Contact: 
Dave Maron, (712) 366-4900
Sarah Oltrogge, (515) 281-4011

DES MOINES, Iowa - Des Moines will be getting a taste of the early 1800s during live, free demonstrations and interpretation of Lewis and Clark's Corps of Discovery. Camp will be set on the corner of Kasson and Walnut streets, southwest of the Iowa Capitol on June 22-23.

The Lewis and Clark Discovery Corps, Inc., a group of volunteers from South Dakota, Nebraska and Iowa, is a living history interpretation organization dedicated to the memory of those who made up the original expedition (1804-1806). The two-day event includes demonstrations of how members of the expedition may have encountered the unknown land of America as they explored what are now the northern and western states, including Iowa and the Missouri River.

The Corps' blacksmith will be giving demonstrations of traditional blacksmithing skills and several other activities are planned throughout the day for visitors to observe all aspects of life as it may have been during their trip.

A traditional colors ceremony will be held both days at 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. honoring the original 15 stars and stripes flag. Both days will also include a demonstration on firearms of the period and typical food of the corps at 1 p.m. Uniforms, writing/journaling, cooking and military drills will all be performed and shown throughout the two-day event.

"Visitors are encouraged to interact with the Corps, ask questions and visit about the this time in history. We have a pretty good time," said David Maron of Council Bluffs, president of the Lewis and Clark Discovery Corps, Inc.

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