Mah Adventures in Histor-ee

Last weekend was the Bicentennial Celebration of the founding of Ft. Osage. Didn't know that? Yeah, me either. Seems JACO Historical Society didn't feel the 200th anniversary of the founding of the first permanent structure this side of the state was worth really publicizing.

Nevertheless, Handsome, Darling and I traversed the miles to Ft. Osage on Sat. and discovered what was to be seen.

I'll admit I get a *bit* judgmental when it comes to historical preservation/interpretation...Here's what we saw:

Darling and her new pioneer pal...


Early Frontier medicines...


Mike Sanders giving a useless speech (but his was better than the two that followed)...


The token Osage American...


A few soldier re-enactors...


A butterfly...


Early Water Filtration...





The Mighty MO...












The Mighty Fort.


And here's where I digress...Where were the throngs of people that showed up for the Lewis and Clark Bi-Centennials? That was only 4 yrs ago. Wm. Clark set up this fort as a protection against the Indians.

Ummm...where were the throngs. At my museum, who is not celebrating such an auspicious anniversary, we had about 200 visitors last weekend versus the paltry 150 or so I saw at the Ft. Osage shin-dig.

Where were the historians? Where were the adoring throng of people I had to park around a few years ago at the Federally run Lewis & Clark Bi-Centennial? Shame on JACO Historical Society for not keeping the fervor going. You were handed attendance on a silver platter and failed. C'mon. I know you people. You're better than this!

I admit the "black spot" in American History in my mind is 1789-1845c. The War of 1812? The burning of the White House?
Umm...yeah. A blank for me too and I've got a degree in Am. History. Don't feel bad.

Do me a favor. Learn about it....

I just read Patriot Hearts by Barbara Hambly. Incredible novel. Slight bodice ripping, a lot more history, total adventure story of strong American women. The story of the first 4 First Ladies (including the fascinating, mysterious Sally Hemmings)