In August the Cape Girardeau Red House Interpretive Center welcomes individuals, families, summer camp groups, and area organizations to visit Tuesday -- Sunday from 1-5p.m. Special programs held at the Red House are also available for area organizations and schools. Groups are invited to contact the Cape Girardeau CVB (573) 335-1631 to reserve a special day or time.
On Saturdays during the month of August the Red House will offer: an historical encampment by Lucas Beine and a demonstration of arrowhead making by Adam Koehler from 1-5p.m. on August 1; Rose Mary Oxley free dulcimer lessons at 1p.m. on August 1 and August 15 (For more information please call Rose Mary at 334-3689 or email her at strummingrose@charter.net. ); and storyteller Dean Allison at the Red House at 1:30p.m. on August 22. Visitors will be greeted by docents in period dress who will tell the stories of the Red House. Lewis and Clark visited Cape Girardeau in November of 1803 and Meriwether Lewis visited Cape Girardeau's founder, Louis Lorimier, at his home "The Red House." The nationally recognized Red House Interpretive Center, built by community volunteers in 2003, commemorates this visit and also houses an early 1800's exhibit which reflects the lives of the early settlers of the "Old Cape Girardeau District. The Center features a representation of the Louis Lorimier Trading Post and displays authentic items which would have been sold during the early 1800's. Visitors will see the river as it may have looked in 1803 thru the eyes of local artist, Margaret Dement. The 250' river mural is the backdrop for the Red House Interpretive Center. Visitors will also enjoy the gardens surrounding the Red House which feature herbs and flowers which may have been grown in this area in 1803. Cost of admission is $3 per adult and $1 per student.
The Red House also contains a unique gift shop which has available for sale: copies of the Lewis and Clark journal written for November 23, 1803; books about the expedition; the Stephen Ambrose book, Undaunted Courage; Red House Postcards; Red House note cards; handmade historical items; historically related toys, tools, and many other items.
The Red House is always seeking volunteers who are interested in becoming docents - call 573 334-6954 for more information.
The public is invited to spend the day in downtown Cape Girardeau, Missouri, "Where the river turns a thousand tales," and where they will be able to see the Red House Interpretive Center, the Glenn House, the Cape River Heritage Museum and the Old St. Vincent's Church! Special group tours are available by contacting the Cape Girardeau Convention and Visitors Bureau 573- 3351631.
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