History Detective Uncovers Forgotten Letter
Release Date: March 08, 2010
For immediate release:
Even though national interest in Lewis and Clark peaked during the bicentennial of their journey in 2003-2006, one persistent woman in Maryland keeps on looking for hidden records of that historic event. Just such a discovery involves a letter written by Meriwether Lewis to military agent William Linnard in Philadelphia on June 6, 1803. By all indications, this letter was heretofore unknown to Lewis and Clark authors, scholars, aficionados, students and fans. The contents serve to correct a few misconceptions and fill in several critical gaps regarding the preparation phase of the Corps of Discovery.
“Through this letter we meet some interesting historical figures and gain an understanding of where and when Lewis traveled by land and how he acquired, packed and shipped his supplies from Philadelphia and Harpers Ferry to Pittsburgh,” says Lorna Hainesworth, who will share how she uncovered the original document in four Oregon appearances Tuesday, March 23, 1:00–2:30 pm at Jackson County Library in Medford; ( 205 S. Central Ave., 541-774-8689); Thursday, March 25, 7:00–8:30 pm at Mission Mill Museum (Dye House) in Salem (1313 Mill St. S.E., 503-585-7012); Monday, March 29, 7:00–8:30 pm at Tualatin Heritage Center in Tualatin (8700 SW Sweek Drive, 503-885-1926); and Wednesday, March 31, 1:00–2:30 pm at Fort Clatsop in the Netul River Room (92343 Fort Clatsop Rd., 503-861-2471).
Hainesworth will share her journey of discovery of the “Lewis to Linnard Letter” along with related documents using a PowerPoint presentation and live narrative about the Lewis and Clark Expedition and why she thinks this saga is still relevant today. Images of original documents are included in the presentation. Attendees receive a transcript of each letter mentioned.
Lorna challenges us all to be vigilant for historical records that are waiting to be found. She is a member of the board of the Lewis and Clark Trail Heritage Foundation and is active in several local chapters of the organization. The Oregon Chapter is sponsoring this free public event.
Lorna's interest in the Lewis and Clark Expedition began with her visit to the Jefferson National Expansion Memorial in St. Louis, Missouri, 10 years ago. She conducted an intensive study of the Corps of Discovery which formed the basis for her own expedition of discovery. In 2004, she retraced the Lewis and Clark Trail, beginning in Washington D.C. and ending at the Pacific Coast.
For more information, email Larry McClure larry.mcclure@gmail.com or Mark Johnson markbarb2@comcast.net.
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History Detective Uncovers Forgotten Letter
Meriwether Lewis Wrote Before Expedition
Even though national interest in Lewis and Clark peaked during the bicentennial of their journey in 2003-2006, one persistent woman in Maryland keeps on looking for hidden records of that historic event. Just such a discovery involves a letter written by Meriwether Lewis to military agent William Linnard in Philadelphia on June 6, 1803. By all indications, this letter was heretofore unknown to Lewis and Clark authors, scholars, aficionados, students and fans. The contents serve to correct a few misconceptions and fill in several critical gaps regarding the preparation phase of the Corps of Discovery.
“Through this letter we meet some interesting historical figures and gain an understanding of where and when Lewis traveled by land and how he acquired, packed and shipped his supplies from Philadelphia and Harpers Ferry to Pittsburgh,” says Lorna Hainesworth, who will share how she uncovered the original document in four Oregon appearances Tuesday, March 23, 1:00–2:30 pm at Jackson County Library in Medford; ( 205 S. Central Ave., 541-774-8689); Thursday, March 25, 7:00–8:30 pm at Mission Mill Museum (Dye House) in Salem (1313 Mill St. S.E., 503-585-7012); Monday, March 29, 7:00–8:30 pm at Tualatin Heritage Center in Tualatin (8700 SW Sweek Drive, 503-885-1926); and Wednesday, March 31, 1:00–2:30 pm at Fort Clatsop in the Netul River Room (92343 Fort Clatsop Rd., 503-861-2471).
Hainesworth will share her journey of discovery of the “Lewis to Linnard Letter” along with related documents using a PowerPoint presentation and live narrative about the Lewis and Clark Expedition and why she thinks this saga is still relevant today. Images of original documents are included in the presentation. Attendees receive a transcript of each letter mentioned.
Lorna challenges us all to be vigilant for historical records that are waiting to be found. She is a member of the board of the Lewis and Clark Trail Heritage Foundation and is active in several local chapters of the organization. The Oregon Chapter is sponsoring this free public event.
Lorna's interest in the Lewis and Clark Expedition began with her visit to the Jefferson National Expansion Memorial in St. Louis, Missouri, 10 years ago. She conducted an intensive study of the Corps of Discovery which formed the basis for her own expedition of discovery. In 2004, she retraced the Lewis and Clark Trail, beginning in Washington D.C. and ending at the Pacific Coast.
For more information, email Larry McClure larry.mcclure@gmail.com or Mark Johnson markbarb2@comcast.net.
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