Release Date: February 6, 2014

Contact: Ann Honious, JNEM

Phone: 314-655-1614

Contact: Jenna Todoroff, Common Ground PR

Phone: 636-530-1235

Celebrate St. Louis‘ 250^th Anniversary with the National Park Service

Free events commemorate city’s beginnings, founders Re-enactment of Chouteau’s founding of St. Louis and presentation from Guy Foropon, whose great-grandmother shared ancestors with Pierre Laclede

WHAT: On Saturday, February 15, in celebration of the city of St. Louis‘ 250^th anniversary, the National Park Service will host free special events to recognize the rich history of the city and the deep passion of its early founders.

At 11 am, living history portrayers will re-enact when Auguste Chouteau returned to the spot Pierre Laclede marked as the site of a fur trading post west of the Mississippi River. Near where the South Leg of the Gateway Arch stands today, this trading post, which Chouteau and 30 of his men went on to construct, would later become the city of St. Louis. Attendees will be able to interact with Chouteau and his band of men; and demonstrations of 18^th century blacksmithing, log hewing techniques, carpentry, and flint and steel fire starting will take place throughout the day.

At 12:30 pm at the Old Courthouse, the National Park Service hosts a special presentation by Guy Foropon, whose great-grandmother, Jeanne Marie Laclede, was a descendant of Pierre Laclede’s ancestors. Foropon will present “Bedous, France, a Forgotten Village?” a short presentation on the birthplace of Pierre Laclede. Foropon will discuss how Bedous has hardly changed since Laclede was alive. In fact, the castle where Laclede was born and most of the village’s homes were built before 1729 and are still standing today.

“We are ecstatic to celebrate St. Louis‘ 250^th anniversary, and are committed to retelling the story of St. Louis‘ founders and the early days of the city,” said Ann Honious, Chief, Museum Services and Interpretation, Jefferson National Expansion Memorial. “In conjunction with events organized by stl250, we encourage residents and visitors alike to take this time to learn about St. Louis‘ fascinating beginnings.”

WHERE: Founding of St. Louis re-enactment: South Leg of the Gateway Arch

                Guy Foropon presentation: Old Courthouse, 11 North Fourth Street, St. Louis, MO 63102

TIME: 11 am to 4pm: Founding of St. Louis re-enactment and demonstrations

           12:30 pm: Guy Foropon presentation

COST: Free and open to the public.

CONTACT: Visit www.gatewayarch.com or call 1-877-982-1410 for more information.