April 13: Preservation Thursday: Clark, Carr, and Griffin – Three Classic Kings of South Dakota Cowboy Poetry – South Dakota has produced a great many cowboy poets from the western side of the state. A professor of classical English literature would likely opine that when it comes to cowboy poetry that hails from the Black Hills region, the names of Badger Clark, Robert V. Carr, and E. A. L. Griffin stand out for their individual styles of the genre, but a faro dealer from the old Deadwood days of ’76 would probably opt for a gaming metaphor that uses a deck of cards to say the same thing – that each of these poets bore a resemblance of a king of three different suits. Presented by South Dakota Humanities Council’s Speakers Bureau Scholar, musical performer, and cowboy poet Michael McDonald. Homestake Adams Research and Cultural Center; 12:00 p.m.; free for members and $5 for non-members.
April 22: Patsy’s Day – Support our furry friends. Share in this annual celebration honoring Patsy, the beloved terrier of William Emery Adams. Guests who make a donation of any pet product for the Twin City Animal Shelter will receive free admission to the Historic Adams House. Tours on Patsy’s Day are hourly; the first tour leaving at 10:00 a.m. and the last tour of the day leaving at 4:00 p.m. Photos of cats and dogs available for adoption will be on display. For more information, please call 605-578-3724.
May 4: Preservation Thursday: Alice Roosevelt Longworth – What They Say About Me is True! – Have an encounter with Alice Roosevelt Longworth. Audience members will be involved as reporters at a press conference in Alice’s home. As members of the press, the audience gets to ask predetermined questions. Via a PowerPoint™ presentation, the answers will give an account of Alice’s colorful life, her relationship with her father, stepmother, and other family members as well as the times in which she lived. Audience members will learn about this lively, witty, clever, acerbic, and delightfully rebellious daughter of Theodore Roosevelt, the 26th President of the United States. Presented by Phyllis Schrag an accomplished actor and living history performer from Ames, Iowa. Homestake Adams Research and Cultural Center; 12:00 p.m.; free for members and $5 for non-members.
May 14: Mother’s Day Tours – In honor of Mother’s Day, the Historic Adams House and the Days of ‘76 Museum will offer free admission to visiting mothers. Show your mom how much you love her by sharing a tour of the beautifully restored Queen Anne-style home and explore vintage wagons, carriages, and stagecoaches from 1875-1910. The museums are open from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Please call 605-578-3724 or 605-578-1657 for more information.
June 6, 13, 20, and 27: Family Fun Tuesdays – Deadwood History, Inc. (DHI) hosts a family friendly event on Tuesday afternoons during the summer. On June 6 and 13, we explore Deadwood’s history – everything from the legends of Deadwood to a 90 million year-old plesiosaur from the Adams Museum. DHI will feature Hidden in the Midden on June 20 and 27. Learn what an archaeologist does and dig through a midden (and old garbage pile) to unearth a variety of artifacts that will help solve puzzling questions. Deadwood Outlaw Square; 3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.; these events are free.
June 7: The Summer of 1876: Outlaws, Lawmen, and Legends in the Season That Defined the American West – The summer of 1876 was a key time period in the development of the mythology of the Old West. Many individuals who were considered legends by modern readers were involved in events that began their notoriety or turned out to be the most famous – or infamous – moments of their lives. Chris Wimmer, creator of Legends of the Old West podcast, weaves together the timelines of the events that made men legends. The Summer of 1876 is his first book. Wimmer will host a 30-minute presentation and Q&A session with his sister, Mandi Wimmer, followed by the book signing. Adams Museum; 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.; the book signing is free to attend. An After-Party will be held at the Saloon No. 10 following the book signing.
June 16: History on the Lawn: An Open Secret: The Story of Deadwood’s Most Notorious Bordellos – The official launch of American author Chris Enss’ latest book, An Open Secret, focuses on infamous cat houses like the Beige Door, those individuals who managed the businesses, their employees, their well-known clientele, the various crimes committed at the locations, and their ultimate demise. Bring a lunch and enjoy the Historic Adams House lawn; 12:00 noon; free for members and $5 for non-members. In case of inclement weather, the lecture will be moved to the Homestake Adams Research and Cultural Center (HARCC).
June 17: An Open Secret: The Story of Deadwood’s Most Notorious Bordellos Official Book Signing Party with Chris Enss and Deadwood History – Chris Enss is a New York Times Best Selling author, scriptwriter, and comedienne. Chris will be signing copies of her book, An Open Secret, from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. at The Brothel Deadwood. This event is open to the public. Donations are appreciated. Stop by to meet Chris Enss and tour The Brothel. Snacks and beverages will be served throughout the day.
June 27: Northern Hills Community Band Concert – Break out the red, white, and blue for the Northern Hills Community Band concert. Enjoy live patriotic music and marches, as well as world-famous show tunes on the Historic Adams House lawn. 7:00 p.m.; admission by donation. In case of inclement weather, the concert will be moved to the Homestake Adams Research and Cultural Center (HARCC).
