National Historic Trails Interpretive Center

National Historic Trails Interpretive Center
Established	2002
Location	1501 North Poplar Street Casper, Wyoming, United States
Type	Interpretive Center
Website	Official website

The National Historic Trails Interpretive Center (NHTIC) is a 11,000-square-foot (1,000 m²) interpretive center ^[1] about several of the National Historic Trails, and is located northwest of Casper, Wyoming on Interstate 25. It is operated through a partnership between the Bureau of Land Management, the City of Casper, and the National Historic Trails Center Foundation. The center offers interpretive programs, exhibits, multi-media presentations, and special events.^[2]

History

The idea for a interpretive center in Casper began with the creation of a small trails committee; eventually this committee became the non-profit, National Historic Trails Center Foundation (NHTCF). In 1992 the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) joined with the NHTCF to work on the project, committing to pay half of the $10 million estimated cost. The City of Casper donated 10 acres of land for the center's site.^[3]

In 1994, voters in Casper passed the Optional One Cent Tax, which helped to fund construction of the center's exhibits. The Wyoming State Legislature also passed a bill to help fund the center that same year. By 1997 plans for the center were complete, and a bill, to support construction and operating costs, passed both houses of congress and was signed into law by President Bill Clinton.^[3]

The groundbreaking for construction took place on June 21, 1999 and the center officially opened August 9, 2002.^[3]

Exhibits

The center contains several permanent exhibits, and hosts temporary, traveling, exhibits as well.^[4]

Permanent Exhibits include:

• The Oregon Trail
• The Mormon Pioneer Trail
• The California Trail
• The Pony Express Trail

An entrance fee is required for admission into the center.^[2]

See also

• National Historic Trail
• National Historic Oregon Trail Interpretive Center
• Oregon-California Trails Association
• Martin's Cove
• Mormon pioneers
• List of Registered Historic Places in Wyoming

References

1. ^ "National Historic Trails Interpretive Center". Hands on the Land Network. 2010. http://www.handsontheland.org/profiles/profile_details3.cfm?sitecode=hitr. Retrieved 2010-09-29. 
2. ^ ^{a b} "Trails Center". Bureau of Land Management. 2010. http://www.blm.gov/wy/st/en/NHTIC.html. Retrieved 2010-09-29. 
3. ^ ^{a b c} "History of the Center & Partnerships". Bureau of Land Management. 2010. http://www.blm.gov/wy/st/en/NHTIC/history.html. Retrieved 2010-09-29. 
4. ^ "Temporary Exhibits". Bureau of Land Management. 2010. http://www.blm.gov/wy/st/en/NHTIC/temp_exhibits.html. Retrieved 2010-09-29. 

External links

• National Historic Trails Interpretive Center - official site

Coordinates: 42°51′59″N 106°20′15″W / 42.8664574°N 106.3374133°W / 42.8664574; -106.3374133