Ozark Natural & Cultural Resources Center Opens in Salem

The Ozark Natural and Cultural Resources Center opened May 16, 2005 at 202 S. Main St. (Highway 19) adjacent to the Salem Visitor Center. The three-room, 6,000 square foot building and half basement was renovated in phases. The new facility is intended to assist local citizens and visitors with knowledge of local natural resources and the culture of the Ozark Plateau Region, said Salem Area Community Betterment Association President Jerry Craig.

Historical displays will also be part of the center, Craig said. "It's a rather unique concept, and we'll be in stages of adjustment," Craig said.

Recently the National Park Service awarded a $15,000 grant to help fund improvements to the new center. It was one of 15 grants awarded in an 11-state area.

Several participants are partnering with the Salem Area Community Betterment Association and the Salem Area Chamber of Commerce to provide information on programs and operations of the various agencies. Agencies participating at the center include:

• The National Park Service will be supplying information about visiting the Ozark National Scenic Riverways.
• The Missouri Department of Conservation will have information on various recreational opportunities in the area.
• The Mark Twain National Forest (U.S. Forest Service) will provide information and brochures to assist in creating an enjoyable experience for visitors.
• Montauk State Park will have a display and available information on their varied programs and services.

Other government departments and agencies and some organizations which fit the criteria of the Center's Mission Statement, may be added as space permits. An added feature of the ONCRC is an 1,800-square-foot exhibit area. This space will be available to present local and traveling exhibits which are in place for longer periods of time.

Volunteers will staff the building. The building will be accessible during the same hours as The Visitor Center and some weekends when exhibits are on display. Cultural and traveling exhibits will be on display throughout the year,Craig said.

The building is owned by the Salem Area Community Betterment Association. The building was a donation from the Craig family, and is managed as a cooperative effort of the Salem Area Chamber of Commerce and the SACBA.