Annotations

“The Story of the Lewis and Clark Statue: History Lives in Bronze.” LewisAndClarkTrail.com. LewisAndClarkTrail, (n.d.). Web. 17 Jun. 2011.

It can be easy to overlook the significant impact that a simple handshake between two men brought forth for our region over 200 years ago.  This article not only acknowledges the impact that Lewis and Clark’s meeting at the Falls of the Ohio had on the area, but it also explains the journey that two, more recent strangers had in trying to commemorate the legendary meeting that took place in 1803.  Stephen E. Ambrose inspired two visionaries to take action when he declared, “When they shook hands, the Lewis and Clark Expedition began” in his book, Undaunted Courage.  Ambrose’s recalling of the 1803 event at the Falls inspired Elmer Hoehn and Phyllis Yeager to bring Ambrose’s statement to life.  A project was created by the two to design a statue that would commemorate Lewis and Clark’s historic meeting at the Falls.  This article supports my theory that community involvement at the Falls has the potential to help raise awareness of the importance and historical significance that the Falls has on our region.  An example of this magnitude can seem impossible for most, but there are other opportunities that can be explored as well.  A further discussion of other opportunities and how to contribute can possibly influence others to take an active role within their community.  This is appropriate considering the lack of public visibility and recognition that the Falls receives within our area.

Cummins, Dani. “The Falls of the Ohio Foundation Announces a Media Sneak Peek of its Flame Run Hotshop and Gallery Commission: The Crossroads Campaign Final Design Unveiling.” News Desk: Copies of Our Media Releases. (2011). Web. 18 Jun. 2011.

In order for an announcement to raise public awareness for the Falls of the Ohio, a design to improve exhibits and strengthen the connection between the Interpretive Center and the outside fossil beds had to be finalized. The Falls of the Ohio Foundation has kept a tight lid on the project that is designed to replace exhibits with “state-of-the-art immersive experiences emphasizing four key themes of the region’s scientific, cultural, and natural history.” As a crossroads of water, land, time, and life, the Falls is definitely an educational type of facility dedicated “to promote educational initiatives for a better understanding of this unique natural resource.” Many children in the region visit the state park on field trips as well as attending interactive summer camps. This article supports my theory of upgrading and beautifying the Falls of the Ohio park to attract the public to provide educational and historic information. What needs to be further discussed are the possibilities for researching a better way to clear trash and debris from the fossil beds. It collects a ton of driftwood, which can be expected, but trash continues to be an issue, although it has gotten better over time. This is relevant considering the awareness of the Falls of the Ohio to the public needs to continue concerning its historic, scientific, and cultural significance to the region.