NEW SIGN, NEW CHAPTER FOR HERITAGE CENTER AND UTAH STATE

A new sign unveiled Monday at the American West Heritage Center reflects a new chapter in the evolution of the center and partnership with its founding institution, Utah State University.

The new sign, which now includes the university’s name, underscores a relationship with the heritage center first established in 1995 ˆ a visible and mutually beneficial partnership. Prior to the signage change, the original agreement between the foundation and the university was reviewed and clarified in terms of roles and responsibilities.

“This second generation agreement more clearly defines the relationship and governance between the two organizations given the growth of the center and its planned expansion,” said Gary Anderson, chair of the foundation.

Fred Hunsaker, vice president of Administrative Services at Utah State, said the university remains committed to the Festival of the American West and the Jensen Historical Farm. He said the American West Heritage Foundation allows the university to better leverage its outreach and educational resources and increase the value of both the farm and the festival. In addition, the new relationship holds the promise for fuller fiscal stewardship.

Under the new agreement, the university has contracted all management and operational responsibilities to the foundation. This strengthens the growth and expansion of its activities

through community leadership to gain national exposure, Hunsaker said.

The new agreement will continue to provide higher-profile marketing for the activities, extended season, expanded corporate and community partnerships, stronger mission focus and involvement of committed financial stewards who also champion the purpose and mission of the project, said Utah State President Kermit L. Hall.

“It is obvious to me that this relationship has fostered innovation, creativity and entrepreneurial rewards that benefit the community at large, as well as Utah State University,” Hall said.

Ronda Thompson, executive director of the American West Heritage Center, said the revised agreement identified more specifically the services that Utah State University was purchasing from the center.

“Those services are management of the farm and the festival, facility maintenance, historical collection management and educational outreach and instruction,” Thompson said.

For the university and the center it is a natural fit, in the same way the new location is a good fit.

“Moving the festival off Utah State’s campus to the old farm site was one of the best decisions made,” Thompson said. “Hundreds of people have said to us, ‘Why did you wait so long to move it out here?’ In their opinion it was a natural fit that added to the authenticity of the festival with the panoramic, unhindered views of the Wellsville Mountains and the pastoral bottom lands to the west of the center.”

Anderson pointed out that the move created greater efficiencies by reducing the setup time of the festival from two months to less than seven days, since much of the infrastructure is permanently installed.

“The move to the farm site made it possible for us to develop and begin implementing our exciting master plan that is making the American West Heritage Center a must-see heritage education and tourism site for the whole country,” Anderson said. Both Anderson and Thompson expressed their appreciation for the relationship and resources that the university provides the center.

A community board of 19 trustees representing Cache Valley and the Wasatch Front governs the American West Heritage Foundation. The revised agreement adds to the board Stan Albrecht, USU provost, and Ross Peterson, emeritus professor of history. Both lend strength given the strong emphasis on history in the center’s education program, authenticity in its heritage interpretation and venues, and commitment to foster academic links between the foundation and the university, the two scholars were added to provide guidance on matters of historic authenticity and academic links between the foundation and the university. In addition, Hunsaker also joins the board to provide for financial oversight.

“These gentlemen are very valuable additions to our board and will strengthen the academic linkages to the university,” Anderson said.