1995 Delta Queen Voyage:St. Louis to Chattanooga

In recent years the Center has gained a reputation for offering exceptional educational programs on board the Delta Queen steamboat. This legendary steamboat, which evokes the era of the 19th century, has served as the "floating" classroom for three previous voyages from Memphis to New Orleans.

On September 15-23, the Center is offering a new itinerary from St. Louis, Missouri, to Chattanooga, Tennessee, on four of America's most scenic rivers: the Mississippi, Ohio, Cumberland, and Tennessee.

Along the way, participants will explore some of the most crucial and poignant battlegrounds of the Civil War: Fort Donelson, Shiloh, Chickamauga, and Chattanooga. Wilson Greene, historian and former president of the Association for the Preservation of Civil War Sites, will be aboard to discuss the economic and social aspects of the war.

Another important theme of this voyage is the rural culture and music of the South. Bill Ferris, director of the Center, will interpret the South's unique heritage during a series of lecture presentations on topics such as country music, religion, and literature.

Ferris's presentations on music will enhance the participants' visits to Nashville and the Museum of Appalachia in Knoxville. There will also be many special musical events including a bluegrass concert, a performance of clogging, and nightly performances of Dixieland and blues by the Delta Queen's talented musicians.

"This historic vessel," Ferris commented about the Delta Queen, "is a floating museum whose elegant quarters offer a unique and very appropriate environment for the study of the American South."

Per person fares range from $2,380 to $4,975 and include the lecture series, a seven-night voyage on board the Delta Queen steamboat, one night hotel accommodations, shore excursions and special events daily, meals, port taxes, and gratuities. To request a brochure for the trip, contact PVA Travel Planning at 800-795-5700.

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