BAKER CITY — The dust is cleared and exhibits are back in place to mark a reopening of the National Historic Oregon Trail Interpretive Center on Flagstaff Hill, about five miles east of Baker City.

The center, which opened in 1992, is operated by the Bureau of Land Management. It has been closed since November 2020 — first due to pandemic restrictions and then, starting in March 2022, for extensive renovation work designed to improve the building’s energy efficiency.

The $6.5 million project included new siding, insulation, roofing, windows and doors, as well as upgraded heating and cooling systems for the 30,000-square-foot facility.

“We’re on a very sunny and windy hill. After 30 years, it was time for a facelift,” said Sarah Sherman, who oversaw work as project manager.

The center opens to the public at 1 p.m. on Friday, May 24. To mark the occasion, admission will be free May 24-26.

For the summer, the center will be open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is $8 for age 16 and older or $6 for seniors, and is good for two days with receipt.

Beginning May 31, ranger programs will be offered at 1 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. Looking ahead, Oregon Trail Days will be June 7-8 in Geiser-Pollman Park in Baker City.

Exhibits, and more

During the renovation work, some exhibits were protected in place but many artifacts were removed and put in storage. Many displays will be familiar to locals who have visited the center before, but a completely new Native American exhibit, which was designed with regional tribal input, will be installed soon, Sherman said.

She said additional projects are planned, such as ways to re-tell the story of the Oregon Trail.

“We have new audiences — how can we better tell the story?” she said.

Also, a Connect Trails to Parks grant from the National Park Service will help update videos and outdoor signs will be updated by 2026.

On May 10, a small group toured the center as a trial “soft opening.” As Sherman gave a tour of the exhibits, she welcomed questions and comments. Dave Hunsaker, a former director of the center, spoke to the uniqueness of the center across BLM facilities.

“This place up here was an example agency-wide throughout the entire United States … for visitors centers, community support and impact,” he said. “It’s truly amazing.”

The opening will also unveil the new Lone Pine Mercantile, which is run by Friends of NHOTIC through Crossroads Carnegie Art Center. The shop features regional artwork, books and other items related to the Oregon Trail. Also, food offerings include sandwiches made by the Baker Food Co-op and cheese items from The Cheese Fairy.

“We’re trying to be as hyper local as possible,” said Ginger Savage, executive director of Crossroads Carnegie Art Center.

The Friends organization, she said, will support NHOTIC in “arts, culture, heritage and humanities.”

Artistic connection

NHOTIC’s reopening on Memorial Day weekend of 2024 will coincide with the opening of Gary Ernest Smith’s art show titled “Towards Home: The People, Places and culture of Eastern Oregon” at Crossroads Carnegie Art Center in Baker City.

Smith painted the iconic image for the poster of the opening of the National Oregon Trail Interpretive Center at Flagstaff Hill in 1992. The original is in the permanent collection of the Booth Museum in Cartersville, Georgia, but it will be on loan to the BLM during his show.

Also, Smith’s newly commissioned painting “Pioneers Pass Through Baker Valley” will be unveiled May 24 and become part of the permanent collection at NHOTIC.

Smith’s show will run through July 21 at Crossroads. Also, an exhibition titled “Westward” will run concurrently at NHOTIC featuring art from around the region.