Mission Statement -

"We are a living history group dedicated to the presentation and preservation of authentic history of the Pacific Northwest"

Salt Maker's Return - July 2006

This web site is sponsored by North Coast Ambassadors Tours, PNLH members and representatives of the lower Columbia region and its rich history.

Usefull links for the historical interpreters

Interpretation in the National Park Service - A Historical Perspective

Definitions of Historical Interpretation

Job Safety Analysis for Fort Clatsop Wintering Over Participants

The party of Lewis and Clark, the Corps of Discovery, arrived in November where the mighty Columbia meets the Pacific Ocean, the much sought final destination of a great journey across the vast unknown of the North American continent. Having failed in their primary attempt at establishing an east - west river connection, for the purpose of commerce between the two coasts, they set about the no less important task of securing United States sovereignties over an internationally coveted fur trading center. They would occupy, chart and stamp the name of the United States around the lower Columbia territory during the winter of '05-'06, and impress upon the native inhabitants that their allegiance lie with this new country and no other. They would lay the foundation for the founding of Astoria just five years later and the eventual westward expansion so necessary to the economic survival of this country. Through the courageous efforts of 31 men and one woman at the mouth of the Columbia River, this became America's gateway to the world.

But for this to happen, they would have to survive an unforgiving winter in the Pacific Northwest and safely return home in the spring. They would need to find a suitable spot to build a shelter, find food and procure the necessities of life. And they would have to successfully co-exist with the natives.

On December 26, 27 and 28, 2008, members of the Pacific Northwest Living Historians will occupy Fort Clatsop and live as members of the corps lived. This is the opportunity to learn first-hand, from members of the corps, about their wonderful adventure. Come as the local Clatsop natives did and meet the corps in person as they go about their tasks. Ask them about their diet, their journey, their health and why they chose this spot to winter over. Bring something to trade. Come prepared for an experience like no other: a rare chance to be a part of history as it was made. THIS is living history.

Come to Wintering Over in 2008 and travel to 1805 where you will truly "feel" history.

Fort Clatsop National Memorial and Lewis and Clark National Historic Park

Park fees apply for this event. Parks and Golden Age Passes welcome.

Below is a list of the members of the Corp you will meet at Wintering Over 2008 including a short biography and some suggestions on how you may interact with each individual.

Toussaint Charbonneau - Interpreter - Portrayed by Steve Leinweber
Charbonneau was born in Canada of French parents about the year 1758. He was enlisted as an interpreter and engage' on March 18, 1805. He had previously been employed by the North West Company as a trader. Verbose and excitable and other than as an interpreter, he was of little value to the corps. Ask him to tell you about his wife and how he met her.

Second Lieutenant William Clark - Acting Captain - Portrayed by Tom Wilson
Of Scottish ancestry, Clark was born to John and Ann Rogers Clark, August 1, 1770, near Charlottesville, Virginia. This six foot, red haired leader is popular with the men. He was promised a captaincy by Lewis but received a commission as Lieutenant. His pay and recognition during the journey, however, are as Captain. He spends much of his time on the lower Columbia River mapping the area. Ask him about the skills and instruments needed to make accurate maps.

Private John Colter - Portrayed by Roger Wendlick
Born to Joseph and Ellen Shields Colter around 1774, he moved at age 5, with his parents, to Maysville Kentucky where as a young man may have served as a Ranger under Simon Kenton. He is 5 ft. 10 inches tall, shy, blue eyes, an open pleasing countenance, quick minded, courageous and a fine hunter. He was recruited by Captain Lewis as one of the "Nine young men from Kentucky" as a permanent member of the expedition. Ask him if he had any problems with the Indians on the way here.

George Drouillard, aka Drewer or Drewyer - Interpreter - Portrayed by Jim Phillips
His father was a French interpreter for George Rogers Clark at Fort McIntosh and his mother a Shawnee. He was in the Army at Fort Massac when, On November 11, 1803 he was transferred to Capt. Lewis. Tall, straight, black hair and dark eyes, he is adept in Indian sign language. He serves closely with the captains in dangerous situations where skill, nerve, endurance and cool judgement was needed. Ask him about medical practices of the corps.

Sergeant Patrick Gass - Portrayed by John Lazader
Born July 12, 1771, at Falling Springs Pennsylvania. Of Irish descent, he was of dark complexion with grey eyes, dark hair, short, burley, and barrel-chested. "His talk un-conventional - better suited for the camp than the parlor." He enlisted in the 10th U.S. Infantry in 1799 after serving in a Ranger Company in 1792. Of fine wit, he is also a carpenter, boat builder, and woodsman. He was elected sergeant after the death of Sergeant Floyd. Ask Sgt. Gass about any subject current to his time, such as the role of women or emancipation and you will get a ready opinion that may shock many 200 years in the future.

Pvt. George Gibson - Portrayed by Mark Johnson
One of the "Nine young men from Kentucky," Gibson is a fine hunter and horseman. According to Sgt. Ordway, he is an interpreter and a rival to Drouillard in that capacity. Ask him what he does around the campfire to entertain the corps.

Private Hugh McNeal - aka Neel, Niel and O'Nall - Portrayed by Dewayne Pritchett
Born in Pennsylvania, but probably lived in Kentucky when enlisted. An excellent hunter. He can tell you about the challenges of hunting with the black powder muskets you will see in camp.

Sergeant Nathaniel Hale Pryor - Portrayed by Matt Hensley
A Virginian, born in 1772, to John and Nancy Floyd Pryor. He was a cousin to Charles Floyd, another member of the expedition. He was living in Kentucky when recruited by Captain Clark on October 20, 1803, and is listed as one of the "Nine young men from Kentucky." A "man of character and ability," he is one of the few married members of the expedition. Ask to see his journal. Although he does not know it yet, it will be lost on its way to publication in France. (Don't tell him this. It will spoil his day.")

Private John Shields - Portrayed by Ed Duncan
At age thirty-five he may be the oldest of the members here. Born in 1769, he married in 1790 and had a daughter, Janette. Shields enlisted in the expedition on October 19, 1803, in Kentucky and, as are most of the members you will meet at Winter Over 2008, is one of the "Nine young men from Kentucky." He is a very valuable member of the expedition. Ask him about the unique skills he possesses that help make the expedition successful.

Private Peter Weiser, aka Wiser, Wyser or Wyzer- Portrayed by Michael Harbor
Born October 3, 1781, Weiser enlisted with the corps by January 1, 1804, probably recruited from Capt. Russell Bissell's Company. He also possesses special skills and will be happy to tell you about them.

Excerpts above from "Men of the Lewis and Clark Expedition" by Charles G. Clark.
To discover what happens on the expedition after you leave Wintering Over read the time-honored "Journals of Lewis and Clark" by Bernard DeVoto.
Read "The Fate of the Corps" by Larry E. Morris to find out what happenes to them after the expedition. Both books, and many more, are available in the Ft. Clatsop book store.

Click here to learn about the 1st Person Interpreters

Experiencing 1st Person

When you arrive at camp, you will be greeted by a contextual interpreter who will recount part of the story of the Lewis & Clark expedition and prepare you for your adventure into the past.

Contextual interpreters are an important part of your 1st person experience. A special thank you goes out to all volunteers who serve in this capacity.

Gloria Linkey

If you wish to become involved as a volunteer interpreter, contact Gloria at 503-440-7142 e-mail GloriaLinkey@aol.com

Bob Duke duke@99west.com

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