Hide tanners show techniques used by Lewis and Clark

Lewis and Clark National Historical Park, Fort Clatsop, will host this month’s “In Their Footsteps: ‘Most Eligable Situation'” free speakers series event at 1 p.m. Sunday, May 18, when Bob and Gayle Kitch will be sharing “For the Want of Branes: Hide Tanning and Sewing.”

The soldiers of the Lewis and Clark Expedition started the journey dressed in their army uniforms. As their clothing wore out, they replaced it with buckskin that they tanned and sewed. Bob Kitch’s illustrated program will explain the process of brain-tanning animal hides. Bob and Gayle will also display hide-working tools and items they have made from brain-tanned buckskin.

The Kitches have demonstrated hide tanning at Lewis and Clark National Historical Park’s summer living history program. They have also been charter members of the Society of Primitive Technology for 20 years. Bob has been actively brain-tanning hides as a hobby for 18 years. He also enjoys other primitive skills such as making bows and atlatls (a spear-throwing tool). Gayle is accomplished in sewing buckskin and creating beautiful beadwork on buckskin. She also teaches beading at primitive skills events.

This third Sunday forum is sponsored by the Lewis and Clark National Park Association and the park. The programs are held in the Netul River Room of Fort Clatsop’s visitor center, 92343 Fort Clatsop Road, and are free of charge. For more information, call the park at (503) 861-2471.