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Nancy Green
Natchez Trace Visitors Center gets a facelift, aims to get people into town
Following a recent renovation, a new look greets travelers as well as hosts and hostesses at the visitors center and museum located adjacent to the Natchez Trace Parkway.
The renovation and re-arranging of the center comes 25 years after the facility opened following dedication ceremonies Nov. 1,1984. Construction of the center was funded entirely by private donations that were collected through the Kosciuszko Heritage Foundation.
Upon entry, visitors see a large aerial photograph of the courthouse square and surrounding streets. Pictures on this wall showcase Kosciusko depicting major attractions.
Another section features the area’s famous people. Pictures and memorabilia of Oprah Winfrey; Folk Artist L.V. Hull; Houston Astros Baseball Pitcher Roy Oswalt of Weir; Blues singer Charlie Musselwhite; James Meredith, first African-American to enter the University of Mississippi, are on display.
Another area is devoted to industry of the area.
The wax figure of Gen. Thadeusz Kosciuszko, the town’s namesake which was the former focal point in the entry, has been moved to a room in which The Town and The Man are the focus.
“By moving the General from the front entry we are able to put more emphasis on the town. We want visitors to see what the town offers thereby encouraging them to visit,” said Greg Cooper, vice president of the Kosciusko-Attala Development Corp. (KADC).
In the room focusing on The Man is a scaled model of West Point Military Academy which Gen. Kosciuszko designed. A DVD/power point will be provided showing The Town, The Man and the Natchez Trace Parkway. Wildlife trophies displayed in a corner are representative of what visitors might see while traveling the Natchez Trace.
Maps and pamphlets detailing points of interest have been moved to display racks where visitors may choose. Two small revolving pamphlet displays are placed on the registration counter. “These small display are very nice and I really like that,” said Jean Atwood, a volunteer on duty. She was also very complimentary of the new counter with its granite top and the storage area which is more attractive.
Restrooms have been renovated and made more attractive with granite counter tops and tile.
Mrs. Crowson and Mrs. Atwood were in agreement that the improvements at the center have added to its attractiveness and providing information portraying the town, its attractions and its namesake.
Cooper said cost of the renovation was approximately $25,000 with funds coming from the Kosciuszko Heritage Foundation and the Kosciusko Tourist Promotion Council.
Kosciusko architect Art Cook drew plans for the project and local contractors were used in the renovations. Butch Bell installed laminate flooring; John Reynolds, granite counter tops; Bo Bo Ellington, tile; Bobby Crowe, painting; A.T. Dismuke, lighting.
Kosciusko-Attala Vocational-Technical Center students built an entry gate. The Building Trades class under the direction of John Reuben Cox, and the Metal Trades class taught by Gary Brown, did the iron work.
The center is staffed year-round with volunteers. Persons wishing to become a volunteer on a regular basis or as an occasional fill-in may call the KADC office, 289-2981 or the RSVP office, 289-6964.
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