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 Hours are May 1 – September 30, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., daily. 
• Fall Hours: the Adams Museum will be open 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Saturday in October.
• Winter Hours will begin in November with the museum open from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday.  Closed winter holidays.
• Spring Hours are April 1 – 30, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Saturday.