CALENDAR OF EVENTS
October – December 2026
October 1: Deadwood’s 150th Anniversary Time Capsule – As part of Deadwood’s 150th anniversary celebration, Deadwood History, Inc. is honored to assemble a community time capsule that will preserve a snapshot of Deadwood today for future generations. The capsule will remain sealed until July 4, 2076, when the nation celebrates its 300th anniversary and Deadwood marks its 200th. Its contents will offer future citizens a glimpse into our community and how technology, architecture, transportation, preservation, education, and daily life have evolved. The time capsule will be buried on the side lawn of the Adams Museum along Deadwood Street and marked with a commemorative stone at 10:00 a.m.
October 1: Preservation Thursday: George Custer and the Great Plains: History, Landscape, and Legacy – Omaha author and historian Jeff Barnes will discuss the impact of the Great Plains on the military career of Gen. George A. Custer. The presentation explores Custer’s nine years on the Plains, highlighting the region’s history and breathtaking landscapes through Barnes’s photography. The year 2026 also marks the 150th anniversary of one of the Great Plains’ most significant events, the defeat of Custer and the 7th Cavalry at the Battle of the Little Bighorn. Barnes will examine Custer’s experiences on the Plains and their connection to the events that culminated in this pivotal moment in American history. Homestake Adams Research and Cultural Center; 12:00 p.m. This special presentation celebrating Deadwood’s 150th anniversary is free to attend.
October 8, 9, and 10: Mystery, Mayhem & Undertakers: A Deadwood Weekend with Authors Ann Charles and Sam Lucky: Step into the mysterious side of Deadwood for a weekend with authors Ann Charles and Sam Lucky! Fans of the Deadwood Mystery Series and Deadwood Undertaker Series can enjoy book signings, a lively fan party, and even ghost hunting at the Historic Adams House. It’s a weekend filled with books, fans, fun, and a little paranormal mayhem, all in the town that provides the perfect backdrop for their stories. On Thursday, October 8, Ann and Sam will host a book signing at the Adams Museum from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. On Friday, October 9, they will host a fan party at the Days of ’76 Museum from 6:30 to 9:00 p.m. On Saturday, October 10, they will join paranormal investigations at the Historic Adams House at 6:00 and 10:30 p.m. and host a book signing in the Adams House gift shop from 7:30 to 10:00 p.m. It’s a weekend that brings together books, history, mystery, and a little paranormal fun in Deadwood.
October 9-10, 16-17, and 23-24: Paranormal Investigations of the Adams House – Join Deadwood History, Inc. and Black Hills Paranormal Investigations (BHPI) this October for exclusive access to one of Deadwood’s most haunted sites. Participants will search for paranormal activity in the Historic Adams House with the BHPI team using parascopes, para-lanterns, the Tempest, Rem-Pod, Onvoy ghost box, Pharaoh Box, Flux 2, Ovilus, digital audio recorders, laser grids, divining rods, K2’s, Dead Bell, and EMF meters. Investigations are offered at 6:00, 7:30, 9:00, and 10:30 p.m. Tickets are $35 and limited to 24 people per investigation. You must be at least 12 years old to participate. Ages 12 – 16 must be accompanied by an adult. Reservations are required. Purchase tickets online at DeadwoodHistory.com or call 605-722-4800 for more information.
Saturday, October 17: Celebrate Theodore Roosevelt’s Birthday! – Join us for a fun, hands-on celebration of Theodore Roosevelt! Students are invited to learn more about the 26th president as we celebrate ahead of his October 27 birthday. Discover fun facts about Roosevelt, the 26th President of the United States, and learn about his fascinating connections to Deadwood and the Dakotas. Young historians will also create their very own Theodore Roosevelt craft and receive a Junior Ranger Badge to take home. Days of ’76 Museum; 10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Free for students in grades K–6, but reservations are required. Space is limited, so call our education department at 605-578-1657 to reserve your spot.
November 5: Preservation Thursday: Reflections on Deadwood’s Historic Preservation efforts and the impact of Legalized Gaming – Join Deadwood Planning, Zoning, and Historic Preservation Officer Kevin Kuchenbecker and Deadwood Gaming Association Executive Director George Milos as they recap successful historic preservation projects funded through gaming revenues and reflect on the impact these efforts have had on our community as Deadwood celebrates its 150th anniversary. Kuchenbecker and Milos will take a trip down memory lane, highlighting major milestones, programs, projects, and funding changes that helped transform Deadwood into one of today’s top heritage tourism destinations. Homestake Adams Research and Cultural Center; 12:00 p.m. This special presentation celebrating Deadwood’s 150th anniversary is free to attend.
November 27-28; December 4-5, 11-12, and 18-19: Candlelight Christmas Tours of the Historic Adams House – Experience the magic of the holiday season at the Historic Adams House during special Candlelight Christmas Tours. The beautifully decorated Queen Anne-style home will be illuminated by the warm glow of candlelight as guides share stories of Christmas traditions and the families who once called the house home. Guided tours will be offered every half hour from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.; $8 for members and $12 for non-members; $5 for children ages 6-12, and free for kids 5 and under. Tickets can be purchased online at DeadwoodHistory.com or at the door. Please call 605-722-4800 for more information.
December 5: Holiday Open House – Join us for Deadwood History’s annual Holiday Open House celebration at the Days of ’76 Museum from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The Open House includes children’s activities, face painting, great holiday gifts for family and friends, free museum access, and photos with Santa Claus. Refreshments will be served. Admission is free. For more information, please call 605-722-4800.
