Adams Museum: Overview
Deadwood businessman and former mayor W.E. Adams built the Adams Museum in 1930
as a tribute to Black Hills pioneers and in memory of his deceased first wife and
two daughters. The Museum was a gift to the City of Deadwood and the building and
grounds remain City property today. A separate non-profit organization was established
to operate the museum. The Museum, as is the Historic Adams House, is operated by
Adams Museum & House, Inc., a non-profit educational organization.
Deadwood’s Adams Museum is considered the Black Hills’ oldest history museum. Artifacts
on display from Deadwood’s infamous past reflect the powerful legends of Wild Bill,
Calamity Jane and Deadwood Dick. From a one-of-a-kind plesiosaur, the Thoen Stone
and W.E. Adams’ love letters to a lively folk art collection, Lakota bead and quill
work and Potato Creek Johnny’s gold nugget; the Adams Museum exhibits capture the
mysteries, the tragedies, the bawdiness and the dreams found in the history, art
and natural history of the Black Hills.
The Adams Museum is open year-round and features changing exhibits and special programs.
The Adams Bros. Bookstore is located on the first floor. All levels are wheelchair
accessible. A suggested donation of $5 per adult, $2 per child (10 or under) is
appreciated.
Adams Museum hours are: Summer (May 1 - September 30) - Daily, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Winter hours (October 1 - April 30) - Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.;
closed Sundays, Mondays and winter holidays.