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                                                Ohio River Chapter Meeting-Grand Rapids, MI

                                                                   March 25-26, 2000


        Minutes

                The meeting was held at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum in conjunction with the Grand Opening of their Lewis and Clark Exhibit.

                On Friday, March 25th, attendees enjoyed a reception at the Museum and a presentation by Stephen Ambrose. Bud Clark gave a wonderful presentation that played to a full house at the museum auditorium on March 26th. Saturday evening, members enjoyed an  outstanding catered dinner at the Museum. Stan and Nancy Spencer deserve gold stars for their work in setting up the meeting and the dinner.

                Business meeting

                        1. President Jon Stealey welcomed those in attendance including 5 members who were attending their first chapter meeting.  There were also 3 guests in attendance.

                        2. There was follow-up discussion concerning the proposal that had been drafted earlier to pursue the York statue in Louisville. The  President is to complete the proposal letter and forward it to the Filson Club inquiring about their interest and seeking their    support. The general proposal included having the sculpture completed in time for the 2002 annual meeting of the LCTHF which will be less than 6 months prior to the official start of the Lewis and Clark Bicentennial Commemoration.

                        3. The group discussed the LCTHF 2000 annual meeting scheduled for Dillon, MT.  Attendees will be on two all day bus trips to Lemhi   Pass, Beaverhead Rock and other area sites. Those who have seen the area say to expect some of the most interesting scenes    along the trail. The ORC will hold a chapter meeting during the 4 day Dillon meeting at a place and time to be announced once    we are on site.

                        4. Action was taken by those in attendance to propose the following changes to the ORC Bylaws.
                      A) Proposed to create 2 new leadership positions--that of President-elect and that of Communications Officer

   The President-elect would take over as President at the spring chapter meeting each year.

 The Communication Officer would have as a primary duty the publishing of the ORC Newsletter on a regular  basis.

                        B) Proposed that the ORC Treasurer position be modified to include the requirement to have two signatures on the bank   signature card and to require two signatures on any disbursement of over $100. This will allow for access to the account in the event the Treasurer is unavailable and is consistent with good business practice.

                        5. Decided that the ORC would support the Discovery Expedition in their 3 week trip down the Ohio River. We will  help as a Chapter dependant upon the specific requests that are made by the Discovery Expedition of St. Charles, MO.   Individual ORC members  indicated their willingness and intention to participate as crew members, land support, etc. beyond whatever  support the ORC may lend as a unit. The boats are scheduled to leave Elizabeth, PA on Sept 1, 2000.

                        6. Esther Duncan, ORC member from Veedersburg, IN updated the ORC on her project to get a historical marker in place recognizing     William Bratton-the only Expedition member buried in Indiana. The Indiana Historical Bureau, the agency responsible for the markers,   already has received her proposal paperwork. Because the Waynetown Cemetery is located on US Highway 136, she is investigating a Federal  Highway marker as well . Esther announced that the Indiana Historical Bureau is interested in knowing about Bicentennial commemoration   plans and any info that the ORC has would be welcomed by them.

                        7. Following the business meeting, Jon Stealey introduced Bettina Demetz, Exhibit Specialist, Gerald Ford Museum who told us about    her "adventure" in assembling the Lewis and Clark Exhibit. She contacted literally every museum that owns relics from the expedition or   related items. She expressed her gratitude for the outstanding support she has received from the ORC and especially for the exhibit  contributions by Bud Clark, Bob Anderson, and Jon Stealey. She reminded us that the exhibit will run until Oct 29, 2000 and that there will be  some outside activities during the summer.

        Respectfully submitted,

        Tom Williams, Secretary, ORC
                5-18-00