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November 20, 2008 4:20 PM
The James Butler
By: The man, the myth, and the media
Deadwood, South Dakota. The Deadwood Historic Preservation Commission in conjunction with the City of Deadwood, the Adams Museum & House, Inc., the Days of '76 Museum, the Lead Chamber of Commerce, and the Deadwood Public Library are proud to present the first of a six part series of exhibits focusing on the documents and artifacts from the James Butler Hickok collection. This first exhibit, located at the Deadwood Information/Visitor Center (3 Siever Street), was a joint effort between local Deadwood and Lead museums, visitor centers, libraries, and archives.
The James Butler Hickok Collection, purchased by the City of Deadwood in August of 2006, was one of the largest privately owned collections of Hickok memorabilia in the nation. This collection consists of letters, photographs, and other personal effects from the Hickok family, including James Butler Hickok.
The first exhibit entitled "The Man, The Myth, and The Media" focuses on James Butler Hickok's rise to eminence by examining newspaper articles, books, and letters of correspondence. Featured pieces from the Hickok Collection include the February 1867 Harpers New Monthly article heralded by Western historians as the single most important document in elevating James Butler Hickok to national status, two handwritten letters from James W. Buel author of Life and Marvelous Adventures of Wild Bill the Scout and Celinda (Hickok) Dewey and one newspaper clipping from the New York Sun in regards to the gunfight between Davis Tutt and James Butler Hickok on July 21, 1865.
"The Man, The Myth, and The Media" exhibit will be on display throughout the summer of 2007. The remaining exhibits will be unveiled throughout the summer at the Adams Museum (June 15, 2007), the Homestake Visitor Center (July 4, 2007), Days of '76 Museum (July 24, 2007), Mt. Moriah Visitor Center (August 2, 2007) and the Deadwood Public Library (September 28, 2007).
The mission of the City of Deadwood Archives is to preserve the historical records and artifacts of Deadwood for present and future generations. In addition to this task the City Archives will promote and provide access to the history, knowledge and understanding of Deadwood and the surrounding region.
For more information please contact Kevin Kuchenbecker at 605-578-2082