Fall 2026 OLLI Digital Catalog

JOHN WESLEY POWELL EXPEDITION (SE358)

SE – Special Event

In 1869 a company of explorers set off to survey the last uncharted territory in the American West by traveling down the Green and Colorado Rivers, becoming the first white men to brave the entirety of the Grand Canyon. Intended as an expedition of scientific survey and discovery, the journey became a fight for survival against unpredictable rapids and near starvation. They were led by a 35-year-old naturalist/scientist, Major John Wesley Powell who had lost an arm in the Civil War. Of the 10 men who challenged the river, six completed the 1000-mile trek, but incredibly none were taken by the rapids. None of the men had white water running experience or knowledge of the many hazards that lay ahead as they proceeded into the “Great Unknown.” Join Lewes resident and pilot Dorian De Maio as he over-flies the expedition route describing the adventures and great hardships of the expedition team.

This offering meets for a total of 1 session(s).

INSTRUCTOR: Dorian De Maio

DE MAIO, DORIAN — After receiving masters degrees in aerospace engineering, served as a USAF project officer, followed by a 25 year career in industry at SAIC developing advanced space programs. Following retirement as group president, uses his airplane to explore the western U.S., tracing paths of historical significance like the Lewis and Clark Expedition.

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