Telling York's Story

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About this article: This article was originally published in the Lewis & Clark Trail Annual Report 2023.

Ashley Danielson grins with excitement to call out, “ACTION!”

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The Lewis and Clark NHT interpretation team has embarked on a five-year, inclusive storytelling project to recenter York as a valued and integral member of the Lewis and Clark Expedition. He was an outdoorsman and a highly skilled enslaved African American. His story has largely been lost to history. We know from website analytics and discussions with trail partners that there is a high demand for interpretation on York’s life.

Phase one of the project was completed in April of 2023. We worked with Mr. Hasan Davis, renowned York interpreter and activist, to produce a high-quality filmed version of his presentation, My Name is York. Mr. Davis has honed this presentation over the past 25 years and has presented it countless times across the trail.

Caitlin Campbell does a sound check with Alex Wiles of NEW
Multimedia.

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Upcoming phases include the York’s Story Expedition where Black educators and activists will participate in a 4-day river trip along the Upper Missouri River Breaks National Monument, MT to discuss York’s life and legacy. Future project components include community dialogues, and an interpretive guide to assist partners to accurately, effectively, and courageously interpret York.