Cushing Library Acquires
Lewis and Clark Volume

        Cushing Memorial Library and Archives has acquired an important volume detailing the Lewis and Clark expedition through funding from David Mellor, a retired professor of poultry science. The volume, Patrick Gass's A JOURNAL OF THE VOYAGES AND TRAVELS OF A CORPS OF DISCOVERIES (Pittsburgh: Zadok Cramer, 1807) is the first account published by a member of the expedition. The primary resource is a first edition in its original binding.

     In announcing the acquisition Steven Smith, Director of the Cushing Library and C. Clifford Wendler Professor explained, "This essential resource adds depth to Cushing’s Americana collections and offers unique insight into an important chapter of American history."  He noted that Dr. Mellor has a scholarly interest in the expedition and has traveled the Lewis and Clark route. "We are very grateful for his generosity in enabling us to purchase the first edition of this volume, " he added.

     The Gass volume will be prominently featured in a future Cushing exhibit, timed to commemorate the bicentennial of the expedition (1804-1806).