New interpretive center at Kam Wah Chung State Heritage Site

JOHN DAY – In a letter from Kam Wah Chung Museum Curator Don Meritt to the Grant County Chamber of Commerce, it has been announced that state bond money will allow construction of a new interpretive center, archival storage to support the historical museum collection, and a roof replacement on the historic building. Find the details in the letter below:

RE: New Interpretive Center at Kam Wah Chung State Heritage Site.

Dear Chamber of Commerce of Grant County, OR,

Oregon State Parks has exciting news to share with you today regarding Kam Wah Chung State Heritage Site. For over 16 years, Oregon State Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) has had the privilege of managing Kam Wah Chung SHS, an incredibly unique and treasured National Historic Landmark. With abundant support and interest from various stakeholder groups and members of the public, OPRD has strived to preserve and enhance interpretation of the museum collection and historical archives. Due to an unprecedented opportunity provided by the Oregon state legislature we now have the financial support to realize a long-held vision: constructing a new interpretive center for the Kam Wah Chung Museum.

The 2021 Oregon Legislature approved the issuance of $50 million in General Obligation Bonds (SB 5506) that the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department plans to put towards multiple large-scale construction projects focused on parkwide rehabilitation, enhancement and expansion, and historic restoration. Kam Wah Chung State Heritage Site (SHS) in John Day was selected as a priority project and will receive General Obligation (GO) Bond” funding.

OPRD conducted a feasibility study of the property in 2021 that included a preliminary design of the new

Kam Wah Chung interpretive center, museum facility, surrounding landscaping, and parking options.

Although the feasibility study provided useful information for planning, OPRD intends to revisit the design and layout of the property as well as get additional input on the overall interpretation of the site and exhibit design to ensure OPRD provides the very best experience to visitors using the most accurate and relevant information.

The GO Bond project at the Kam Wah Chung SHS will include property expansions with the purchase of Gleason Park from the City of John Day, construction of a new interpretive center, archival storage to support the historical museum collection, and roof replacement on the historic building. The work is estimated to cost between $3-5 million and will include careful evaluation and protection of archaeological and cultural resources to ensure preservation and protection remains at the forefront of the project.

As a stakeholder and advocate for the Kam Wah Chung SHS we wanted to share this exciting news with you directly. Periodic updates will be provided and we welcome your involvement and feedback throughout the process. More information can be found at https://www.oregon.gov/oprd/PCB/Pages/PCB-GO-Bond-Kam-Wah-Chung.aspx. Thank you for your partnership and continued support at Kam Wah Chung Museum.

Sincerely,

Don Merritt, Museum Curator

Kam Wah Chung New Interpretive Center Project Team

---

---

---

---

Elkhorn Media Group