This facility was built to house the center's $1.5 million collection of hundreds of original paintings, drawings, field sketches, journal notes and manuscripts donated by Smith's widow, Marie.  In addition to the permanent collection, the center will showcase the works of contemporary artists and photographers from around the country in changing exhibits.  

The Center's lands offer a tranquil outdoor experience on more than 500 contiguous acres of rustic beauty just outside Ned Smith's hometown of Millersburg, Pennsylvania, 30 minutes north of Harrisburg, the state capital.  With hardwood forest, stream, more than twelve miles of trails and stunning views of the Susquehanna River from the mountaintop, the land also provides habitat for the wildlife Ned Smith immortalized - deer, bear, wild turkey, grouse, fox and many species of smaller animals.

With a permanent home and room to expand programs, the Ned Smith Center for Nature and Art is now able to enrich so many more lives.  The Ned Smith Center already plays an active role in education about nature, art and conservation through a year-long series of lectures, field trips, seminars an other special events.

"We need to connect people, especially children, to the natural world.  Anyone who comes to the Center's wildlife festival in late July and watches the kids, can see they have a natural love for the outdoors.  Their enthusiasm and wonder gives you a warm feeling.  You know this is right for families and for America." - Gary Alt

Financial assistance provided by The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
Honorable Edward G. Rendell Governor