Lectures or speeches are actually not the right words for Jerry Hay’s talks. They sound rather formal and structured. Jerry has a very informal approach to his presentations. He does not read material or even use notes. He is uncomfortable with a podium. He likes to be with the audience and becomes very spontaneous with his comments. One could listen to the same lecture title several times and hear different information. Humor is certainly part of his style, so that the audience will not only learn from him but be entertained. Listed are titles and brief descriptions of talks available by Riverlorian Jerry Hay.
Confessions of a River Rat....
“I never make the same mistake
twice...I’m too busy making new ones” is a quote by Jerry Hay. He is
referring to his many river adventures, or in some cases
mis-adventures. Some of his stories are heartwarming, others are
informative, and some are just down-right hilarious. One thing all his
stories have in common is that they are true...and clean! There is no
doubt that when river rats gather, the rhetoric can be very colorful,
but Jerry keeps his talks rated “G” so children can also enjoy his
stories. Confessions of a River Rat will give an audience a fascinating
look at life on the river, its trials and tribulations, and how one
river rat learned some valuable lessons. Contact Jerry for more details
and have some fun at your next event.
Reading the River......
This is an informative talk for
those who wish to learn about traveling rivers. Emphasis is on
non-navigable rivers, those being rivers that do not have navigational
aids and defined channels. One can travel safely by reading indicators
that nature provides. Those include the color and movement of the
water, the riverbank, the sounds, and many other things that often go
unnoticed. Many people travel past the mouth of these smaller rivers
and are curious about what may be there to explore, but hesitate to
turn onto the uncharted stream. This is wise unless one has learned how
to read the river. This skill opens up a new dimension in river travel
that can be experienced safely. As with all his talks, Jerry will
include stories that demonstrate the point he may be making. Although
this may sound like a dry subject about technique, it is anything but
that. In fact, the subject becomes very wet as he tells of lessons he
has learned the hard way.
Beyond the Bridges....
This talk is for those who are
interested in discovering the mysteries, adventure, and importance of
our rivers. Beyond the Bridges will bring the audience into a world
that is known to relatively few. Jerry will talk about river history,
its people, and tell fascinating stories about the river. He will
include “river royalty”, speaking of the people who are well-know for
their contributions to river history, development, and lore. The
evolution of riverboats from canoes to the giant towboats will be
discussed. The audience will be surprised by the number of words and
phrases we use daily that originated from the rivers. Anyone attending
this talk will look at the river differently while crossing a bridge.
They may smile, while remembering one of the funny stories told by Hay.
They will have a better understanding of what life was and is like
Beyond the Bridges.
Where all the water comes from....
This is a subject that also has
appeal to all audiences. Whether it is school-age children or adult
groups, it is fascinating. Many people see water moving on a river but
have little knowledge about where it all comes from and where it is
going. In this talk, Hay shows and tells the audience about the drain
basins and how even the tiniest stream connects us with the rest of the
world. He talks about the sources of rivers and how they got their
names. Emphasis is on the huge Mississippi River drain basin, which is
typical of most basins. The audience will leave with an understanding
that a river is not just a river, but part of a river system. He
demonstrates his point by following the hypothetical path of a message
in a bottle. As always, Jerry will include fascinating antidotes and
personal experiences. This lecture is fun, informative, and will leave
one with an understanding of where all that water comes...and where it
goes.
Indiana's Best Kept Secrets....
Indiana’s Best Kept Secrets
Few people have explored and researched the waterways of Indiana as
Jerry Hay has. When he wrote the Wabash River Guidebook and White River
Guidebook, he proclaimed that Indiana’s rivers are the states best kept
secrets. Few are aware of the rich history, pristine forests, and
splendid waters of Hoosier rivers. This talk focuses on the Wabash and
White rivers, starting from their source to their confluence with other
rivers. Even though this lecture is featured at many adult functions,
it is an excellent program for school children. It is of particular
interest to educations teaching fourth-grade Indiana history. Children
will get a sense of the importance of the rivers to the history of the
state. Hay draws illustrations and shows photos while he tells of these
great natural resources that are so often overlooked. Hay once said “I
have known people who traveled thousands of miles to a beautiful,
remote place near water. They didn’t know we have those places right
here in Indiana.” They are indeed Indiana’s best kept secrets.
