Description: The Pioneer Museum in Bozeman is hosting an exhibit on the Lewis & Clark Expedition and the Fur Trade Era. The exhibit is unique in that it focuses on Lewis & Clark in southwest Montana, using journal quotes, detailed maps, photos and other computer generated graphics to explain what they discovered in and around Gallatin County.Included with the exhibit is William Clark's map of the Gallatin Valley superimposed over a contemporary map. The two show that while Clark was not perfect in his alignment of geographic features, he came pretty close. Period clothing, armaments and animals and plant life recorded by the expedition are also included in the exhibit. Joining Lewis & Clark on the museum's main floor is an exhibit on the fur trade era that immediately followed the expedition. Among some of the famous 'Mountain Men' covered in the display are John Colter and Jim Bridger. 'We have uncovered some very interesting information on the fur trade and rely quite a bit on journals and diaries from the era as well as trade maps', says Pioneer Museum Director John Russell. The Montana Historical Society has loaned several artifacts for the display, including trade beads, a powder horn and even a scalping knife. The Lewis & Clark and Fur Trade displays will be exhibited through at least 2006. The Pioneer Museum is open in the summer from 10:00am - 4:30pm, Monday through Saturday and winter hours are 11:00am - 4:00pm, Tuesday through Friday and 1:00pm - 4:00pm on Saturday. Admission is free and donations are appreciated.
Directions: Lewis & Clark in Gallatin County will be held in the Pioneer Museum, located at 317 West Main Street in Bozeman. Next door to the Gallatin County Courthouse and just west of intersection of Main and South Third.
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