The Story
The Adams Museum was founded in 1930 by businessman and former mayor W.E. Adams, who gifted it to the City of Deadwood; it remains city property, now run under Deadwood History, Inc. alongside the separate Historic Adams House. Built to preserve gold-rush artifacts and stories, it has grown into one of the most respected small Western-history museums in the region, ranking #3 on True West Magazine's 2009 list of the top Western museums.
Surprising Facts
→ It has been owned by the City of Deadwood since W.E. Adams gifted it in 1930.
→ It ranked #3 in True West Magazine's 2009 Top 10 Western museums.
→ It's a separate institution from the Historic Adams House, though founded by the same man.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Adams Museum?
Adams Museum is at 54 Sherman St, Deadwood, SD. Explore it on the When It Was interactive map.
How old is Adams Museum?
Adams Museum dates to 1930, making it more than 96 years old.
Can you still visit Adams Museum?
Yes — the site at 54 Sherman St, Deadwood, SD still stands and remains in use today.