergenerational gatherings.

Ponca History and Heritage
By Phil Wendzillo
A member of the Ponca tribe and director of cultural affairs for the Ponca tribe of Nebraska, Wendzillo speaks on the history of the Poncas in Nebraska. Among featured topics are the Trail of Tears and the tribe's termination and ultimate restoration to federal status. Among the possible areas of coverage:

Chief Standing Bear and the effect his struggles and court victory had on Native American civil rights
Native Americans and Christianity
Lewis and Clark Among the Indians

Songs Lewis & Clark Might Have Sung
By Mary Green Vickrey
This program reflects the diversity of early 19th century America and the Corps of Discovery. Mary recreates the feel of the era with haunting ballads, stirring patriotic songs, and French voyageur songs. Her trademark humor shines throughout her historical selections and her original song about the Expedition. She weaves the historical context of the music into her performance and involves the audience in singing along on the choruses of the songs. For grades 4 through adults.

Wahtohtana hedan Nyut^achi mahin Xanje akipa (Otoe and Missouria Meet Big Knives)
By Matthew "Sitting Bear" Jones
This program examines the first and second meetings that Lewis and Clark held with the Otoe-Missouria nation. Through the Otoe-Missouria nation's oral history this program examines the perceptions they had of these new wan^sige ska (white people). It also looks at the historical repercussions that the Otoe-Missouria experienced after this first contact and what the tribe thinks about this historical meeting today.