National Historic Oregon Trail Interpretive Center Announces Partnership with Baker City Arts Center
By Garrett Christensen on Monday, June 12th, 2023 in More Top Stories Northeastern Oregon News
BAKER CITY – (Release from the National Historic Oregon Trail Interpretive Center) A new partnership agreement between the National Historic Oregon Trail Interpretive Center (NHOTIC) and Crossroads Carnegie Art Center of Baker City promises to enhance the visitor experience for heritage tourists and the community.
The partnership builds on a long-standing collaboration to offer community-based events and programs while the center is closed for structural renovations. The now-formalized Friends of NHOTIC Committee will assist with arts, culture, heritage, and humanities programming at the center, operate the on-site gift shop and manage all marketing.
“Friends groups like this one foster community partnership and pride in the resources we manage,” said Acting Vale District Manager Shane DeForest. “I look forward to seeing this relationship blossom, cultivating the next generation of land stewards and Oregon Trail enthusiasts and creating jobs in our community.”
The agreement comes at a crucial time as NHOTIC looks to revitalize its public profile in preparation for reopening in May of 2024. In addition to managing the gift shop, Crossroads staff will provide support for the Flagstaff Gallery, the 100-seat Leo Adler Theatre, the outdoor amphitheater and the Wagon Box Theatre, which will be remodeled for functional arts and culture demonstrations.
“This allows us to continue to do the important work we do at Crossroads, help further the mission of NHOTIC, and expand arts and culture activities in our community,” said Ginger Savage, executive director of Crossroads.
Discussions to expand the Crossroads partnership began after Trail Tenders, the center’s primary friends group since the center opened in 1991, disbanded late last year. “Crossroads has huge shoes to fill as we take over the friends role at NHOTIC from the Trail Tenders,” Savage said. “What a beloved organization and their wonderful volunteers who supported NHOTIC. We hope to be as successful as the Trail Tenders were.” For additional information, please contact Larisa Bogardus at 541-523-1407 or lbogardus@blm.gov.
