July – September, 2026
July 7 – 9: Comic Book Camp – Creativity takes center stage as campers design their own comic book adventures inspired by Deadwood’s rich history. Students will develop characters, illustrate scenes, and tell stories while learning how history can inspire art and imagination. Designed for children in grades 1-6. Days of ’76 Museum; 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.; $55 plus tax for members and $60 plus tax for non-members. A 50% advance deposit is required for registration. Reservations required and scholarships are available. Space is limited, so call Education Director Tera Richards at 605-578-1657 for reservations.
July 7, 14, 21, 28 and August 4: Family Fun Tuesdays: Time Travel Starts Here! – Join Deadwood History, Inc. (DHI) for exciting, hands-on fun every Tuesday afternoon at Outlaw Square! These family-friendly events are totally free and packed with discovery, creativity, and prizes – perfect for kids and adventurous families. July 7 and 14 – Hidden in the Midden: Asks the question: what can trash tell us about the past? Young participants become junior archaeologists as they dig through simulated midden sites to uncover clues left behind by past residents of the Pine Heights neighborhood. July 21 – Pioneer Kid Rodeo Obstacle Course Games: This game brings frontier-style fun to Family Fun Tuesday with an active, kid-friendly challenge. Children will run, race, and balance their way through an obstacle course inspired by classic rodeo skills. July 28 – Pioneer Yard Games: During this game, kids will play like it’s the 1800s. No screens and no scores, just good old-fashioned fun! You never know what you’ll find. August 4 – Wild West Bingo: Deadwood’s frontier-themed spin on the classic game, complete with prizes and a big “yeehaw!” Join us at Deadwood Outlaw Square from 1:00 – 2:00 p.m. for these exciting, free events.
July 13 – 16: Pioneer Camp – Pioneer Camp returns to the Days of ’76 Museum this summer, inviting children to explore what daily life was like for pioneers in Deadwood and the American West. Designed for kids in grades 1-6, the camp teaches history, creativity, and play through crafts, games, skills, and stories inspired by the 1800s. Days of ’76 Museum; 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.; $55 plus tax for members and $60 plus tax for non-members. A 50% advance deposit is required for registration. Reservations required and scholarships are available. Space is limited, so call Education Director Tera Richards at 605-578-1657 for reservations.
July 17: History on the Lawn: Sitting Bull’s War – In recognition of Deadwood’s 150th anniversary of the Black Hills Gold Rush, Paul Hedren’s new book, Sitting Bull’s War, offers a powerful and deeply moving account of America’s greatest Indian war. Readers are drawn into the world of the Lakota and Northern Cheyenne peoples and their determined struggle during the 1870s to preserve their traditional way of life on the buffalo plains. Those steadfast Northern Indians faced a succession of white invaders: railroaders, borderland surveyors, prospectors, and ultimately the United States Army. In the best of days, they turned George Crook back at the Rosebud and wiped-out George Armstrong Custer at the Little Big Horn (Battle of the Greasy Grass). But a dozen other clashes followed, and in the end those tradition-minded people could not endure the army’s endless hounding. Some fled to Canada to a luring if momentary exile, but in the end one and all faced impoverishment and privation. Sitting Bull’s War captures the essences of a people clinging to a traditional life of old before all was lost. Bring a lunch and enjoy the Historic Adams House lawn; 12:00 p.m.; free for members and $5 for non-members. In case of rain, the lecture will be moved to the Homestake Adams Research and Cultural Center (HARCC).
August 28: History on the Lawn: Native American Culture and History with JJ Kent – JJ Kent was taught Lakota history, culture, and spiritual traditions from an early age by respected Lakota elders, including Floyd “Looks For Buffalo” Hand, James Dubray, Joe Brown Eyes, and others. Guided by the wisdom of his teachers, he is dedicated to sharing Lakota traditions with non-Native audiences to promote greater understanding, education, and cultural appreciation. Bring a lunch and enjoy the Historic Adams House lawn; 12:00 p.m.; free for members and $5 for non-members. In case of rain, the lecture will be moved to the Homestake Adams Research and Cultural Center (HARCC).
September 19: Archery for Beginners Youth Program – Curious about archery? Join Deadwood History, Inc. for an introductory course designed to teach students in grades 1–6 the fundamentals of archery in a safe and fun environment. Participants will learn about equipment, proper form, safety, and basic shooting techniques through hands-on instruction and activities. Days of ’76 Museum; 10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.; the program is free, but reservations are required. Space is limited, so call Education Director Tera Richards at 605-578-1657 to reserve your spot.
September 24: Preservation Thursday: Seth Bullock and the Black Hills: 150 Years Later – Soon after Seth Bullock arrived in Deadwood in August 1876, he made it clear that he planned to leave his mark on the Black Hills. As a lawman, businessman, rancher, miner, civil servant, and friend of a president, he did just that over the next forty years. The day after the anniversary of Seth Bullock’s passing in 1919, Dr. David Wolff will explore Bullock’s lasting legacy, examining both his achievements and shortcomings while placing him within the broader story of Deadwood’s founding generation. At the conclusion of the presentation, Dr. Wolff will invite the audience to consider whether Seth Bullock deserves recognition as early Deadwood’s leading citizen. Following the lecture, at 1:45 p.m., the Deadwood Trolley will transport participants to Mount Moriah Cemetery for a guided walk to Bullock’s gravesite. The trolley will drop guests off along the paved road inside the cemetery, where they will join Dr. Wolff for the short hike to the grave. Along the way, attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions and continue the discussion with Dr. Wolff. Homestake Adams Research and Cultural Center; 12:00 p.m. This special event celebrating Deadwood’s 150th anniversary is free to attend.
