WASHINGTON - On Tuesday, Oct. 4, 2005, the U.S. Department of the Interior will present a special educational program called "Walk in the Footsteps of Lewis and Clark" to commemorate the Lewis and Clark Bicentennial (2003-2006). Scheduled to begin at 10 a.m. in the department's Sidney Yates Auditorium at 1849 C St., N.W., the program is free and open to the public. It opens a museum exhibit that will continue into next year.

"Walk in the Footsteps of Lewis and Clark" includes expert speakers, the DOI Museum special exhibit of contemporary photographs taken along the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail, the Bureau of Land Management's interactive Lewis and Clark traveling exhibit, a book signing, free posters and information on other Bicentennial events around the country.

Author and historian Mike Crosby (Oct. 4, 10 a.m.), DOI Sidney Yates Auditorium): Crosby, a BLM employee who gives interpretive talks at the Sacajawea Interpretive Center in Salmon, Idaho, will discuss his recently published book, "Joined by a Journey." Beautifully illustrated by artist Antonia Hedrick of the BLM Boise office, the book summarizes the amazing experiences of Lewis and Clark's Corps of Discovery and gives insight into the lives of each Corps member after the expedition. (Information on book signing to follow.)

BLM interactive exhibit (Oct. 4-6, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.) at the 1849 C St., N.W., lobby of the DOI main building: Fun for all ages, the BLM traveling exhibit engages visitors to learn by experience and offers eight enjoyable, interactive stations and a popular open-book quiz. Brochures and posters, all free to the public, will be available.

"Lewis and Clark Revisited: A Trail in Modern Day," photographs by Greg MacGregor (through Feb. 28, 2006), at the DOI Museum, 1849 C St., N.W. (The museum is open weekdays, except for holidays, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and on the third Saturday of each month from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.): The photo exhibit features work by Greg MacGregor, professor of photography at California State University, Hayward. MacGregor took the photos along the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail, which Interior's National Park Service oversees. The trail traces the explorers' route as closely as possible over 3,700 miles from Wood River, Ill., to the Oregon coast. His black-and-white photographs give context to the daunting, dramatic landscapes traversed by the expedition.

Oct. 4 Update on Upcoming Bicentennial Events: On Oct. 4, in the DOI Sidney Yates Auditorium, Richard (Dick) Fichtler, the BLM National coordinator for the Lewis and Clark Bicentennial, will give an update on the many upcoming large and small community Bicentennial events and opportunities. The 2003-2006 Bicentennial commemoration features 15 major national signature events. The 11th and next signature event called "Destination: the Pacific," will be in Astoria, Ore., from Nov. 24-27, 2005.

On Oct. 4, in the auditorium or lobby, visitors can pick up a schedule of these and other Bicentennial events in a special issue of People, Land & Water, Interior's news magazine. It includes information on the Corps of Discovery II, an interagency living history program and exhibit, traveling around the nation, as well as a variety of articles.

A book sale and signing of "Joined by a Journey," sponsored by the Interior Department Recreation Association, will take place in the auditorium at the conclusion of the Oct. 4 program. The cost of the book is $15 and all proceeds go to the Sacajawea Interpretive Center in Salmon, Idaho. Cash or checks will be accepted