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STEUBENVILLE -- Historic Fort Steuben and the Steubenville Visitor Center say there will be another mural -- this one commemorating the "amazing expedition of Meriwether Lewis and William Clark, with their trusty dog Seaman, Native American Sacagawea and African American York."
The creation will be painted by international mural artist Kyle Holbrook on a building in downtown Steubenville this summer, Judy Bratten, executive director of the fort, said.
"It was truly a serendipitous moment when we met Kyle last summer," she said. "He was bicycling down Fourth Street and started talking to me and Mayor Jerry Barilla about the murals in town, with no idea that we were the ones who handled them."
Holbrook, a resident of Pittsburgh, has created murals in 43 countries and 49 states, with a particular emphasis on positively influencing the social environment. The artist took time to do extensive research on the Corps of Discovery, noting that the Lewis and Clark Expedition holds significance for diverse populations, including Native Americans, African Americans and veterans.
The expedition, which took place from 1803 to 1806, was an important chapter in American history and had a huge impact.
"The mayor and I had been talking about developing a mural to honor the expedition, especially since Historic Fort Steuben is now part of the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail under the auspices of the National Park Service," Bratten explained. "Meriwether Lewis had to stop in the small town of Steubenville on his way down the Ohio River to meet Clark in Indiana. As a result, Steubenville is included in Lewis' journals."
There is an extensive display in the Fort Steuben Visitor Center on the expedition, with activity booklets for youngsters who want to participate in the NPS Junior Ranger Program.
A unique aspect of the upcoming project is that the artist wants community participation in painting the mural. Senior citizens, youth group, and art clubs have been invited to help in its execution between June 24 and July 19.
An initial meeting with the artist will be held at noon Monday at the Fort Steuben Visitor Center, 120 S. Third Street in Steubenville. Everyone who would like to be part of this endeavor is invited to attend, meet the artist and learn more about the project, Bratten said.