LCHS and Days of '76

At the fall meeting of the Lawrence County Historical Society (10/18/09), members heard an excellent presentation regarding plans for a new Days of '76 museum in Deadwood. Following the meeting, many members toured the old museum before it's demolished this winter.

LAWRENCE COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY FALL MEETING - Sunday, October 18, 2009 Our early afternoon luncheon meetingwas held at Lewie's Eatery on the south side of Lead.
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We had a nice turnout for this meeting. To see a larger image, simply click on the photographs.
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Jon Mattson, who heads the Days of '76 Museum Board of Directors gave an overview of the new 32,000 square foot structure, which should be completed by the spring of 2011.
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LCHS members had a chance to see the layout of the new museum and an architect's rendering of the facility.
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Deb Gangloff narrated a PowerPoint presentation that included a schematic of the floor plan for the two-story structure.
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Jon Mattson
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After the meeting, several LCHS members retreated to Deadwood to take a short tour of the existing Days of '76 Museum.
A series of posters welcomes visitors to the front entry of the museum.
Deb Gangloff (center) led our tour of the old museum. Note the brick floor. The building is scheduled to be demolished next month (November, 2009).
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There's no telephone booth at the museum, but there is a switchboard in the lobby if you'd care to try to make a call.
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Historic photographs are not only interesting, but they are a valuable research tool -- and the Days of '76 Museum is the repository of an excellent collection.
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Some items won't be able to be saved as most exhibits and artifacts migrate to a new building. Among the items that will not make the transition is this remarkable mural.
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More than 50 old horse-drawn wagons are a major part of the museum inventory. Here's a horse-drawn hearse.
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A major part of the Days of '76 Museum exists because of Don Clowser, whose "lifetime collection" is believed to exceed 5,000 pieces.
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LCHS members learn more about the impending museum move.

In late 2009, the Days of '76 Museum secured a "Save America's Treasures" federal grant through the U.S. National Park Service. It identified the Clowser Collection as an “American Treasure" and important to preserve.

The $272,000 contained in the grant will help pay for the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system in the new museum. It will also help pay for conservation of some artifacts.
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One of the numerous photos exhibited at the Days of '76 Museum.
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Deadwood Dick posed for this photo, which is on display in the Days of '76 Museum.
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"Welcome to the armory!" The gun collection is kept under lock and key.
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Guns and related artifacts.
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Deb Gangloff (center) demonstrated keen insight into the many museum exhibits. Mattson credits her with obtaining many generous grants, including a $250,000 grant from the Bush Foundation. Return to HISTORICAL MARKER.
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