Table Of ContentS
917.8042
H6IR
2005
First Leg nf the Portage by Ron Ukrainetz — Courtesy of the artist
On January 18,2003, Montana, along with the rest of the nation, marked the official start
of the Bicentennial commemoration of the Lewis and Clark Expedition. This second
Interim Report summarizes Montana’s Bicentennial effort over the preceding two years
and outlines the scope and variety of programs and events planned through 2006.
Montana State Library
3 0864 1003 5323 7
INTRODUCTION TO THE COMMISSION
Formation Membership
T
o ensure that Montana’s communities were properly he Commission is comprised of 12 members, 9 of which
prepared to observe the Bicentennial, the Legislature in are appointed by the Governor to serve staggered 3-
1997 statutorily created the Lewis and Clark Bicentennial year terms. Members must have an interest in the history
Commission, with an enacting date of October 1, 1997, and a of the expedition and are selected to represent various
sunset date of December 31, 2007. elements of the private sector (education, history, business,
etc) and geographical areas of the state. By statute at least
Administration
T three of the Commissioners are American Indian and live on
one of Montana’s seven reservations. The remaining three
he Commission is attached to the Montana Historical
Commissioners are the directors of the Montana Historical
Society for administrative purposes only as provided in
Society, Travel Montana, and the Parks Division of Fish,
2-15-121, MCA.
Wildlife and Parks. The Commission holds three meetings
Role and Responsibilities annually.
T
Current Commission Membership:
he Commission according to statute is responsible for
coordinating and promoting the observance of Montana’s Betsy Baumgart, Helena
bicentennial commemoration of the Lewis and Clark expedition Marcy Hamburg, Sidney
and the importance of the roles played by Montana’s Indian Darrell Kipp, Browning
people to the Expedition. The mission of the Commission is to
Jack Lepley, Fort Benton
be the officially recognized leader in planning and coordinating
Wyman McDonald, Poison
the observance of the Bicentennial in Montana. The five areas
Darrell Martin, Hays
of responsibility addressed in statute include:
Doug Monger, Helena
•Cooperation with national, regional, statewide and local
Arnold Olsen, Helena
events
Jeanette Rasmussen, Choteau
•Plan, coordinate or assist in planning and coordinating
Homer Staves, Billings
bicentennial events
Hal Stearns, Missoula
•Engage in fundraising activities, including revenue earning
enterprises Betty Stone, Glasgow
•Promote public education concerning the Expedition and Staff:
the history and culture of Montana’s Indian people at the Clint Blackwood, Executive Director
time of the Expedition Rita Cortright, Program Specialist
• Perform other related duties
Project Grants Organization and Planning Grants
B A
eginning in 2000, the Commission established an nnual O&P grants were first offered in 2001 to Regional
annual grants program offered to Montana non-profit Bicentennial Commissions and Tribes in an effort to
organizations for the funding of Lewis & Clark-related assist county-sanctioned regional commissions and tribal
projects. In addition to a portion of the Commission’s annual representatives with bicentennial planning efforts. A total of
budget, the following entities have contributed to the grant $170,170 in O&P funding is projected through fiscal year
pool: Montana Department of Transportation, US West, 2005, with grants averaging $1,800 annually.
Bonneville
Power
Administration,
Program Grants
T
Qwest
Foundation, he Commission deemed certain projects of
U.S. Forest sufficient import to receive direct support outside
Service and of the annual competitive project grants program.
the Montana Funding for these programs totaled $258,000 for fiscal
Department of years 2002-2005. The list of projects includes:
Commerce. •Lewis & Clark Tour Guide Training
From 2000-
•Bicentennial Public Safety Plan
2004, a total of
•Support for Montana Tribal Tourism Alliance
$713,373 was
granted to 67 •A Confluence of Cultures Symposium
grantees for a •Nat’l. Lewis & Clark Conference, Great Falls
Native Plant Garden at Crazy Mountain Museum,
wide range of
Big Timber, Montana •Explore! the Big Sky Nat’l. Signature Event
projects such
•Clark on the Yellowstone Nat’l. Signature Event
as interpretive signage, native plant parks, in-depth teacher
training, a L&C educator’s resource guide, replica uniforms, •Encountering the Bitterroot Salish Event
teaching trunks, tribal oral histories, museum exhibits, murals, Interpretive Signs in L&C Trail Corridors
community festivals and re-enactments. Grants ranged from statewide
$2,500 to $25,000 with an 18-month period completion
Corps II Host Community Support
timeline. In 2005, the Commission shifted funding support
from project grants to program grants.
