It’s time for Mississippi Meanderings, the annual celebration of paddling and big rivers sponsored by the Mississippi River Water Trail Association. Meet a source to sea paddler, a tow boat deckhand, and a Hannibal resident who is documenting the history of the city’s black residents at this year's celebration.

Please pre-register by visiting the Event Registration Page.

Enjoy coffee, snacks, and conversation as Zak Rivers plays the cello in the background. At 1 p.m. awards will be handed out and the announcement of plans for 2026. Presentations will follow.

PAUL MELLOR
After running a marathon in all 50 states and riding his bicycle across America, Paul was looking for another epic adventure. In May of 2024, he began a 2,300-mile solo paddling quest down the mighty Mississippi River. During his 3-month expedition, he paddled through big lakes, locks and dams, and by barges, freighters and gators. He capsized three times and overcame the onslaught of ticks, mosquitoes, and flying fish, on his way to the Gulf of Mexico.

JEFF RUYLE
Jeff spent 20 years of his life aboard multiple tow boats up and down the Mississippi River as a deckhand. He will talk about life on a barge, the hierarchy of positions aboard the vessel, and responsibilities each has to maintain a good working operation while on the water. Jeff will also talk about the unique equipment and mechanics on tow boat vessels and what he did to maintain them. Finally, Jeff will describe some close calls on the water, navigation of the river, and what paddlers should know about paddling near big boats. Jeff lives in Elsah, Illinois.

FAYE DANT
Faye Dant is the founder and director of Jim’s Journey: The Huck Finn Freedom Center, a local Black history museum. She grew up in Hannibal’s Douglasville neighborhood, one of the oldest African American communities west of the Mississippi River. She is a fifth generation descendant of enslaved Missourians and Civil War veterans. She left Hannibal in 1971, then returned to live there in 2011 after retiring from a career in Human Resources. As a community historian and the curator of the Jims Journey Museum, Faye is compelled to tell the stories of Hannibal’s ordinary and extraordinary Black community. She will present on the contributions, struggles, and achievements of the Black community in Hannibal.

After the event you are welcome to join the group at Old Bakery Beer Company in Alton for dinner and conversation.

So shake off those winter doldrums and join paddlers and other river people at the National Great Rivers Museum on Saturday, Jan. 24, 2026. Check-in starts at noon. Reserve your tickets early, though, as auditorium seating is limited to 90.

2026 SCHEDULE
12:00-1:00 Come early to meet and greet. Enjoy some coffee and snacks. Cello music from Zak Rivers.
1:00-1:15 Awards and announcements
1:15-2:15 Paul Mellor
2:15-2:30 Break
2:30-3:30 Jeff Ruyle
3:30-3:45 Break
3:45-4:45 Faye Dant
5:00 Optional dinner at Old Bakery Brewery