The York Project

The York Project began with one student, Charles Neal, and a question. Where was York represented on the campus of Lewis & Clark College? The answer was surprising. He wasn't represented anywhere. On the occasion of the bicentennial of the Corps of Discovery expedition, the College had done tremendous work to recognize and uncover the full, well-rounded history of the heroes from whom the College takes its name. The work of exploring that history and recognizing the contributions of York, Sacagawea, and others began on our campus long before Charles asked his question. Yet no physical representation of York's contributions exists anywhere on campus. Charles and others--students, faculty, and staff--committed to changing that, to putting into motion a process that would lead to the creation of a permanent reminder of York's contributions and serve as a beacon to our students of the College's commitment to recognize our collective history.

President Tom Hochstettler approved the formation of a project team and charged it with the task of laying the groundwork--fund-raising, awareness-building, and planning--for a York memorial. Members of the administration and faculty from each of the schools on campus soon offered their support. Scholars like Darrell Millner lent their expertise, filmmaker and historian Ron Craig brought his unique talents to the project, leaders in the community have offered their support. What we have experienced is a groundswell of support from all areas.

The York Project began with one student and a question and has become much more. What Charles and the rest of the project team discovered is the importance of reaching back into history and helping right a historical wrong. At every level we can ask Charles Neal's initial question--"Where is York?"--as we develop a new understanding of what it can mean to recognize the contributions of one overlooked man.

The York Project Will:

1. Accurately reflect and further publicize York’s contribution to the success of the expedition and his reported treatment following the expedition.

2. Serve as a tangible gesture, and a constant reminder, that our school opens its arms to minority students. This is important because Lewis & Clark is committed to creating a supportive environment for a diverse community.

3. Create a link between the College and the community to continue the work of recognizing the contributions of York and others who gave so much without acknowledgment in the past.

Additional Information

Read excerpts of President Hochstettler's remarks on the project at the Bicentennial Legacies Symposium Dinner