Submitted photo

A unique scale model of the Lewis and Clark keelboat is one of the new exhibits now on display at the Cape River Heritage Museum. The exhibit opens Friday. The six-foot model was built by Jim Blakemore, left, and David Atkins.Southeast Missourian

The Cape River Heritage Museum at 538 Independence has a new exhibit on Lewis and Clark's expedition throughout the west and their visit to Southern Illinois and Southeast Missouri.

Chosen by Thomas Jefferson after the purchase of the Louisiana territory, Lewis and Clark came down the Ohio River after getting supplies and met other keelboats loaded with furs, dry goods and whiskey. The six-foot replica of Lewis and Clark's 44-foot keelboat was built in accordance to researched specifications and is the focal point of the museum's timely exhibit.

Constructed by Jim Blakemore and David Atkins, the replica of an authentic keelboat will be displayed at the Cape River Heritage Museum beginning Friday.

The museum commemorates the Corps of Discovery Expedition with tributes in the form of models considered historically significant to the Lewis and Clark exhibition.

A miniature model of Fort Clatsop, donated by Hughes Davault of Jackson, is also on display. It is made of vertical sticks with miniature natural furniture inside, designed after the original fort constructed of vertical logs.

Dried flowers and pictures of flora and fauna discovered on the Lewis and Clark expedition are also on display.

The museum is open Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. or by special appointment for groups of 10 or more. A special opening for museum members and guests will be held at a later date. Call 334-0405 for more information.