April 10: Preservation Thursday: NITA: Hotbed in Deadwood – Join us for an exclusive screening of Justin Koehler’s gripping documentary, which delves into the fearless story of Nita Celaya and her pivotal role in Deadwood’s infamous 1980 brothel raid. This compelling film uncovers the town’s long-held secret, exploring the tension between tradition, morality, and survival. Through a rare interview and her never-before-released 1980 FBI tape, Nita’s voice brings this controversial chapter to life. Don’t miss this opportunity for a deeper understanding of Deadwood’s vice. Homestake Adams Research and Cultural Center; 12:00 p.m.; free for members and $5 for non-members.
April 12: Papermaking – Get ready to get messy and creative! Kids in grades K-6 will dive into the world of papermaking and recycling in this hands-on workshop. Using old mail, scrap paper, flowers, and even flower seeds, they’ll craft their very own unique product to take home. It’s a fun and eco-friendly way to learn about sustainability and creativity. Days of ’76 Museum; 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. The program is free for participants, but reservations are required. Call Education Director Tera Richards at 605-578-1657 for reservations or questions about the program.
April 26: 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 on April 26th. Guided tours on Patsy’s Day are hourly; the first tour leaving at 10:00 a.m. and the last tour of the day 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 1: Preservation Thursday: Native American History is Not Part of United States History – This presentation by historian and humanities scholar Brad Tennent focuses largely on the White Horse Winter Count to explain events that occurred before South Dakota and the northern plains were part of the United States. Although the original winter count is located at the Denver Museum of Nature and Science, replicas can also be found at the White Horse Community Center, the CRST Cultural Preservation Office in Eagle Butte, and the Timber Lake and Area Museum. In 1910, Chief Martin White Horse explained the meaning of the images, which were then interpreted and transcribed providing a pictographic history ranging from circa 1890 through 1910. Homestake Adams Research and Cultural Center; 12:00 p.m.; free for members and $5 for non-members.
May 10: Victorian Garden Party – Families are invited to a Victorian Garden Party, where they’ll learn and play classic yard games from the past and enjoy a charming tea party – just like in the Victorian era! Sip on tea or lemonade and snack on tasty finger sandwiches and sweets while experiencing a little slice of history in a fun and fancy way. Historic Adams House lawn; 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. The program is free for participants, but reservations are required. Call Education Director Tera Richards at 605-578-1657 for reservations or questions about the program. In case of inclement weather, the party will be moved to the Homestake Adams Research and Cultural Center (HARCC).
May 11: Mother’s Day Tours – In honor of Mother’s Day, the Adams Museum, 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 Historic Adams House is open 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., and the Adams Museum and Days of ’76 Museum are open 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Please call 605-578-3724 or 605-578-1657 for more information.
June 3, 10, 17, and 24: Family Fun Tuesdays: A Hands-On Adventure! – Deadwood History, Inc. (DHI) hosts a family friendly event on Tuesday afternoons during the summer. On June 3, enjoy Old West Bingo – Deadwood’s spin on traditional Bingo with a western theme and prizes. Young explorers, get ready to dig, discover, and uncover the mysteries of the past with DHI’s Digging Up the Past on June 10, 17, and 24. Dig into the past like an archaeologist, sifting through an ancient midden to uncover hidden treasures from Deadwood’s history. Then, grab our tools and become a paleontologist, searching for dinosaur bones – just like the experts. Join us at Deadwood Outlaw Square from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. for these exciting, free events!
June 9 – 13: Jr. Inventors Camp: Create, Experiment, Innovate – Calling all young creators. Students in grades 1–3 will spend a fun-filled week discovering inventors and their groundbreaking creations. Participants will become inventors themselves – designing, building, and testing their own amazing inventions. Through hands-on experiments and teamwork, campers will learn to bring everyday items to life in exciting new ways. Days of ’76 Museum; 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.; $50 for members and $55 for non-members. Space is limited and reservations are required. Scholarships are available. Call Education Director Tera Richards at 605-578-1657 for reservations or questions about the program.
June 13: History on the Lawn: Dr. Valentine McGillycuddy: Frontier Doctor and Renaissance Man – Join historian and reenactor Les Nuckles as he brings Dr. Valentine Trant McGillycuddy to life in this captivating first-person presentation. Experience the late 1800s through vivid stories, warmth, and humor, as Nuckles shares the doctor’s adventures and encounters with legends like Wild Bill Hickok, Buffalo Bill Cody, Custer, Calamity Jane, Red Cloud, Crazy Horse, and more. Bring a lunch and enjoy the Historic Adams House lawn; 12:00 noon; 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).
June 15: Father’s Day Admission – In honor of Wild Bill Days weekend, the Adams Museum, Historic Adams House, and the Days of ‘76 Museum will offer free admission to visiting dads on Father’s Day. Show your dad how much you care by exploring all the great history from Deadwood and the Black Hills. The Adams Museum and Days of ’76 Museum are open 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The Historic Adams House is open 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Please call 605-722-4800 or 605-578-1714 for more information.
June 16 – 20: Young Inventors Camp: Dream It, Build It, Test It – Calling all aspiring inventors! In this hands-on camp, students in grades 4–6 will dive into the world of innovation by exploring famous inventors and their game-changing creations. Then, they’ll take on the challenge of designing, building, and testing their own inventions. With collaboration, creativity, and problem-solving, campers will transform everyday materials into something brand new. Days of ‘76 Museum; 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.; $50 for members and $55 for non-members. Space is limited and reservations are required. Scholarships are available. Call Education Director Tera Richards at 605-578-1657 for reservations or questions about the program.
June 19: 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).