EDUCATION PROJECTS
F
rom its inception, the state Commission viewed education •A Confluence of Cultures: Native Americans and the
as one of its top priorities. An Education Committee was Expedition of Lewis & Clark — a symposium held May
established comprised of Commissions and members of the 28-30, 2003, on the University of Montana campus,
public with ties to the state’s higher education and K-12 Missoula. This international
71K ConfluttKC of Gt/lnrrs tympmliun trill offer
a fofuin l« research tlut cumMitsan-lrutTfOica
education systems. The most notable projects to date from this caluml r**aces of 0* new United Stales mi 0km cf conference, designed to
the Infun nxioni !t*»l Ok- Onpt of DiswiTf
enreuntcred fm; ns |oacey. oornting rial researeh
to cumin the chtnga <lut knt recurred wuMn US
committee’s efforts include: tod Native Ameceao cJlue «the •leremrej. of tlx examine new perspectives
Inns *nd tint opcdiUr. 3/ piMfnf • freHe
Serjtr. fa the research,«'
about Lewis and Clark,
•Lewis & Clark: Montana’s Story — a
was jointly sponsored by
22-minute video produced in partnership A Confidence of Coltores:
Native Americans and the Coreruvrrci or cvuxsns the state Commission and
with Montana State University and Expedition of Lewis and Clark TMitur sUousm a. aMnT r rs osra iMl crrra-t
Montana Superhost. TribaSle Cekoilnlegg oesr,i gNinaatilv ree sAeamrecrhi cbayn sStutuddeinests D oerp faarctumlteyn atst University of Montana.
and other disciplines to present at this national symposium.
•Lewis & Clark Educator’s Resource May 28-31, 2003 The University or Montana Missoula, Montana
Guide — a 197-page published review •Lewis & Clark Tour Guide Training — three annual
of Lewis & Clark materials training sessions were conducted in partnership with
produced in partnership the Lewis & Clark Training Academy and the National
with MSU Project WET; a Historic Trail Interpretive Center, Great Falls.
second edition was printed
•Arbor Day & Lewis and Clark Day in Montana Schools
and distributed in 2004
— an event planned for April 29, 2005 to teach
to approx. 600 Montana
Montana’s 5th grade students about the importance of
school and public libraries.
Arbor Day and the species identified by members of the
L&C Expedition.
Montana State Library
Formation Membership
T
o ensure that Montana’s communities were properly he Commission is comprised of 12 members, 9 of which
prepared to observe the Bicentennial, the Legislature in are appointed by the Governor to serve staggered 3-
1997 statutorily created the Lewis and Clark Bicentennial year terms. Members must have an interest in the history
Commission, with an enacting date of October 1, 1997, and a of the expedition and are selected to represent various
sunset date of December 31, 2007. elements of the private sector (education, history, business,
etc) and geographical areas of the state. By statute at least
T Administration three of the Commissioners are American Indian and live on
one of Montana’s seven reservations. The remaining three
he Commission is attached to the Montana Historical
Commissioners are the directors of the Montana Historical
Society for administrative purposes only as provided in
Society, Travel Montana, and the Parks Division of Fish,
2-15-121, MCA.
Wildlife and Parks. The Commission holds three meetings
Role and Responsibilities annually.
T
Current Commission Membership:
he Commission according to statute is responsible for
coordinating and promoting the observance of Montana’s Betsy Baumgart, Helena
bicentennial commemoration of the Lewis and Clark expedition Marcy Hamburg, Sidney
and the importance of the roles played by Montana’s Indian Darrell Kipp, Browning
people to the Expedition. The mission of the Commission is to
Jack Lepley, Fort Benton
be the officially recognized leader in planning and coordinating
Wyman McDonald, Poison
the observance of the Bicentennial in Montana. The five areas
Darrell Martin, Hays
of responsibility addressed in statute include:
Doug Monger, Helena
•Cooperation with national, regional, statewide and local
Arnold Olsen, Helena
events
Jeanette Rasmussen, Choteau
•Plan, coordinate or assist in planning and coordinating
Homer Staves, Billings
bicentennial events
Hal Stearns, Missoula
• Engage in fundraising activities, including revenue earning
enterprises Betty Stone, Glasgow
•Promote public education concerning the Expedition and Staff:
the history and culture of Montana’s Indian people at the Clint Blackwood, Executive Director
time of the Expedition Rita Cortright, Program Specialist
• Perform other related duties
EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES ACCOMPLISHMENTS
J Inaugural Events T Community-Focused Events
anuary 18, 2003, at Monticello, marked the national kickoff hroughout the remainder of the Bicentennial observance, Montana Lewis & Clark Partner Network
of the Bicentennial observance with the first of 15 national community-based events and programs will be developed and Bicentennial Master Plan ormation of a partner network has allowed the
Signature Events. Montana was represented by approximately presented across Montana. Updated information can be found at Commission to assist communities and groups statewide
50 Lewis & Clark enthusiasts and a Montana booth <www.montanalewisandclark.org> under “Montana Events,” or by ompleted in October 2000, the Master Plan for Montana with organization and prioritization of an extensive schedule
highlighting state events and activities. calling the state Commission at 406-443-2109. was the result of a 7-month collaborative planning
of events, programs and projects, while at the same time
process led by the state
Approximately 1,000 Montanans observed the January
• Corps of Discovery II — 200 Years to the Future — sponsored Commission. Citizens, developing and coordinating projects of its own. This network
18 kickott with an event held in the State Capitol Rotunda,
by the National Park Service. This eye-catching traveling consists of the following groups:
businesses, state and
and additionally many local communities staged events on or
interpretive park will locate in 18 Montana communities in federal agencies, •Fourteen Regional Bicentennial Commissions,
around that date.
