Starting Friday, April 15, 2022, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Legacy Management (LM) has reopened its three interpretive centers to the public. The Atomic Legacy Cabin in Grand Junction, Colorado; the Fernald Preserve Visitors Center near Hamilton, Ohio; and the new Weldon Spring Site Interpretive Center in St. Charles, Missouri, are all once again welcoming visitors indoors.
Visitors can enjoy the wide range of activities the interpretive centers have to offer including interactive displays, educational programs, community space, and more. Each of the centers is open during their normal business hours. In addition, the LM staff will continue to produce and host virtual programming for those who cannot attend in person.
New Weldon Spring Site Interpretive Center near St. Charles, Missouri
“The Office of Legacy Management is excited to be able to reopen our interpretive centers to the public. They are an essential element to telling the story of the past, present and future of these sites,” LM Director Carmelo Melendez said. “We have been careful and thoughtful in our approach to reopening; safety is always our highest priority. It has been a long two years and we look forward to welcoming back our friends and neighbors to the programs and services offered by the interpretive centers.”
Visitors are encouraged to continue practicing COVID-19 protocols including social distancing and proper hygiene, such as washing hands for at least 20 seconds, covering mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, and staying home when feeling ill. Face cover requirements follow the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) county transmission levels. You can preview face cover requirements by searching either Hamilton County, Ohio; St. Charles, Missouri; or Mesa County, Colorado, in the CDC’s COVID-19 by County tool.
Fernald Preserve Visitors Center in Hamilton, Ohio
Staff will continue to monitor guidance from the federal government, CDC, and state and local health departments. Adjustments to protocols may change with community conditions.
“Our interpretive center staffs are pleased to again welcome visitors back to participate in LM’s programs,” LM Education, Communications, History, and Outreach Supervisor David Von Behren said. “These facilities play a valuable role in telling the important stories of the operations that occurred at these sites. The interpretive centers are also powerful community assets offering educational tools for teachers and students.”
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