Presentation focuses on Lewis and Clark Expedition

The Northwest Montana Posse of Westerners history organization presents a program Monday, June 20, titled “Lewis and Clark Expedition: Eastward Ho, Pacific to Travelers Rest and Beyond – 1806."

In March of 1806, the Corps of Discovery left Fort Clatsop, their winter headquarters, near present-day Astoria, Oregon, and headed for home. After retrieving their horses from the Nez Perce (Nimiipuu), they had to again cross the rugged Bitterroot Mountains to Travelers Rest. Even after the Corps left their villages, the Nez Perce had to come to rescue them with guides over the passes, not realizing that they were playing a vital part in the destiny of the United States.

Hal Stearns, Ph.D., has had a distinguished career as an educator, researcher, Western historian, writer, lecturer, tour guide and military officer. As an educator he has taught at the high school and graduate levels and has been honored as Montana's Teacher of the Year and Montana's Outstanding History Teacher. He serves on the Lewis and Clark Trail Heritage Foundation board and the Lewis and Clark Bicentennial Commission in Montana. He has served his country as a brigadier general in the Montana Army National Guard.

Meet at the Posse’s new meeting location in the Northwest Montana History Museum, 124 Second Ave. E., Kalispell, at 6 p.m. for Grab’n’ Greet and raffle and book signings. No dinner will be available. The historic presentation begins at 7 p.m. and will require pre-event reservations or at the door on a first-come, first-serve basis. Seating will be available free to all Posse members and youths 16 and under, and $5 for all non-members. Call 406-752-9642 (Leave a message with all attendee names and phone numbers); or send an email to kbrittonrn@gmail.com with the same information.