MEDIA ADVISORY             
Carl Schumacher (314) 655-1636
Rick Ziino          (314) 655-1725

LOCAL ACTOR GREGORY CARR TO PORTRAY MOUNTAIN MAN

 JIM BECKWOURTH AT THE GATEWAY ARCH

WHERE:        Jefferson National Expansion   Memorial, Gateway Arch Museum of
Westward Expansion 

WHEN:           Friday, February 1st: 9:30 and 11:00 (School Groups & Public)

                    Saturday, February 2nd: 10:30 and 1:00 (General Public)

WHAT:       “The Adventures of Jim Beckwourth: African American Frontiersman”

                    Gregory Carr, a local actor and Director of the Griot Theater, will explore the colorful life of Jim Beckwourth, a famous mountain man who was a fur  trapper, buffalo hunter, trailblazer and Indian Chief.

WHY:              African Americans have played central roles in some of the most triumphant and courageous moments in the history of the United States. During National African American History Month, the National Park Service will honor the rich heritage of African Americans and pay tribute to their many contributions to the nation through a month long series of free performances and presentations.

The Museum of Westward Expansion, located beneath the Gateway Arch along the St. Louis riverfront, is open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. The Historic Old Courthouse, located at 11 North Fourth Street, St. Louis, is open daily from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. All programs are free and open to the public. Community and School groups wishing to attend must make a reservation. To make reservations and for a free calendar of the 2008 African American Heritage Program Series, call (314) 655-1700 weekdays, or 7-1-1 voice/TTY Telecommunications Relay Service or visit us at www.nps.gov/jeff.

                                                                                                               (1/10/08)