January – March 2026
January 10: The Art of Snowshoeing – Bundle up and join Deadwood History, Inc. for a fun-filled morning exploring the art of snowshoeing! The adventure takes place at the Days of ‘76 Museum from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Suggested for students in grades K–6. Parents are welcome to join in the fun. Snowshoes and hot cocoa will be provided – just dress warmly and be ready for some fun. The program is free, but reservations are required. Participant height is needed for snowshoe fitting by Wednesday, January 7. For more information or to reserve a spot, call 605-578-1657.
January 15: Preservation Thursday: Deadwood at 150: The Founding, Survival, and Fame of a Placer Camp on its 150th Anniversary – In late April 1876, Craven Lee, J. J. Williams, and Ike Brown founded Deadwood on the banks of Whitewood Creek, one of several mining camps prospectors established during the Black Hills gold rush. But unlike most camps, Deadwood survived and even thrived. Dr. David Wolff’s presentation will examine why Lee, Williams, and Brown founded Deadwood, why it survived, who was responsible for helping it prosper, and how it evolved into the northern Black Hills’ commercial center. The presentation will close by looking at how this former placer camp eventually became a gambling and entertainment hub. Homestake Adams Research and Cultural Center; 12:00 p.m.; free for members and $5 for non-members.
February 12: Preservation Thursday: Archives, Digital Records, and the 21st Century: An Overview into GIS and Preserving Deadwood’s Past – City of Deadwood Archivist Mike Runge and Zach Lampert, EI/GISP, of Avid-4 Engineering in Rapid City will share how Geographic Information Systems (GIS) are transforming historic preservation work in Deadwood. The presentation will introduce the basics of GIS, explain how the Deadwood Historic Preservation Office uses it in daily projects, and highlight the types of historic records that benefit most from this technology. Key examples will include Sanborn Fire Insurance maps, historic and contemporary film and video footage, and recent GIS projects. Runge and Lampert will also discuss exciting possibilities for future applications, such as digital story boards, outdoor interpretive signage, and more. Homestake Adams Research and Cultural Center; 12:00 p.m.; free for members and $5 for non-members.
February 21: Chinese New Year Celebration – Gung Hay Fat Choy! Happy Chinese New Year! Celebrate Chinese New Year and the Year of the Horse. Students will create a project to take home, eat Chinese style food for lunch, and be a part of a red envelope ceremony. For students in grades K-6. Homestake Adams Research and Cultural Center; 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. The program is free to participants, but reservations are required. For more information or to reserve a spot, call 605-578-1657.
February 27: Calamity’s Shindig: Deadwood History’s Fundraiser – No one threw a better party than Calamity Jane! Join us for musical entertainment by The Lonely Rangers and Deadwood Alive’s Andy Mosher as Marshal Con Stapleton; heavy hors d’oeuvres catered by Catering by Dave; cash bar and auctions. The live auction will be hosted by Terry Hupp. Days of ‘76 Museum; 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.; admission $50 per person. Advance reservations required. Purchase online at DeadwoodHistory.com or call 605-722-4800.
March 19: Preservation Thursday: Sarah Campbell: She Vanquished with the Vanguard of Civilization – Scholar, historian, and performer Joyce Jefferson will portray Sarah “Aunt Sally” Campbell who was the cook for Custer’s 1874 expedition through the Black Hills. One of the Black Hills’ most intriguing figures, “Aunt Sally” traveled with Lt. General George Armstrong Custer’s expedition of 1874. Jefferson will share Campbell’s experiences during the gold rush. Sarah Campbell is reportedly the first woman to file a mining claim in Custer Gulch, August 5, 1874. “Aunt Sally” is buried in the community of Galena near Deadwood, SD. Homestake Adams Research and Cultural Center; 12:00 p.m.; free for members and $5 for non-members.
March 21: Celebrating Women Who Inspire Us – Join Deadwood History, Inc. for a special morning in honor of Women’s History Month. Hear from local women as they share their life experiences and accomplishments, enjoy a story about influential women from around the world, and create a heartfelt thank-you note for an important woman in your life, like a family member, teacher, or coach. Days of ‘76 Museum; 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. For students in grades K–6. This inspiring event is free, but reservations are required. For more information or to reserve a spot, call 605-578-1657.
