?Lewis and Clark in Iowa? presentation set

BONAPARTE ? Although the acquisition of the Louisiana Territory in 1803 by President Thomas Jefferson was somewhat controversial at that time, the purchase provided a wealth of natural resources to the United States of America. President Jefferson selected Captains Meriwether Lewis and William Clark to lead the exploration of the territory.

Villages Folk School would like to invite all who are interested in the historical event to attend ?Lewis and Clark in Iowa,? a presentation by Donald Shurr at 6:30 p.m. Saturday at the Bonaparte Opera House.

Shurr is a certified prosthetist/orthotist and physical therapist who has lived in Iowa since 1964. An author of many articles and books, Shurr has taught at the University of Iowa in physical therapy for 25 years. In addition, he was trained in St. Charles, Mo., to pilot the re-enactment boats that sailed during the bicentennial commemoration of the Corps of Discovery expedition.

?Lewis and Clark in Iowa? begins with the story before the expedition: the sale of the Louisiana Purchase to the United States and why it happened. Tracing the 1803 course from Elizabeth, Pa., to St. Charles, Mo., Shurr discusses the background of the many ?players? of the expedition including York, the engagements and Seaman.

Moving up the Missouri River, Shurr shifts the focus to events occurring in Iowa, such as the death of Sergeant Floyd. An accompanying PowerPoint presentation shows the replica keelboat and pirogues with actual photos taken in St. Charles and at the Onawa Lewis and Clark State Park.

The audience will be exposed to many ?firsts? that occurred in Iowa, the true peril of the journey and the return of Lewis and Clark to civilization at journey?s end.

The program has been funded in part by Humanities Iowa, a private, nonprofit state affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities. A cultural resource for Iowans since 1971, Humanities Iowa brings humanities programs into the heart of Iowa communities.