The interpretive center in Newcomb is now officially the Adirondack Interpretive Center (AIC), owned and managed by the State University of New York, College of Environmental Science and Forestry (ESF).

ESF did not take lightly renaming the former APA Visitor Interpretive Center. We respect what the APA and its staff created and want to honor the history of the center.

Because the centers were conceived in part to provide visitors to the Adirondack Park with information about the park, using “Visitor” in the name was strategic. Individuals unaware of that background however are left with the impression “Visitor” suggests a particular target audience for the interpretive center services, and seems to exclude other potential audiences.

Because keeping the interpretive center open is a commitment to the Town of Newcomb, the residents of the Adirondacks and the citizens of New York State, the College felt strongly a new more inclusive name would better articulate that commitment.

After careful consideration we selected Adirondack Interpretive Center.

The new name can itself be interpreted on several levels to inform what the new AIC is all about: location, content and audience. Located literally in the middle of this great region, we are committed to presenting programs, classes, events and information drawing on all aspects of the Adirondacks, from ecosystems to economics; and we intend to serve all audiences in the Adirondacks, from those who live here to those just passing through.

We look forward to seeing you soon at the center.

Paul B. Hai is the Program Coordinator for SUNY-ESF’s Northern Forest Institute and is developing the programming for the Adirondack Interpretive Center