Prairie State Wire

The Lewis and Clark State Historic Site in Springfield is set to host an engaging presentation titled "Prince Maximilian and Karl Bodmer: Touring the Wilderness of North America." The event is scheduled for 2 p.m. on Saturday, April 12, at the Interpretive Center Theater of the historic site.

The presentation will feature historian and author Brain "Fox" Ellis portraying Prince Maximilian of Wied. Ellis will narrate the prince's journey alongside Karl Bodmer across North America during the 1830s, highlighting the variety of cultures and natural scenery of the Great Plains and the American West.

Ellis is recognized internationally as a storyteller, author, and naturalist. He has served as a consultant to notable institutions like Chicago's Field Museum and the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library in Springfield. His authored works include over 20 books, with a notable series of biographies drawn from his one-man shows.

Site Superintendent Brad Winn expressed enthusiasm for the event, saying, "We are tremendously excited to again be partnering with the Illinois Humanities Road Scholars program to bring Brian ‘Fox' Ellis to our Interpretive Center on April 12." He also noted, "These programs allow us to greatly expand not only our understanding of the early history of Illinois and America but also to reach a greater audience interested in these topics. Prince Maximilian followed in the footsteps of the Corps of Discovery. He and Bodmer gave us some of the most treasured examples of the culture of Indigenous nations directly connected to the Expedition."

The event, which is free of charge, welcomes the public to the Lewis and Clark State Historic Site, located at 1 Lewis and Clark Trail in Hartford. For additional information, attendees can visit the website or call 618-251-5811.

The presentation is co-hosted by the Illinois Humanities Road Scholars Speakers Bureau. Illinois Humanities, a nonprofit organization established in 1974, promotes humanities through free public events, grants, and educational programs. They foster conversations, reflection, community building, and civic engagement across Illinois, partnering with the National Endowment for the Humanities and funded by various state, federal, and private sources.

Hosting visitors from Wednesday to Sunday, the Lewis and Clark State Historic Site is managed by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources and receives support from the Lewis and Clark Society of America.