2005 and 2006. Local Indian and non-Indian communities tribes and community representing 35 of 56 Montana counties along the Trail
will utilize the Tent of Many Voices stage to convey to the
National Signature Events representatives actively •Montana Tribal Tourism Alliance, comprised of tribal
world their Lewis & Clark story. Host sites include:
participated in identifying representatives from Montana’s 8 officially recognized
Montana will host two National Signature Events:
2005 the priorities and Tribal governments
•Explore! The Rip Sky, June 1 - • Poplar, May 6-9 programs recommended •Montana Tourism & Recreation Initiative, a coalition of
July 4, 2005, in the Great Falls/Fort in the plan. The primary
•Glasgow, May 14-17 18 state and federal agencies in Montana
Benton area, commemorates the goal of this Master Plan is
•Fort Belknap, May 22 - 29
fateful decision at the Marias River to maximize the opportunity for Bicentennial benefits. •Eleven Lewis & Clark Trail Heritage Foundation Chapters
confluence, celebrates the end of the •Box Flder/Rocky Boy, June 17-20 statewide
•Great Falls, June 25 - July 4
portage in Great Falls, and honors the native cultures of •Membership in the National Bicentennial Council’s Circle
•Helena, July 9- 17
the Plains Indian tribes. of State Advisors, comprised of 16 trail state directors
•Bozeman, July 22-31 Statewide Interpretive Sign Strategy
'Clark on the Yellowstone, July 22-25, 2006, I
•Dillon, Aug. 5-8
in the Billings/Pompeys Pillar area, focuses on nterpretive signs are a popular source of information and
•Hamilton, Aug. 26 - 29
Clark’s journey dow n the Yellowstone River and inspiration for the traveling public. Recognizing the need
•Lolo, Sept. 8-11
the inscription of his name on Pompeys Pillar. for Lewis & Clark signs that were unified in structure, style
2006 and appearance, the state Commission partnered with the
D Key State Events •Missoula, June 21-25 Montana Tourism & Recreation Initiative in 2000 to produce
uring the next two years Montana will host the following •Lincoln, June 30 - July 2 an almost 400-page Statewide Interpretive Sign Strategy to
events that are of special significance: •Blackfeet Reservation, July 7-10 assist communities, organizations and agencies in the design
•Crow Agency, July 15-18 and production of high-quality interpretation along the Trail
•Lewis and Clark at the Confluence: “this long
in Montana. Subsequently, this document was adopted as a
wished for spot, ” April 29-30, and May 1, •Billings, July 22 - 25
model by neighboring states.
2005, at the confluence of the Missouri and •Miles City, July 30 - Aug. 3
This effort was further enhanced in the fall of 2003 with
Yellowstone rivers near present day Fort Union •Sidney, Aug. 8-12
Montana DOT’s agreement to install L&C directional signs
and Fort Buford on the Montana/North
along highway rights-of-way notifying travelers of approaching
Dakota border. The event will commemorate
L&C interpretive signs.
the 200,h anniversary of the Expedition’s arrival
Regional Bicenntcnial Commissions and Indian Reservations
at “this long wished for spot.”
Encountering the Bitterroot Salish, Sept. 9-10, 2005,
Sula, Montana — a colorful, culturally significant event (left and below)
commemorating the historic meeting of two cultures at Corps of Discovery FUNDING
11—200 Years to
Ross’ Hole.
the Future
•Lewis & Clark in the Rockies, June 21- T Base Budget Lewis & Clark Legacy Fundraising
July 7, 2006, in western Montana — an he Commission’s base budget is funded with an annual T Campaign
event marking the Corps of Discovery’s $200,000 grant of bed tax revenues from the Department
he Montana Lewis & Clark Bicentennial Commission
re-entry from Idaho into Montana planned of Commerce — Travel Montana. The Commission has
joined four key partners in this pro-active fundraising
to include a series of activities at various received no general funds from the Montana Legislature.
