MERIWETHER LEWIS,
LETTERS HOME





Meriwether Lewis
Portrayed by
Tim McNeil

Captain Meriwether Lewis reads letters that he wrote
to his mother during the Lewis and Clark Expedition.

*******
 Meriwether Lewis is portrayed by Tim McNeil in the costume
of that period surrounded by the supplies and tools used on that journey.

McNeil is available to present his captivating portrayal of Captain Lewis
for schools, libraries, campgrounds and other venues.



Contents
MERIWETHER LEWIS RETURNS

Captain Meriwether Lewis is traveling the country telling of his famous expedition. Lewis, with Captain William Clark, co-commanded the Corps of Discovery on their heroic exploration of the western U.S. 200 years ago. Lewis brings the story to life in a vivid presentation called: "Meriwether Lewis, Letters Home." In each scene he reminisces about the beauty, excitement and adventures of the last few months as he writes letters to his mother. He follows the program with a lively and informative question and answer period. Captain Lewis would be delighted to visit your community to share his legendary experiences. Tim McNeil portrays Meriwether Lewis in this exciting 45-minute program. It is an engaging theatrical performance with costuming and props. The historically accurate script is based on the letters and journals of Lewis and Clark. Back to Contents

THE PERFORMER

McNeil is an actor, writer, historian, carpenter, canoeist and naturalist. He has been on stage for 35 years, having performed thousands of magic shows, speaking engagements and community theater plays. His various interests and skills have suited him well to the portrayal of Lewis, an "Enlightenment" man. "…Whatever he should report would be as certain as if seen by ourselves. I would have no hesitation in confiding the enterprise to him." (Thomas Jefferson, writing about Lewis,) "My goal is to make this exciting story come to life," says McNeil. "Together we will converse with the Indians, run from a bear and starve in a mountain snowstorm." Back to Contents

LIVING HISTORY DEMONSTRATION

In addition to the portrayal of Meriwether Lewis, McNeil offers a live demonstration of canoe paddle carving while answering questions about the Expedition. Titled: "The Canoes of Lewis and Clark, a Carpenter's Perspective," it is best for an informal, "festival", setting. Back to Contents

THE PORTABLE MUSEUM

McNeil has created a collection of miniature woodworking tools which may be viewed by all. Carved model canoes and paddles, botanical specimens, Indian artifacts and surveying instruments are included in the display. Also, the props used in the Meriwether Lewis show are typical of the trunk, telescope, powder horn, journals and similar items used in 1800. These items are finely crafted by McNeil and give a glimpse into the culture of our society before the Industrial Revolution. Back to Contents

 AVAILABILITY

McNeil has appeared at numerous venues throughout Idaho, and from New York to Oregon. He has portrayed Lewis for schools, Chambers of Commerce, Historical Societies, community festivals and teacher's conferences. The Missouri Humanities Council has sponsored his presentations in St. Louis, Kansas City and Omaha. Some venues are booked over a year in advance. McNeil is available to present his captivating portrayal of Captain Lewis for schools, libraries, campgrounds and other venues. He is a member of the National Association for Interpretation. This program is listed with the Idaho Humanities Council Speakers Bureau and, in Idaho, may be eligible for fee support from them. Fees are negotiable.
Contact Tim McNeil:

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    "Thanks so much, Lewis! Our visitors really enjoyed your show. It was fun and entertaining." Stacy Smith, U. S. Forest Service, Kooskia, Idaho.

    "McNeil was able to hold the attention of both young students and senior citizens as we traveled along with him on the journey." Susan Ash, Twin Falls, Idaho, Public Library.

    "I appreciate your organization and professionalism." Heather Stout, Lewiston, Idaho, Public Library.

    "I have attended many historical presentations. This was excellent." Steve Guerber, Director, Idaho State Historical Society.

    "What a fabulous performance!!! You exceeded my expectations, and my expectations were very high!!!! You did an incredible job and totally immersed the listener into the trip. I was seeing your dialogue actually happen in my brain and would startle occasionally when you would do something on stage to bring me back to reality. And then-one of the most amazing parts-was the question and answer period! Obviously the audience was as taken as we were (as shown by the zillions of questions). Not only did you know the answers (a tremendous feat in itself!!!!), but you stayed in character, adjusted the response to the audience, added interesting factual tidbits as well as stories, added humor, and ALL OF IT WAS AD-LIB! It was absolutely incredible. I had to concentrate to keep my jaw from hanging down! My folks were awestruck! They have traveled most (if not all) of the Missouri, Mississippi, and Ohio. They have probably been to every Lewis and Clark fort and historic site across the US. They couldn't stop complimenting your performance and thanked us profusely (time and time again) for inviting them! Every person leaving was just as complementary! What a performance! Tim, you did it again! You pull off everything you attempt! This one is fabulous (as usual)! Thank you very, very much for inviting us! " Susie
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