Speaking History: Interview at Marshall library to bring William Clark's story to life

From left, Marshall Public Library Director Amy Crump, local historian and genealogist Marvin Wilhite and journalist and genealogist Jeanne Gaddy Wilson. The three are collaborating on a new project that aims to bring historical characters to life. In the first effort, Gaddy Wilson will interview Wilhite, who will portray adventurer William Clark. (Sydney Stonner/Democrat-News) [Click to enlarge] [Order this photo]

Director Amy Crump got the idea from the Kansas City Public Library's "Meet the Past" program, which includes live interviews of historical figures by library Director Crosby Kemper III. The programs are also filmed and then broadcast on KCPT.

Working on a smaller scale, Crump decided to turn to two area individuals with a common interest: the 1804 to 1806 Corps of Discovery expedition up the Missouri River to the Pacific coast led by Meriwether Lewis and William Clark. Journalist Jean Gaddy Wilson will serve and the interviewer, and genealogist Marvin Wilhite will portray Clark.

"We're going to start on a local scale," Crump said.

During the 200th anniversary of the expedition, Wilson and Wilhite were both involved in a discussion group, reading the diaries of and other writings about the famous travelers.

"We were there in our minds with the different diaries," Wilson said.

On the exact day, 200 years later, Wilson said she went to Cambridge, near Gilliam, where Lewis and Clark had stopped along their journey. She also traveled to Fort Clatsop in Oregon for the exact anniversary of the expedition's arrival.

"It's thrilling to be somewhere if you have this kind of knowledge about what they did," she said. "We had the worst weather, just like they did. ... You got a better understanding of what was going on."

Wilhite also traveled to Fort Clatsop, separately, as he followed Lewis' and Clark's trail across the country. He has compiled a notebook of research about the expedition, but has a special interest in Clark.

"He was the glue that held everything together," Wilhite said.

He added, "We almost time capsule-ize him down to 1804 to 1806," when in fact Clark lived more than 30 years after completing the famous journey.

During the interview, which will be in front of an audience at the library, Wilhite must stay in character as Clark and try to forget about the modern-day way of life. He will answer Wilson's questions based on the experiences of Clark's life.

"We're wanting to really enter the mind of William Clark," Wilson said. "That's what our goal is."

Wilhite noted that some things from "the old days" will not be too hard for him to imagine. For instance, he said his childhood home did not have electricity until he was 6 years old, so he remembers studying by lamplight. The house did not always have running water either.

Wilhite and Wilson hope the project will increase area interest in the historical figures, spurring people to begin their own studies of Lewis' and Clark's adventures.

"These are pretty heroic people, and sometimes we just look at them as comic book characters," Wilson said.

She added, "We have rich history," and commended Crump for recognizing it. "She's bringing it to life."

When the interview concludes, those in attendance will also have the opportunity to ask "Clark" questions.

"I like to get the audience involved," Wilhite said. "They know more than they think they know."

Crump is hopeful that her new project will be successful, and has already thought of other historical figures who could be interviewed next. On the list so far are Russell B. Nicholas, Howard Beazley and Sam VanArsdale, the owner of Jim the Wonder Dog.

Speaking History: Interviewing the Past will premiere Thursday, Feb. 11, from 6 to 8 p.m. in the Marshall Public Library meeting room.

Contact Sydney Stonner at marshallbusiness@socket.net