Gilchrist Foundation Supports the Lewis & Clark Interpretive Center
Soon there will be another outdoor theater experience in Siouxland, thanks in part to the Gilchrist Foundation. In 2022, the Foundation awarded the Lewis & Clark Interpretive Center and the Betty Strong Encounter Center a $35,000 project grant for its Shipwreck Outdoor Theatre Project. The grant funded the project’s outdoor sound system which will soon host a future outdoor theatre fine arts series.
“The Theatre Project will provide a wealth of theatrical events and programming for families and all members of the Siouxland area,” the Center stated on its news page. “Guest artists and presenters will be brought in to enhance the experience of all involved.”
In 2022, the Encounter Center hosted a “Fine Arts Series” featuring a cultural awareness program, historical discussion, and artistic or musical performance every month held in the Stanley Evans Auditorium. Next summer, the Shipwreck Outdoor Theatre will be added to the events. The keelboat-shaped stage will host live performances. The outdoor theatre project is the type of project that the Foundation was created to support.
The outdoor theatre project is just the latest improvement made to the Center.
Lewis & Clark Interpretive Center Shares Nation’s History
The Lewis & Clark Interpretive Center has been sharing the history of the Corps of Discovery since it opened in 2002. The Corps of Discovery was the expedition of Captain Meriwether Lewis and William Clark who explored the area as part of the Louisiana Purchase.
The Sioux City Lewis & Clark Interpretive Center showcases permanent exhibits about the Corps of Discovery’s time in the present-day Sioux City area from late July to early September 1804. The death and burial of Sergeant Charles Floyd on August 20 is at the center of the story. Floyd was the first U.S. soldier to die west of the Mississippi River. The Center was opened to commemorate the Lewis & Clark Bicentennial.
Evolution of the Center
In late 2007, the Center expanded with the opening of the adjoining Betty Strong Encounter Center to fulfill a permanent mission of “commemorating a history of encounters before, during and after the expedition.” The Betty Strong Encounter Center connects to the Lewis & Clark Interpretive Center and hosts free photo and art exhibitions as well as offering free programs, events and activities that explore themes of the land, rivers and people of the region.
Today, visitors can enjoy free access to exhibits at both the Lewis & Clark Interpretive Center and the Betty Strong Encounter Center, Tuesday through Sunday. Kids programming is available with Saturday classes and activities.
About the Gilchrist Foundation
The mission of the Gilchrist Foundation is to carry out the philanthropy established by the Gilchrist family. The emphasis is on fostering the long-term viability of the charity and enabling special projects rather than supplying short-term operating funds. The Foundation provides incentives and funds to pre-selected non-profit organizations, with a preference for the Sioux City area. Interests considered for funding include: Wildlife & Conservation, Arts & Public Broadcasting and Disaster Relief.
Contact us with any questions about the Foundation and how we support the arts in Siouxland.