Media Contacts: Leanne Ingle, Communications Specialist, 1-877-284-6237, ext. 2508 or

Victoria Rexford, North Mason Community Librarian, (360) 275-3232.

Hear the story of Lewis and Clark’s arrival at the Pacific Ocean from the man who redefined historians’ understanding of the event. Rex Ziak, researcher, adventurer, speaker and author, will present a lively new look at Lewis and Clark’s journey in the Northwest with a lecture at 7 p.m. Thursday, March 31 at the North Mason Timberland Library.

The program, sponsored by the Friends of the North Mason Timberland Library, will follow a brief Annual Meeting of the organization. The group is inviting all to attend. The presentation is designed for a high school to adult level audience.

Ziak, who is a lifelong Southwest Washingtonian, has won wide recognition for correctly interpreting for the first time the westernmost stages of Lewis and Clark’s journey. Ziak will share the results of his personal research correlating William Clark’s journals with the Columbia River itself. Illustrating with the explorer’s own words, Ziak will take the audience along on a series of ordeals and challenges faced by the Corps of Discovery.

Ziak is an acclaimed speaker. He has lectured at varied opening ceremonies of the Lewis and Clark Bicentennial, including those at Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello and the University of Virginia. Most recently he spoke before the Oregon Historical Society as Senator Mark Hatfield’s "Distinguished Historian" for 2003-2004. Ziak is also an award-winning photographer and cinematographer, talents that contribute to making his book on Lewis and Clark, "In Full View," particularly attractive and effective.

For more information, please contact the North Mason Timberland Library at (360) 275-3232. The library is located at 23081 NE State Route 3, Belfair.