Ask a person on the street one item they've heard about from the Lewis and Clark expedition, and many of them will quickly answer: "the journals". The journals of Lewis, Clark, and other members of the Corps of Discovery are an amazing window into an important event in American history. Far more than just a compilation of facts and observations, they powerfully teach us not only about the land, the people, and the animals of the trail, but also about the men who wrote them. We learn about the character, commitment, and courage of these men, and the character, commitment and courage of those they met along the way. Such is the way with journals. They are artifacts that give us a chance to see into the heart of people, to see into their daily lives. We see their struggles and their desires and dreams, whether the author is an Army captain leading an expedition, an accomplished Renaissance artist and inventor, or a young Jewish girl hoping to remain free.
What makes first person accounts such a rich historical source? How and why should anyone keep a journal? What are the benefits to the journal keeper or even the future journal readers? Are there different kinds of journals? How important is journaling in your life? Explore these questions and more as we speak with authors Stephenie Ambrose Tubbs and James Alexander Thom and Discovery Expedition members Scott Mandrell and Josh Loftis.
Contents of the Broadcast:
1. Opening to 8:42--Introduction, welcome, orientation to today's topic, interaction with student groups on purpose and types of journaling
2. 8:42 to 38:34--We are joined by Scott Mandrell who portrays Meriwether Lewis for the Discovery Expedition. Topics covered include the purpose of the original journals, type of information included in them, who wrote them, and images of what they look like. Specific textual and image excerpts of the journals are discussed, and students ask questions on the journals.
3. 38:34 to 1:06:08--Stephenie Ambrose Tubbs and James Alexander Thom join the broadcast. They discuss their journaling and the writing process. Questions from student groups on a number of topics including the writing process and events related in the original journals.
4. 1:06:08 to End--Josh Loftis, descendant of George Shannon and member of the Discovery Expediton, joins us to talk about the journals he is writing during the re-enactment, final questions from students, thanks and goodbye.
