MISSION: Located on the banks of the Rivanna River in Darden Towe Park in Charlottesville, Virginia, the Lewis & Clark Exploratory Center is a hands-on center focusing on the historic expedition as a gateway for learning about history, exploration, transportation, the arts, science, the natural environment, and native cultures.
We acknowledge the Monacan Nation, who lived on the land where the Lewis & Clark Exploratory Center now stands. We also seek to listen to native peoples about the Lewis and Clark Expedition and its impact, and we travel along the trail of the Expedition, often hosted by the tribes of the areas, learning more to convey to our visitors in Charlottesville.
Our hands-on activities and our exhibitions relate to inspiring curiosity and exploration, while showing respect for the environment and for varying viewpoints. We lead art projects for both children and adults as a way to interpret history, the environment, and science, using the Lewis and Clark journals as inspiration, journals that included drawings, written accounts, and mapmaking. Art that involves carpentry is also a focus. Carpentry projects have included boats as art installations and 3-D mapmaking.
The Lewis & Clark Expedition (1804-1806) was led by Meriwether Lewis, who was born in Albemarle County, and by William Clark, whose family lived for years in Albemarle County on land adjacent to the Lewis & Clark Exploratory Center site. We explore their local roots as well as their national journey. Beginning with the Rivanna River, and ending with the Columbia, we examine the histories of the rivers that are part of the histories of the Expedition.
A variety of interactive programs allow visitors to question history and form their own opinions based on primary source documents and objects.
Board Officers:
Malou Stark, President
Dan Mahon, Vice President
Valerie L’Herrou, Treasurer
Eileen Akers, Secretary
Sally Thomas, Immediate Past President
Members of the Board:
Diana Amatucci
Brooke Asher
Bob Fenwick
Hugh Gildea
Sarah Gran
Chauncey Hutter
Fran Lawrence
Bea LaPisto-Kirtley
Ann Mallek
Deborah McLeod
Executive Director: Alexandria Searls
Director of Programs: Becky Gildersleeve
The Lewis and Clark Exploratory Center is a 501 (c) (3) corporation. All contributions are fully tax deductible to the extend allowed by law.
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