“Deadwood History, Inc. (DHI) is all about history, preservation, and education,” said Rose Speirs, communications director.
The organization is comprised of six properties: the Adams Museum, the Days of ‘76 Museum, the Historic Adams House, The Brothel Deadwood, the Homestake Adams Research and Cultural Center, and the Fassbender Photographic Collection.
“The DHI shares stories and education about Deadwood and the Black Hills through interactive exhibits, programming, presentations, and summer camps for children, to name a few,” shared Speirs.
In 2012, the City of Deadwood, the Days of ‘76 Museum, and the Adams Museum & House joined forces to merge and create an umbrella organization. The alignments of the museums have collectively made the historic resources in the city stronger with professional staff to help protect, market, and educate locals and visitors.
She adds, “Museums can be fun and exciting. Gone are the days when the word museum brought memories of an old building filled with cobwebs.”
These particular museums serve as creative and informative experiences, enlightening anyone who ventures through them.
Speirs shared with 605 her favorite events throughout Deadwood, what heals her soul, her favorite TV shows, and more.
Soul Healing Hills
I love to hike and bike on the George S. Mickelson Trail. My best days are spent outdoors with my dog, husband, family, or close friends. There’s something very special about the Hills. They can heal your soul.
Earthly Finds
I enjoy rock shops in Spearfish, Hill City, and Custer that offer a variety of rocks, both raw and polished. In Spearfish, my go-to is Sacred Soul Holistic Healing and in Hill City, I love Dakota Stone Rock Shop. My bookshelf at home and my desk at work are filled with various rocks as they add beauty wherever they’re displayed.
Upcoming Events
Christmas Tours of the Historic Adams House
Historic Adams House // Deadwood // 1 p.m. // December 1-3, 8-10, 15-17
Holiday Open House
Days of ’76 Museum // Deadwood // 10 a.m. // December 2
Homestake Adams Research & Cultural Center
Deadwood // 12 p.m. // January 25 // Preservation Thursday
Historical Hauntings
Hosting paranormal investigations and psychic readings at the Historic Adams House with Black Hills Paranormal Investigations and Sacred Soul LLC is one of my favorite events we sponsor.
Streaming Stories
I’m fond of various streaming services as I can watch some of my favorite shows from the comfort of my couch. Some of my favorites include Breaking Bad, Ted Lasso, Peaky Blinders, The Morning Show, The Killing, and Bosch. They offer a great story, incredible acting, and sometimes a positive message.
Song Bird
Music makes my heart sing. Deadwood hosts a variety of incredible concerts, many of them free on Main Street and in Outlaw Square. My favorites have been The Young Dubliners and Big Head Todd and the Monsters.
5 HISTORICAL FACTS ABOUT SPEIRS:
One
I was working in gaming in Deadwood for 17 years when the position of communications director opened for the Adams Museum & House. I decided to take a leap of faith for a job centered on history. What I’ve learned is that every day you learn something new in any profession, however in history, some of the things you learn may blow your mind.
Two
My dog is a Welsh Pembroke Corgi, named Atticus Finch. His name comes from two books, To Kill A Mockingbird and The Story of Edgar Sawtelle. He’s my sun, moon, and stars rolled into one.
Three
I’ve been on two Jeep rides in the Hills in the past two years. It was truly one of the most fun experiences that I’ve had in a while. I highly recommend it!
Four
hope to visit Moccasin Springs Natural Mineral Springs/Spa in Hot Springs sometime this winter or next spring. I had the pleasure of going there for the first time in April with a friend on a day trip. It was a blast!
Five
Italy is on my bucket list. I love the culture and would love to try some of their red wine right from the vineyard.
Volunteer Advocate
I enjoy volunteering throughout the Deadwood community. I help co-chair the K-9 Keg Pull in January with my friends, Sharon Martinisko and Bobby Rock. I’ve also been a judge for Deadweird for several years with Deadwood mayor David Ruth, Jr. and friend Melody Dennis. I’m always honored to judge as the event brings out brilliant, creative ideas from eventgoers.
Escaping Reality
Reading tends to be a relaxing form of entertainment for me. For a big departure from reality, I enjoy reading the Ann Charles Deadwood Mystery series, and Ann Charles and Sam Lucky’s Deadwood Undertaker series.
Signature Bites
I love going out to eat to enjoy a meal. In Deadwood, my favorite restaurants include the Deadwood Social Club—the salmon is delicate and delicious and they offer an impressive wine list. Deadwood Bad Lands and Mustang Sally’s all offer fun burgers.
Calm, Cool, Collected
One of my favorite places to go is Mount Moriah Cemetery. It’s such a beautiful and peaceful spot to sit on a bench, relax, meditate, and let your cares slip away. I also enjoy the Deadwood Overlook—you can always capture a great photo any time of the year, or hike to Harris Franklin’s and Seth Bullock’s gravesites.
