PRESERVATION THURSDAY: HOW WE DISCOVERED THE MAMMOTH SITE

DEADWOOD – Deadwood History, Inc. and the Deadwood Historic Preservation Commission will host a presentation with Daniel Hanson at 12:00 p.m. on Thursday, September 20, 2018, at the Homestake Adams Research and Cultural Center (HARCC), 150 Sherman Street, Deadwood. The event is wheelchair accessible. Please feel free to bring your lunch.

On June 24, 1974, Daniel Hanson along with his father and his uncle discovered the Mammoth Site of Hot Spring. Hanson guarded the site 24/7 and was among the first diggers. He contacted his Earth science professor at Chadron State College. It was under Dr. Agenbroad’s direction, and that of Jim Meade, that the site was found to be the world’s largest known deposit of Columbian mammoth remains. It was through Dr. Agenbroad’s vision, and the hard work of many people, that the Mammoth Site is now preserved in a world-class building and is home to the world’s largest mammoth research center. Hanson describes the early excitement and the colorful local people who pitched in to help.

Daniel Hanson was born and raised in Hot Springs, South Dakota. He graduated from Chadron State College, Nebraska, with a BS education degree with emphases in English, history, and Earth science. He was a player in the Crazy Horse Pageant near Hot Springs, has worked as a guide at the Mammoth Site, an instructor of developmentally disabled, a newspaper reporter, and a radio announcer – most recently at KZMX Radio at Hot Springs. Hanson has lived and worked in Alliance and Chadron, Nebraska, and Aberdeen and Custer, South Dakota. He is currently retired and lives in Rapid City. Hanson enjoys genealogical research and “ridge walking” – that is, looking for new cave entrances. He is a member of the local caving club, the Paha Sapa Grotto. Currently he is writing and illustrating a book about the discovery summer at the Mammoth Site and eventually plans to move back to Hot Springs.

Preservation Thursday is co-sponsored by the Deadwood Historic Preservation Commission, Deadwood History, Adams-Mastrovich Family Foundation, Saloon No. 10, Fresh Paint, Jerry Greer’s Engineering, Deadwood Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Bureau, and tdg Marketing & Public Relations.

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We inspire the global community by preserving and celebrating the cultural heritage of Deadwood and the Black Hills in the context of the American West through exceptional exhibits, innovative educational programs, and access to extensive collections in unique settings.

Adams Museum, Days of ’76 Museum, Historic Adams House, and
Homestake Adams Research and Cultural Center (HARCC)

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