Winter storytelling series continues at Travelers’ Rest State Park

| February 5, 2025 12:00 AM

Travelers’ Rest State Park near Lolo will continue its Winter Storytelling Series this Saturday, Feb. 8 at 11 a.m. with a presentation from Hasan Davis about the Lewis and Clark Expedition, told from the perspective of the journey's enslaved man, York.

Thomas Jefferson’s Corps of Discovery included Captains Lewis and Clark and a crew of 28 men to chart a route from St. Louis to the Pacific Ocean. All the crew but one volunteered for the mission. York, the enslaved man taken on the journey, did not choose to go. York’s contributions to the expedition, however, were invaluable.

Hasan Davis has shared The Journey of York more than 500 times in the past 25 years and feels blessed to continue bringing his unique experience to audiences across the nation.

For nearly two decades, this storytelling series has been a seasonal celebration of the Séliš tradition of sharing stories during the cold winter months. Each Saturday through March 8, Travelers’ Rest State Park hosts stories from elders, authors, historians, and naturalists. Join in the programs at the visitor center or online following a Zoom link.

Admission to the storytelling programs is $5 per person and free for members of Travelers’ Rest Connection and those under 18. Find out more about this program and the complete series, including how to join in via Zoom: travelersrest.org/events/winter-storytelling/.

The one-hour programs run every Saturday beginning at 11 a.m.:

Feb. 8: York’s unique contributions to the Lewis & Clark Expedition with Hasan Davis
Feb. 15: Montana culture and history with anthropologist Sally Thompson
Feb. 22: A visit with one of the Big Sky Documentary Film Festival’s filmmakers
March 1: Time travels with Queen Elizabeth through reenactment by Leslie Van Stavern
March 8: Smokejumper history told by Fred Cooper, former smokejumper and author

Complimentary coffee, tea, hot chocolate and home-baked treats will be available at all programs. The visitor center will be open after the programs, from noon until 4:00 p.m.

Travelers’ Rest is a significant site for Native Americans and a Lewis and Clark Expedition archaeologically verified campsite. The park hosts many public programs, such as the winter storytelling series.For more information, contact Travelers’ Rest State Park (6717 Hwy 12, Lolo) at 406-273–4253 or visit travelersrest.org under the events page.

The Winter Storytelling Series is sponsored by Travelers' Rest Connection, Humanities Montana, Montana Public Radio (MTPR), Missoula’s Community Media Resource (MCAT), and Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks.