July – September, 2025
July 1, 8, 15, and 29: Family Fun Tuesdays: Hands-On History! Join Deadwood History, Inc. (DHI) for exciting, hands-on fun every Tuesday afternoon in July at Outlaw Square! These family-friendly events are totally free and packed with discovery, creativity, and prizes — perfect for curious kids and adventurous families. July 1 – Old West Bingo: Get your game face on for Old West Bingo – Deadwood’s wild and wacky twist on classic Bingo! Play for awesome prizes while learning cool facts about the Wild West. July 8 – Hidden in the Midden: Ever wonder what archaeologists really do? Now’s your chance to dig through the past! Sift through layers of a real midden (that’s an old trash heap) and uncover hidden treasures from Deadwood’s early days. July 15 – Water Conservation in the Black Hills: Calling all junior explorers! Get your hands dirty and uncover the mysteries of long ago as you dig discover ways to get water in an area without a water source. Learn what a guzzler is and build your own! July 29 – Dino Dig: Step into the boots of a paleontologist and go on a fossil-finding mission! Use special tools to uncover ancient dinosaur eggs – you never know what you’ll find! Join us at Deadwood Outlaw Square from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. for these exciting, free events.
July 11: History on the Lawn: The Gold Rush – In recognition of the 150th anniversary of the Black Hills Gold Rush, Dr. David Wolff will discuss how the gold rush began in 1874, grew in 1875, reached its peak in 1876 and 1877, and continued in the years after. Wolff will highlight people, places, and events associated with the gold rush, gold mining, and mineral development. This talk is based on Wolff’s recently released book, The Gold Rush, the first volume in a series of Black Hills History Tour books he is writing for the South Dakota Historical Society Press. 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).
July 14 – 18: Pioneer Camp – Journey back in time and experience the daily adventures of early American pioneers in Deadwood. During this exciting five-day camp, students will immerse themselves in hands-on activities that bring history to life. From sewing and traditional crafts to playing old-fashioned games, making butter and ice cream, and even panning for gold, campers will discover the skills of the past. Designed for children in grades 1-6, this unforgettable week offers a fun and interactive way to explore pioneer life! Days of ‘76 Museum; 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.; $50 for members and $55 for non-members. Reservations required and scholarships are available. Space is limited, so call Deadwood History Education Director Tera Richards at 605-578-1657 for reservations.
August 22: History on the Lawn: Undertaking: A History of Coffin Joints – Ann Charles and Sam Lucky, authors of the Deadwood Undertaker Series, will talk about the general history of dealing with the dead down through time, focusing on the Old West and the northern Black Hills. This will include not only interesting tidbits they’ve learned in their research, but also entertaining ways of blending non-fiction into their stories. 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 9: Makerspace Grand Opening – Family Open House – Join us for the grand opening of our brand-new Makerspace! Drop in anytime during the open house to explore the space, check out the exciting equipment, including 3D printers, and crafting tools. Learn about upcoming children’s programs. Whether you’re into technology, art, or hands-on projects, there’s something here to spark your creativity. Bring the whole family and see what you can make. For more information, please call Education Director Tera Richards at 605-578-1657.
September 11: Deadwood History’s Big Thank You – Deadwood History, Inc. board of directors and staff would like to thank our members and sponsors for their support with a private appreciation party at the Adams Museum. Join us for a wine-tasting sponsored by A&B Business Solutions and hors d’oeuvres by Catering by Dave. Adams Museum; 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. Advance reservations appreciated. Please call 605-722-4800 for reservations.
September 19 and 20: Haunted Rooms America – On Friday, September 19 join Haunted Rooms America for an unforgettable ghost hunt at The Brothel Deadwood, where the Wild West underbelly comes to life. Dare to face the voices of the past in the very rooms where apparitions of former workers and their clientele have been seen and heard, from ghostly figures on the staircase to EVPs capturing conversations lost in time. Saturday, September 20 step back into the lawless era of Deadwood and brave the haunted halls of the Historic Adams House, where the restless spirits of the Wild West linger, awaiting those daring enough to confront the town’s tumultuous history and its paranormal present. Join Haunted Rooms America for a real ghost hunt that promises to immerse you in the thrilling, eerie legacy of one of the most historically rich and paranormally active locations in the U.S. For more information, contact support@hauntedrooms.com.
September 24, 25, 26, and 27: The Sharpshooter and the Showman & Molls and Mobsters – New York Times bestselling author Chris Enss will spend a week in Deadwood focusing on the 1920s and 1930s. On Wednesday, September 24, Enss will present The Sharpshooter & the Showman at the Days of ’76 Museum at 2:00 p.m. with a book signing to follow. The event is free and donations are accepted. On Thursday, September 25, DHI will host a book signing with Enss at the Adams Museum from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. Enss will also discuss cowgirls of the American West during the event. On Friday, September 26 and Saturday, September 27, Enss will be signing copies of her new book, Meet the Kellys: The True Story of Machine Gun Kelly and His Moll Kathryn Thorne, as well as several of her other books from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. at The Brothel Deadwood. Enss will also host five 30-minute presentations about Mobsters and Molls of the 1920s (Friday) and 1930s (Saturday) at 12:00, 1:00, 2:00, 3:00, 4:00, and 5:00 p.m. at the Brothel. The Brothel tour will be $10 per person for the day. Stop by and meet Chris Enss and tour The Brothel Deadwood. Special drawings will be available to brothel visitors throughout the day.
September 25: Preservation Thursday: Deadwood: Gold, Guns, and Greed in the American West – Award-winning author Peter Cozzens will explore the gritty grandeur that was early Deadwood. He will examine the many legends that have arisen about Deadwood and, where needed, dispel them. Cozzens will also present vignettes of the town’s leading characters and contrast their real lives with popular but inaccurate depictions of them. Homestake Adams Research and Cultural Center; 12:00 p.m.; free for members and $5 for non-members.
