Our Mission

Ozarks Preservation, Inc. (OPI) operates under the auspices of the West Plains Council of the Arts, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, and is established:
* to identify the geographical and cultural landscapes of the Ozarks Region;
* to promote, preserve, and interpret the natural resources, history, and living culture of the region with respect and sensitivity;
* to promote experiences for visitors and residents which demonstrate the sense of community and quality of life while contributing to the economic sustainability of our rural communities;
* to develop public and private partnerships and relationships among regional entities to understand shared purposes and mutually plan for achievement of common goals;
* to advocate for the creation of a National Heritage Area and interpretive center in the Ozarks region;
* and to create an organization to manage the National Heritage Area.

The Ozarks has a wealth of history and culture, unique to the region. In all shapes, sizes, and colors, the people that define the Ozarks have shaped its character. Yet, as society moves forward at an ever increasing and complex pace, the past fades and is forgotten. What legacy of the wonders of the Ozarks will we leave behind for our children? Will they have the precious memories to cherish, that linger in our minds? How can we safeguard for posterity the unique region known as the Ozarks?

Use it up, Wear it out, Make it do or do without. - Ozark Maxim

Goals

While the Ozarks is more a 'state of mind' than a physical location, the Ozarks is generally considered to stretch from mid-Missouri to upper Arkansas and covers the width of both states. This region will be the heart of what is considered the Ozarks, and most of the treasures will be found here.

This project will gather all the richness of the Ozarks in a manner that can be easily enjoyed by others, yet retain the character that makes it an Ozarks treasure. More than a single physical location, this project will inventory, catalogue, make accessible, preserve and present - using methods both ancient and modern - the rich culture, history, arts, flora and fauna, and the indefinable 'something' that makes the Ozarks unique, and worth preserving. The organization will apply for and vigorously pursue status as a "National Heritage Region" as a natural way to protect the culture in the region and gain access to available funding with this designation.

A Call to Action

As President George Washington once noted; "Nobody rises to low expectations." The expectations of Ozarks Preservation, Inc. are great, but rely solidly on the skills, abilities and greatness of the volunteers that will power this project.

As the gathering of Ozarks cultural treasures continues, an appropriate site will be selected within the Ozarks and a physical structure erected to act as a central repository of information, presentation, and interpretation, to showcase the evolving facets of Ozarks culture.

If you would like to participate in any way with this project, contact the West Plains Council on the Arts:
PO Box 339, West Plains, MO . Phone: 417-256-1813. E-mail: arts@townsqr.com

The OPI board of directors: Myles Smith, Howell-Oregon Electric Cooperative; Kris Norman, Greater West Plains Area Chamber of Commerce; Brenda Bell, University of Missouri Extension; Tom Draper, Missouri Dept. of Conservation; Kathleen Morrissey, West Plains Council on the Arts; Carol Silvey, Missouri State University West Plains, and Laurel Thompson, retired broadcaster.