Lewis & Clark Expedition....
Jerry Hay portrays Captain William
Clark, co-commander of the Corp of Discovery. After a great deal of
reading and research about this expedition, Jerry found that he related
so much to the life of William Clark that he chose to portray him. This
is not a lecture or talk, but a show that tells of the epic journey.
Hay becomes the character and shares his thoughts and journals from the
expedition. He takes listeners from his childhood in Virginia to his
completion of the historic journey in 1806. Jerry prefers to dress as
Clark would have during the river trip, as opposed to full dress
military. He tells of the hardships, dangers, hunger, and challenges.
Hay also adds the humorous things that happened. He just can’t stay
serious for very long, which adds to the enjoyment of the presentation.
The Lewis and Clark expedition was a journey that changed American
forever and Jerry Hay will bring that mission to life.
Jerry Hay has appeared on.....
REVIEWS
Quote from June, 2003 issue of Cruise Travel Magazine:
“Jerry Hay demonstrates an unabashed passion for his subject that goes well beyond any prepared script. His love of rivers and riverboating runs deep, having explored America’s rivers by raft, canoe, and powerboat. Now on the Delta Queen he shares his love of the river on voyages of American rediscovery.”
AAA Magazine EnCompass "Best, though, is Jerry Hay, Riverlorian (a.k.a. Captain William Clark), whose role is to spin yarns and share river lore and history, which he does with a sense of humor as rich as the Delta's deeply polished wood. Fidgeting with his three-corner hat,Captain William Clark describes the perils of his 4,000-mile journey westward with Meriwether Lewis, his words connecting century to century like the river beneath us connects town to town."
Henry Nowicki, Travel writer "Our lecturer, Jerry Hay, who is also known as a "riverlorian" has a daily talk about steamboating and the sights along the river. These get-togethers are not to be missed as they provide interesting aspects of the river cruise."
River-Rails.com "Jerry Hay, our Riverlorian on this cruise, is a real story teller and you will learn lots about steamboating and the rivers."
Quote from Amazon Books review:
"I had the pleasure of riding on the Delta Queen Steamboat last year where the author, Mr. Hay is a Riverlorian. He told the story about Gilligan Goose. I have not read the book yet but the heartwarming story was wonderful. Jerry Hay is a great storyteller so I'm sure the book will be great, as well. The incredible thing about the story is that Gilligan is a real goose and the story he told is true. I am ordering copies for myself and each of my grandchildren."
Note recieved 6-26-04
"Your talks each morning added so much enjoytment to our trip. You have a real gift for story telling and I found myself wishing that when I was growing up I had history teachers who were half as interesting as you." ---- Joan
Pittsburg Tribune-Review "Jerry M. Hay, the steamboat company's "Riverlorian," and a river pilot in his own right, is into steamboatin' all the way, and has converted an old houseboat into the Wabash Queen -- his own steamboat. Each morning, Hay holds informal talks about steamboat history, shares river lore with passengers, and cites the source of many common expressions we use today, which had their origin in steamboatin'. Hay is an author as well, having written a delightful children's book titled "A Goose Named Gilligan" -- a story about the goose he managed to free from the mud, with great difficulty, in his native Indiana. The goose returns for visits with him every year. Soon to be released in his newest book, "Beyond The Bridges," which chronicles his travels on the rivers. It takes the reader through all aspects of river life."
Jerry Hay is available for speaking engagements. For inquiries, please provide the following information:
CONTACT NAME
ORGANIZATION ADDRESS/PHONE/EMAIL PROPOSED DATE/S SUBJECT/S OF INTEREST LOCATION OF EVENT
Lectures or speeches are actually not the right words for Jerry Hay’s talks. They sound rather formal and structured. Jerry has a very informal approach to his presentations. He does not read material or even use notes. He is uncomfortable with a podium. He likes to be with the audience and becomes very spontaneous with his comments. One could listen to the same lecture title several times and hear different information. Humor is certainly part of his style, so that the audience will not only learn from him but be entertained. Listed are titles and brief descriptions of talks available by Riverlorian Jerry Hay.
