April Program: Karen A. Chase – Eliza Trist: Tracking and Tracing Woman’s Journal of Westward Exploration

Eliza Trist ventured west two decades before Lewis & Clark. But who was she? And who are her descendants? Friend to Thomas Jefferson, Eliza kept a journal (that still exists) detailing her 1783-1785 adventures west to Pittsburgh, and down the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers into Spanish-owned territory in Louisiana. This presentation covers her founding friendships, her extensive journey, and her burial and death at Monticello. Discover the extent of genealogical research the speaker conducted to uncover Eliza Trist, her famous descendants, and her life-long contributions to the development of early America.

Karen A. Chase is an author, speaker, and brand designer. For nearly three decades Karen has worked as a professional designer creating brands for national and international organizations, non-profits, and authors. She has spoken with nearly one hundred historical, corporate, and book club audiences in the US and Canada. She is a part-time onboard history lecturer with American Cruise Lines, sailing on the East Coast and the Chesapeake.

Her first book, Bonjour 40: A Paris Travel Log, garnered seven independent publishing awards, and her first novel, Carrying Independence, was a nominee for the 2020 Library of Virginia Literary Awards. Historical fiction focusing on the signing of the Declaration of Independence, the novel was awarded #12 of the 100 Best Indie Books of 2019. In 2024, she published The Travel Journal of Eliza House Trist, 1783-84—a new transcription of a journal kept by the woman who went west and kept a journal for Thomas Jefferson.

She is a member of the Albemarle Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution. Born in Canada, Karen now lives in Richmond, with her spouse Ted, and 3 scrappy cats. She bikes, gardens, fosters kittens, and travels for research.

Register at https://tinyurl.com/GRIVAElizaTristApr2026