BAKER CITY — A warm and windy morning greeted those attending the reopening ceremony for the National Historic Oregon Trail Interpretive Center.

The ceremony took place Friday, May 24, in the amphitheater at the center, facing the Elkhorn Mountains.

The event was one day after the 32nd anniversary of the center’s original grand opening. Almost 2.5 million people have since visited the building on Flagstaff Hill, where emigrants on the Oregon Trail had their first view of the Powder River Valley.

More than three years have passed since the center closed, first due to the pandemic and then for a $6.5 million renovation that significantly reduced electricity use at the building, five miles east of Baker City, that’s operated by the Bureau of Land Management.

Shane DeForest, manager of the BLM’s Vale District, welcomed those attending the ceremony, which was followed by the official reopening to the public at 1 p.m. Anita Bilbao, associate state director for the BLM in Oregon and Washington, introduced the speakers. The first was Roberta “Bobbie” Conner, executive director of the Tamastslikt Cultural Institute on the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation near Pendleton.

Conner talked about the history of the Baker Valley, which was part of the Tribes’ homeland.

“Our tribal people still regard our more than six-million-acre homeland as ours,” she said. “Regardless of a variety of owners and jurisdictions, we still think of it as our country because we still think it’s our responsibility to take care of it.”

Conner said what the tribes want most from their non-Indigenous neighbors is for them to help achieve that goal.

“The Confederated Tribes of Umatilla congratulate you on your work on the facility and we are doing something similar at Tamastslikt and are looking forward to achieving net zero carbon emission after 20-plus years of work very soon,” Conner said.

She said the Tamastslikt staff looks forward to working with the Interpretive Center staff to update and improve the presentation of the Cayuse, Umatilla, and Walla Walla story in the Center’s exhibits in the future.

Joan Mooney, principal deputy assistant secretary for Policy, Management and Budget, and chief sustainability officer for the U.S. Department of Interior, said she was thrilled that in renovating the building, the BLM reduced its energy use by 73%.

“Decreasing energy use through renovations like this one is a key component of our federal sustainability plan,” Mooney said. “The Interpretive Center is one example of our work that both helps restore critical infrastructures, preserves history while sharing the stories of those who have come before us as we look for a more sustainable future for everyone.”

Kathleen Cathey, field representative for U.S. Sen. Ron Wyden, read a letter from Wyden.

“This beautiful place in Eastern Oregon shares the stories of remarkable journeys to the state we call home,” Wyden wrote.

Jessica Keys, field representative for Oregon’s other U.S. senator, Jeff Merkley, read a letter from the senator.

“This occasion also has an added layer of meaning, as this year marks the 150th birthday of Baker City, making this a truly momentous occasion for the community,” Merkley wrote.

He wrote that the $6.5 million renovation revitalized the facility, ensuring it remains a “pillar of cultural education and historical preservation for future generations.”

“Staff at NHOTIC have been working hard to ensure that overlooked and underrepresented stories during the great migration era of history are shared with visitors, creating a well rounded and inclusive learning experience for the museum’s patrons,” Merkley wrote.

Merkley also provided to the center an American flag that has been flown over the U.S. Capitol.

Courtney Warner Crowell, Eastern Oregon and natural resources adviser for the Office of Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek, said was excited to attend the reopening of the center.

“For Northeastern Oregon, the travel and tourism industry are key to the success of our communities and the Interpretive Center builds on both the history of the region as well as the natural beauty of this valley,” said Crowell, who grew up in Baker City.

Alana Garner Carollo, executive director for Eastern Oregon Visitors Association, called the reopening of the center “a real testament to the partnership and collaboration of the region.”

Ginger Savage, executive director at Crossroads Carnegie Art Center in Baker City, said that reopening represents a new chapter in Baker County’s history.

“We welcome you all to the renaissance of Baker County,” Savage said.

Barry Bushue, state director for the BLM in Oregon and Washington, said it was an honor to be at the reopening of the Center. He thanked all those involved, current and previous staff, and the NHOTIC partners.

“I am privileged to work with such an incredibly passionate and dedicated group of people of the BLM staff, not only NHOTIC but across the states of Oregon and Washington,” Bushue said.

Following the speeches, Dave Hunsaker of Baker City, the center’s original director, and Bushue held the red ribbon for the ribbon-cutting ceremony.

Sarah Sherman, project manager for the renovation project, stood beside Mooney, who cut the ribbon. Sherman said the center staff are excited to be opening their doors to the community, and to visitors from around the world, this summer.

“It’s going to be a fantastic and busy summer. Very excited about having an energy efficient building that’ll get us through for another 30 years,” Sherman said.

Sherman said she hopes to carry on the legacy of those who came before her in managing the center.

“I feel like I stand on the shoulders of giants. Just keeping their energy dreams, vision alive from when it all started up until now,” Sherman said.

Inside

Artist Gary Ernest Smith’s painting, “Pioneers Pass Through Baker Valley,” was unveiled to commemorate the reopening.

The 4-foot by 6-foot painting commemorates the Oregon Trail, depicting pioneers traveling with wagons, animals, and families.

Smith, who grew up on a ranch near Medical Springs, said he wanted to do something to give back to the people of Eastern Oregon who gave so much to him.

“The show that I have down at the Interpretive Center is a representation of Eastern Oregon lifestyle,” Smith said. “From the cowboy lifestyle to landscapes to industry to all different aspects of Oregon life.”

Smith said he spoke with Savage, who wanted to commission him to do a painting for the Interpretive Center. When he asked her what she had in mind, she invited him to do whatever he wanted.

“And I thought, not very often does an artist have an opportunity to do something in which you can put your heart and soul into a subject,” Smith said.

To do a painting like his, Smith said there was a lot of historic research. He drove through the Blue Mountains and found a place that sparked his interest.

That became the spot he based his painting on. He delved into the history of that time, adding the details of an 1850-era horse saddle, the dog breeds that were around during that time, the clothing, the wagons, and more.

He read a diary entry his great-great-great-grandmother had written, making snide comments about the traveling being interesting for the men but the women not so much.

“So, I really wanted to throw some of the women and children in here and commemorate that whole lifestyle,” Smith said.

Smith noted it takes more time to do research than to paint.

“I will have, in my studio on my wall, I’ll have probably 30 or 40 or 50 references of things that I can pull in and add to or take out or whatever I need. Painting is quite a process, particularly when you’re talking about something as graphic as this,” Smith said.

He noted that art has a spirit that transcends humanity, culture and time.

“Art has a way of touching people through a spiritual means,” Smith said. “And it does not necessarily translate into print. There is something about the living paint that the artist puts into that canvas.”

He said that is his job, to put that spirit into that work.

“It’s going to be a fantastic and busy summer. Very excited about having an energy efficient building that’ll get us through for another 30 years.”

— Sarah Sherman, project manager for renovation of Oregon Trail Interpretive Center

Several hundred people toured the Oregon Trail Interpretive Center during its grand reopening on May 24, 2024. 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.