“I never make the same mistake
twice...I’m too busy making new ones” is a quote by Jerry Hay. He is
referring to his many river adventures, or in some cases
mis-adventures. Some of his stories are heartwarming, others are
informative, and some are just down-right hilarious. One thing all his
stories have in common is that they are true...and clean! There is no
doubt that when river rats gather, the rhetoric can be very colorful,
but Jerry keeps his talks rated “G” so children can also enjoy his
stories. Confessions of a River Rat will give an audience a fascinating
look at life on the river, its trials and tribulations, and how one
river rat learned some valuable lessons. Contact Jerry for more details
and have some fun at your next event. 
This is an informative talk for
those who wish to learn about traveling rivers. Emphasis is on
non-navigable rivers, those being rivers that do not have navigational
aids and defined channels. One can travel safely by reading indicators
that nature provides. Those include the color and movement of the
water, the riverbank, the sounds, and many other things that often go
unnoticed. Many people travel past the mouth of these smaller rivers
and are curious about what may be there to explore, but hesitate to
turn onto the uncharted stream. This is wise unless one has learned how
to read the river. This skill opens up a new dimension in river travel
that can be experienced safely. As with all his talks, Jerry will
include stories that demonstrate the point he may be making. Although
this may sound like a dry subject about technique, it is anything but
that. In fact, the subject becomes very wet as he tells of lessons he
has learned the hard way. 
This talk is for those who are
interested in discovering the mysteries, adventure, and importance of
our rivers. Beyond the Bridges will bring the audience into a world
that is known to relatively few. Jerry will talk about river history,
its people, and tell fascinating stories about the river. He will
include “river royalty”, speaking of the people who are well-know for
their contributions to river history, development, and lore. The
evolution of riverboats from canoes to the giant towboats will be
discussed. The audience will be surprised by the number of words and
phrases we use daily that originated from the rivers. Anyone attending
this talk will look at the river differently while crossing a bridge.
They may smile, while remembering one of the funny stories told by Hay.
They will have a better understanding of what life was and is like
Beyond the Bridges. 
This is a subject that also has
appeal to all audiences. Whether it is school-age children or adult
groups, it is fascinating. Many people see water moving on a river but
have little knowledge about where it all comes from and where it is
going. In this talk, Hay shows and tells the audience about the drain
basins and how even the tiniest stream connects us with the rest of the
world. He talks about the sources of rivers and how they got their
names. Emphasis is on the huge Mississippi River drain basin, which is
typical of most basins. The audience will leave with an understanding
that a river is not just a river, but part of a river system. He
demonstrates his point by following the hypothetical path of a message
in a bottle. As always, Jerry will include fascinating antidotes and
personal experiences. This lecture is fun, informative, and will leave
one with an understanding of where all that water comes...and where it
goes. 
Indiana’s Best Kept Secrets
Few people have explored and researched the waterways of Indiana as
Jerry Hay has. When he wrote the Wabash River Guidebook and White River
Guidebook, he proclaimed that Indiana’s rivers are the states best kept
secrets. Few are aware of the rich history, pristine forests, and
splendid waters of Hoosier rivers. This talk focuses on the Wabash and
White rivers, starting from their source to their confluence with other
rivers. Even though this lecture is featured at many adult functions,
it is an excellent program for school children. It is of particular
interest to educations teaching fourth-grade Indiana history. Children
will get a sense of the importance of the rivers to the history of the
state. Hay draws illustrations and shows photos while he tells of these
great natural resources that are so often overlooked. Hay once said “I
have known people who traveled thousands of miles to a beautiful,
remote place near water. They didn’t know we have those places right
here in Indiana.” They are indeed Indiana’s best kept secrets.
Jerry Hay portrays Captain William
Clark, co-commander of the Corp of Discovery. After a great deal of
reading and research about this expedition, Jerry found that he related
so much to the life of William Clark that he chose to portray him. This
is not a lecture or talk, but a show that tells of the epic journey.
Hay becomes the character and shares his thoughts and journals from the
expedition. He takes listeners from his childhood in Virginia to his
completion of the historic journey in 1806. Jerry prefers to dress as
Clark would have during the river trip, as opposed to full dress
military. He tells of the hardships, dangers, hunger, and challenges.
Hay also adds the humorous things that happened. He just can’t stay
serious for very long, which adds to the enjoyment of the presentation.
The Lewis and Clark expedition was a journey that changed American
forever and Jerry Hay will bring that mission to life. 
