CALENDAR OF EVENTS
July – September, 2022
July 8: History on the Lawn: Edward “E.L.” Senn, Prohibition, and Deadwood – Deadwood long had a reputation as the wildest town in South Dakota. It was particularly known for its alcohol-fueled excitement. Deadwood was also home to Edward “E.L.” Senn, one of South Dakota’s most well-known reformers. He fought Demon Rum, vice, and the official corruption that allowed them to rule as the crusading editor of the Deadwood Daily Telegram. Senn made many enemies, but also passionate supporters. His fight against legal and illegal alcohol in Deadwood led to his appointment as the federal Director of Prohibition in South Dakota. The question of the time was whether Demon Rum or E.L. Senn would win. 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 inclement weather, the lecture will be moved to the Homestake Adams Research and Cultural Center (HARCC).
July 21: Jazz on the Lawn – What better place to celebrate the Jazz Age than at the Historic Adams House? W.E. Adams’ great love of music, notably jazz, makes this evening extra special. The lovely lawn and gardens will be the venue for this spectacular night of music featuring JAS Quintet from Sioux Falls; cheese and charcuterie boards created by Cheyenne Crossing; and a cash bar. Historic Adams House; 5:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.; admission $30 per person. Advance reservations required. Purchase online at DeadwoodHistory.com or call 605-722-4800. In case of inclement weather, the concert will be moved to the Homestake Adams Research and Cultural Center (HARCC). Sponsored in part by Black Hills & Badlands Tourism Association and the South Dakota Arts Council with funds from the State of South Dakota, through the Department of Tourism, and the National Endowment for the Arts.
August 19: History on the Lawn: Sitting Bull and the Events Leading to the Battle of the Little Big Horn – In 1874 Lieutenant Colonel George Armstrong Custer led an expedition into the Black Hills where his prospectors discovered gold in French Creek, setting off a stampede to the Black Hills and leading to violent confrontations with the Lakota and other tribes. But before that happened there had been constant warfare with those tribes which had not signed the 1868 Fort Laramie Treaty. Sitting Bull was one of those leaders. When railroad survey teams passed through their hunting grounds in Dakota and Montana Territories, Sitting Bull and others fought to expel them. One of the military leaders assigned to protect the railroad surveyors was Custer. What happened during those clashes? What was Sitting Bull doing as prospectors invaded the Black Hills? What were Sitting Bull’s actions leading up to and during the Battle of the Little Big Horn? Join Bill Markley, South Dakota Humanities Council Speakers’ Bureau Scholar, author, and historian, as he discusses these questions and similar topics. Bring a lunch and enjoy the Historic Adams House lawn; 12:00 p.m.; free event. In case of inclement weather, the lecture will be moved to the Homestake Adams Research and Cultural Center (HARCC).
September 1: Preservation Thursday: Picturing Sacred Ground: Lakota Maps of the Black Hills, 1874 to 1946 – Beginning with the 1874 Black Hills expedition, Lakota people began producing maps on paper which included the Black Hills. Known maps include those of Red Horse, Big Turkey, Amos Bad Heart Bull, and an unknown cartographer referred to as Dragonfly. These maps name places important to the Lakota people and reflect Lakota history and beliefs. The Dragonfly map, housed at the Homestake Adams Research and Cultural Center, details many Lakota connections to the Black Hills, including origin narratives and historic events. Homestake Adams Research and Cultural Center; 12:00 p.m.; free for members and $5 for non-members.
September 8: Deadwood History’s Big Thank You – Deadwood History, Inc. board of directors and staff would like to thank our members, sponsors, and volunteers for their support with a private appreciation party at the Adams Museum. Join us for a wine-tasting sponsored by A&B Business Solutions, entertainment by Paul Vande Velde, and hors d’oeuvres catered by Cheyenne Crossing. Adams Museum; 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. Advance reservations appreciated. Please call 605-722-4800 for reservations.