Iconic Conversations: Jeffrey Edison, The Story of York: The Enslaved Body Servant of William Clark

Join us each month for a thought-provoking speaker series that brings St. Louis history to life. Gateway Arch National Park and Jefferson National Parks Association are proud to host compelling talks by local authors and other knowledgeable guests who will explore a variety of topics relevant to the St. Louis region. You might learn about our city’s early beginnings, its architecture, our prominent leaders, the rise of the Gateway Arch, our civil rights struggles, and the best things to do around town. Book discussions will be followed by an author signing opportunity. 

All programs are free and no reservations are needed. They will be held at 2:00 p.m. on the second Sunday of the month in the rotunda of the historic Old Courthouse (11 N. 4th Street, St. Louis, MO 63102). The building is fully accessible, and a sign language interpreter will be on hand for each presentation. 

Jeffrey Edison is a museum educator and historian with the St. Louis County Parks Department. His research has focused on the all-Black military units that were stationed at the Jefferson Barracks Army post as well as the freedom seekers who fled the historic Daniel Bissell House plantation.

His presentation will focus on his other area of interest: York, the enslaved body servant of William Clark. Jeffrey will discuss York’s role in the famed Lewis and Clark Expedition, as well as his life and relationship with Clark once the expedition was completed.