Speakers address two sides of Lewis-Clark expedition

Lewis and Clark experiences will take center stage at two programs next week at The Museum at Central School in Kalispell.

Both presentations are free and open to the public.

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. Actor/historian Ritchie Doyle will present "Troubled Trust: Lewis & Clark's Legacy and the Indian Frontier"at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 27.

When the Corps of Discovery finally returned to St. Louis in 1806, not all of its objectives were completed. President Jefferson's hopes of opening a highway for the American fur trade, of winning over the Indians from Spanish and British influence, and of laying the foundation for a carefully regulated trade with the Indians remained unfulfilled.

Yet those hopes continued as official responsibilities for William Clark when he was appointed by Jefferson in 1807 as superintendent of Indian affairs for the western territories.

Clark, portrayed by Doyle in period costume, tells of his life, the expedition, and his daunting troubles trying to manage settlers, fur traders, Indians and missionaries on the "Indian Frontier." The program concludes with questions and discussion, first with Capt. Clark, then (out of character) with Doyle.

Originally from Anaconda, Doyle works as a writer, performing artist, teacher and interpretive guide.

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. Joseph Mussulman will present "In Greatest Harmony: 'Medicine Songs' on the Lewis and Clark Trail," at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, April 28.

While on the expedition the men of the Corps of Discovery turned to music for recreation or used songs and dances as informal elements in diplomatic negotiation with various Indian tribes.

With his extensive experience as a singer, actor and teacher, Mussulman brings the music back to life and adds an intimate human dimension to the story of the expedition.

Both programs begin at 7:30 p.m. at the museum, located at 124 Second Ave. E. in Kalispell.

For more information, call project coordinator JoLynn Yenne, at 756-8992.