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2022 was the fifty year commemoration of the Black Hills Flood and the community gathered to remember, commemorate, and celebrate the renewal of our community.
On the evening of June 9, 1972, a severe thunderstorm dropped more than 10 inches of torrential rain in 6 hours in Rapid City and surrounding areas causing nearby creeks to swell. Canyon Lake rose 12 feet in 2 hours and consequently the dam failed. Around midnight, a wall of water estimated at 50,000 cubic feet per second raged through town, swelling the creek to around 300 times its normal volume. The flood claimed over 200 lives and displaced thousands more, making it one of the deadliest floods in U.S. history.
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The Battle of Greasy Grass is also known as the Battle of Little Bighorn or Custer’s Last Stand. In 1876, the U.S. Army fell to the combined forces of the Lakota, Northern Cheyenne, and Arapaho tribes. This is Donovin Sprague’s seventh year working with The Journey Museum and Learning Center to provide the Native American mindset of this storied conflict. However, most of this year’s presentation is new with information from his unpublished book on Chief Hump and Crazy Horse.
Black Hills photographer Paul Horsted hosts a presentation on the history of the early explorers of Black Elk Peak, formerly known as Harney Peak, live at the Journey Museum on November 11th 2023.
Dale Lamphere hosts a presentation at the Journey Museum and Learning Center on February 24th 2023. Lamphere discusses the Arc of Dream located in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. This presentation was held as part of the Spring 2023 Turtle Soup presentations.
The Sturgis Motorcycle Rally is celebrated every year in the Black Hills. Look back on its rich history and see how industry leaders envision the future!
Explore how art and culture tie together to unite South Dakotans and visitors. Journey with us to visit icons like Mount Rushmore, Crazy Horse, Dignity, and the stories in between.
Conor McMahon hosts a presentation on Dewey Beard during Turtle Soup, at The Journey Museum.
ount Rushmore could have been in Custer State Park, and it could've featured completely different people! Learn about the artist behind the vision that made Mount Rushmore what it is today.
See the early days of Dakota Territory through the eyes of women who lived it! Joyce Jefferson delivers an outstanding performance of stories and songs.
A one-hour filmed play written and presented by the Dakota Daughters to commemorate the victims of the Massacre at Wounded Knee Creek. A moderated discussion about conflicting historical accounts and the continuing impact of cultural differences follows the film.
Hosted by folk-singer, author, and rancher Eliza Blue, this presentation captures a slice of rural life through stories and songs. Blue’s lyrics and prose celebrate the iconic landscapes of the Northern Plains and the unique culture of the grasslands while also considering the role of human enterprise within the grassland ecosystem now.
Miranda O'Bryan hosts a presentation on the first 100 years of the Miss America Pageant. She also delves into the connection between local pageantry and what the the future may hold for the competition. Miss South Dakota 2022, Hunter Widvey, also discusses her experiences with pageantry before showing off her singing talent.
Dr. David Wolff presents on Black Hills Cabins during Turtle Soup at the Journey Museum.
This SPOOKY activity is great for parents to do with kids. We're mummifying hot dogs! It takes two weeks to complete, since you've got to let it sit. Watch this first video for some helpful tips. Then watch Part 2 to begin the mummification:
This SPOOKY activity is great for parents to do with kids. We're mummifying hot dogs! It takes two weeks to complete, since you've got to let it sit.
Playing with the senses helps shape what children believe to be positive and safe! Check out more benefits in this video.
A brief history of gold panning in the Black Hills. Don't get fooled by fool's gold!
Corey Christianson, with The Journey Museum and Learning Center, discusses the history of the flood that took more than 200 lives and changed Rapid City forever. Learn about what happened in 1973 and 1974 as Rapid City became an even more vibrant community.
Corey Christianson, with The Journey Museum, discusses the June 9, 1972 Black Hills Flood that took more than 200 lives and changed Rapid City forever. This video covers the aftermath of the flood and its legacy. Part 1 explains the timeline of the flood and responding leaders.
Corey Christianson, with The Journey Museum and Learning Center, discusses the June 9, 1972 Black Hills Flood that took more than 200 lives and changed Rapid City forever. How did the events fall into place? Look back on the timeline of the flood and the leaders who responded. Part 2 covers the aftermath of the flood and its legacy.
Originally presented on June 10th in collaboration with the South Dakota historical Society. Mayor Don Barnett who at the time of the Flood was a 29 year old leader recounts his personal experiences of the day after. The thoughts and conversations surrounding him and how Rapid City would begin to find it's way from the impact of the tragedy that had just occurred and looking into the uncertain future.
This program was originally presented on June 8th. Dr. Stephen Hausmann as Assistant professor in history of St. Thomas University. Presented a look back on the experiences of 1972 Rapid City. Dr. Hausmann has dedicated his career to and examining the roots of environmental injustice and urban inequality among Native American communities in the West. His discussion is focused on what happened in Rapid City in the time that followed the tragic event.
This program comprised entirely of local community members allowed people to tell their own experiences of the Flood. This was completely unscripted and captures the stories as people brought them forth.
This documentary and recorded program and presentation occurred on Sunday, June 5th as a kick-off to the activities surrounding the 50th Commemoration. The original score was composed by Alexander Massa and presented by a local ensemble. This performance was supported in part through funding from a IMLS Cares Grant.
A song performed and presented by local musician Andrew Beaird. this song was presented at multiple locations during the Commemoration activities on the days of June 8th and 9th. Andrew provided this presentation specifically for us to share online as part of the recorded program package.
Jim Kinyon hosts a presentation at the Journey Museum on Msgr. William O'Connell and his role in the 1972 Black Hills Flood. This project is made possible by a grant from the U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services.
Corey Christianson hosts a presentation at the Journey Museum and Learning Center on first responders to the 1972 Black Hills Flood. This project is made possible by a grant from the U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services.
Corey Christianson hosts a presentation on recovery efforts in 1973, the year following the 1972 Black Hills Flood. This project is made possible by a grant from the U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services.
Major Vangie O'Neil hosts a presentation regarding the history of the Salvation Army and the important roles that William and Joy Medley had in the 1972 Black Hills Flood. This project is made possible by a grant from the U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services.