First Saturday Lecture: "Thomas Hart Benton Paints Lewis and Clark"

8/4/2018 | Arrow Rock State Historic Site | Arrow Rock, MO

The noted American muralist, Thomas Hart Benton, had often painted historical themes. In 1965, accompanied by the National Park Service and the Army Corps of Engineers, he took a three-week trip up the Missouri River to make sketches along the Lewis & Clark Trail. Benton also wanted to visit corresponding sites painted by Karl Bodmer in 1833. The majority of the trip was spent in the White Cliffs area in Montana, and resulted in his large painting “Lewis & Clark at Eagle Creek.” Benton was 76 years old at the time of this expedition.

The program presenter, Steve Sitton, is the administrator of Thomas Hart Benton Home and Studio State Historic Site in Kansas City, Missouri. Sitton has been at the Benton Home since July of 2001, and has worked for Missouri State Parks since October of 1994. The program is at the Arrow Rock State Historic Site visitor center and is free and open to the public.

Click here to read the news release. 

Program time: 10 a.m. - 11 a.m.
39521 Visitor Center Drive, Arrow Rock, MO | 660-837-3330

Associated activities

  • Interpretive Programs