LEWIS!L CLARK campaign. Due to a rapidly changing economic and
locations along the Trail in western
fundraising environment following Sept.
IN THE ROCKIES Montana. Bicentennial License Plate 11, 2001, the campaign has thus far met
»BLackfeet Commemorative Event, July 2006, tentatively Production and sale of the Lewis & Clark Bicentennial with limited success. Regional project
planned at the area known as “the fight site.” This event License Plate was authorized by the Legislature in 2001. and event fundraising continues and
will mark the 1806 encounter between Capt. Lewis’ men Plates went on sale in January 2002 at all Montana will be on-going; the state Commission
and a Blackfeet hunting party. county licensing bureaus and through December 2004 a is providing on-going campaign
management duties.
total of 31,016 plates had been sold, generating a net to
the Commission of $620,300.
COMMUNICATION
n an effort to fulfill its mandate to serve as a Pall Conference
I
I ‘clearinghouse’ for information related to the
n conjunction with one of its
Bicentennial, the state Commission implemented the
tt hree annual meetings, the
following communications tools.
Commission has hosted five annual
Fall Conferences, attended by
Publicity Program
I
nearly 200 people each year from
n partnership with the publicity coordinators at Travel
Montana and several neighboring
Montana and the Montana Historical Society, the
Trail states. The communities of
Commission expanded its efforts
Lewistown, Great Falls, Billings
to keep Montanans informed
and Bozeman have served as host
Arch Ellwein,
and updated through an in-state
locations for planning conferences.
Sidney, Montana actor
public relations campaign launched
In 2004, the focus changed
in the spring of 2004. Some of
from a planning conference format
the methods employed included
to a two-day Performing Arts Showcase, held June 17-18, where
timely press releases, radio and TV
21 performers showcased their talent for an audience interested
PSA production and airing, ongoing radio, TV and newspaper
in securing performances for a wide variety of venues in 2005 and
interviews and appearances on statewide talk show programs such
2006.
as “Face the State.” One innovative partnership resulted in the
2004 statewide distribution of Coca-Cola cans disp. ,a Lewis m List Serve Updates
KttENTS COLLECTION .. . . . . ,
& Clark image and message. STATE
enodic electronic updates are issued to 300+ people
Website •n p n 2006 l. in ationwide who have self-registered their e-mail addresses
through the Commission’s web page.
I
www.montanalewisandclark.org
_fJlRARy
- . . , MONTANA STATE
Newsletter
nrormation is routinely posted on all aspects of g. 6th AVE.
Commission s actisitics, including ( < eginning with the first issue in June 1999, three annual issues
membership, meetings and minutes, regional commission and .13
of the Commission’s newsletter, journal notes, have been
tribal contacts and activities, funding opportunities, Montana
published annually and distributed to just over 3,070 people
events, related web links, educational resources and opportunities,
nationwide.
and a resource library.
LEGACIES
M
indful of the goal of leaving meaningful legacies beyond behind the rostrum in the Montana
the 2003-2006 Bicentennial, the state Commission Senate Chambers. An unveiling of
partnered with the leadership of the 2003 Montana Legislature this original art piece is projected
and the Montana Historical Society for passage of Senate Bill for the summer of 2005. The
195, directing the commissioning of a bronze “relief artwork” project is funded by the sale of
honoring the legacy of the Lewis & Clark Expedition in limited edition bronze and silver
Montana. medallions, pictured at right, and limited
Artist Eugene Daub was commissioned to produce the 18- edition miniature versions of the Senate bronze
feet-wide by 8-feet-high artwork designed for long-term display relief art through the Montana Historical Society.
SUMMARY
ontana’s state legislature, in establishing the Lewis & Clark The “Confluence” event, April 29 - May 1, 2005, marks
Bicentennial Commission, recognized the importance of the official start of the Lewis and Clark Bicentennial observance
the Bicentennial observance to the state’s cultural identity, its in Montana. Over the coming two years, the state Commission
educational system, and its tourism sector. The commemoration will continue to partner with Montana communities to ensure a
is viewed as an opportunity to improve infrastructures, enhance successful, community-based Bicentennial observance, one that
education, build stronger institutions, enhance historical assets, enriches not only the people of Montana, but guests to our state
capture a greater share of the tourism economy, and create a who will share in our state’s rich heritage.
dialogue about culturally sensitive topics.
Montana Lewis & Clark Bicentennial Commission (406) 443-2109
PO Box 201203 www.montanalewisandclark.org
Helena, MT 59620-1203 Lewis &Clark
BICENTENNIAL
