The Heart Behind Our Mission
​Our Mission is to champion the efforts of the Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center to educate the public about the saga of the Corps of Discovery, the people they encountered
and the wild lands they explored.
We are profoundly grateful to the incredible sponsors who stand beside us and believe in our mission.
Your generosity fuels our progress, uplifts our community, and inspires us to reach higher every single day.
Whether through $1,500 or more in direct annual support, or $5,000 or more in annual in‑kind contributions, your commitment makes a lasting difference. You are not simply sponsors you are champions of our cause,
and we are honored to walk this journey with you.
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Corporate, Business and Funding Partner Contributors:
D.A. Davidson
First Interstate Bank
Dennis & Phyllis Washington Foundation
Waltermire Foundation
Roland and Helen La Pee Family Trust
Humanities Montana
Portage Route Chapter
Northwest Energy
Stockman Bank
VisionNet
Stifel​
In-Kind Support:
ABC FOX Montana
Cherry Creek Radio
STARadio
KFBB
The Great Falls Gazette
The Electric
The Malmstrom Retirees Coordinator
Lewis and Clark Honor Guard
http://www.corpsofdiscovery.org
The Lewis and Clark Honor Guard is a passionate, independent nonprofit dedicated to bringing history to life. Through immersive living history presentations, they celebrate the legacy of the Corps of Discovery and the incredible journey that shaped our nation.
At the Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center, in classrooms, and across community gatherings, the Honor Guard showcases the clothing, tools, and survival skills of the explorers who braved the unknown. Their demonstrations spark curiosity, deepen understanding, and connect audiences of all ages to the spirit of adventure that defined the expedition.
Beyond education, the Honor Guard proudly represents Montana in parades, festivals, and statewide events. Their stirring flag presentations at conferences and conventions foster patriotism and reverence for the sacrifices of those who came before us.
In commemorating the grueling 1805 portage of the Great Falls of the Missouri and the Corps’ immense contributions to science and exploration, the Honor Guard instills pride in our shared heritage — reminding us that courage, curiosity, and community are timeless values worth celebrating.
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National Park Service
www.nps.gov
https://www.nps.gov/lecl/index.htm
The Lewis & Clark Foundation is honored to receive funding from the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail, a division of the National Park Service, in support of several meaningful initiatives.
Among these, the standout program is “Explore the Outdoors – Your Life Depends on It,” also known as Field Investigations — a hands-on educational experience that inspires curiosity, environmental stewardship, and a deeper connection to the natural world.
This support helps us bring history and science to life for learners of all ages, empowering the next generation to explore, discover, and protect the landscapes that shaped our nation.
For more details, please visit the Field Investigations page and see how this program is making a difference.
Lewis and Clark Trail Alliance
http://www.lewisandclark.org
With nearly 1,000 members spanning the United States and beyond, and more than 20 active Chapters, the Lewis and Clark Trail Heritage Foundation is a vibrant national community dedicated to honoring one of America’s greatest journeys.
Born from a 1960s presidential commission, the Foundation carries forward the vision that the Corps of Discovery’s achievements deserve lasting recognition. That vision led to the creation of the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail — and in 1969, the Commission entrusted its legacy to a private organization that could nurture public engagement and historical stewardship.
The Foundation’s mission is clear and powerful:
“To stimulate national public interest in matters relating to the Lewis and Clark Expedition, the contributions to American history made by the Expedition members, and events of time and place concerning and following the Expedition which are historically important to our nation.”
Through its quarterly magazine, We Proceeded On (WPO), and a dedicated board of directors from across the country, the Foundation educates, connects, and inspires. Its national headquarters and archival library in Great Falls, Montana serve as a hub for research, reflection, and celebration of the enduring spirit of exploration.
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Portage Route Chapter
http://www.corpsofdiscovery.org
The Portage Route Chapter (PRC), nestled in the heart of Great Falls, Montana, is more than just a historical organization—it’s a passionate community of volunteers devoted to keeping the spirit of the Lewis and Clark Expedition alive. With a close-knit membership of around 100 to 125 individuals, the PRC works tirelessly to educate and inspire, sharing the remarkable journey and achievements of the Corps of Discovery with the public. Their programs, always grounded in historical accuracy, are brought to life in partnership with the Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center, offering engaging presentations and unforgettable field trips to sites along the legendary trail.
In June 2000, the PRC made history of its own by sponsoring the first “Scholar in Residence” at the Interpretive Center, a milestone made possible through generous support from the National Park Service and the Montana Committee for the Humanities. This initiative reflected the chapter’s deep commitment to scholarship and storytelling. The PRC also publishes the Portage Chronicles, a quarterly newsletter that connects members with the latest insights, events, and reflections. Entirely volunteer-run, the PRC is fueled by dedication, camaraderie, and a shared reverence for one of America’s greatest adventures. It’s not just about preserving history—it’s about living it together.