Life Underground
Hard Rock Mining in the Black Hills

Mining represented the dominant economy of the Black Hills of South Dakota for over a century. Many people most identify the region, however, with the brief gold rush era (1875-1879), characterized by determined individualism and a host of mythical and exaggerated characters. Life Underground: Hard Rock Mining in the Black Hills introduces exhibition visitors to the more extensive world of hard rock mining and to the miners who collectively built communities and made South Dakota one of the leading gold producers in the country.

The exhibition explores the life of miners underground, at home and in the community. For instance, visitors will learn about the working conditions and dangers that miners faced daily. At the same time, visitors will see the interplay between the mines and the domestic sphere as workers built communities based on labor unions, drilling contests and ethnic fraternities. Likewise, the exhibition looks at the ways in which the mining companies extended beyond their influence beyond work and into the community life of their workers. Finally, Life Underground places hard rock mining within a larger historical context. The exhibition details the importance of hard rock mining to the Black Hills and South Dakota, while examining the industry’s environmental legacy.

Life Underground: Hard Rock Mining in the Black Hills attempts to balance the Black Hills’ narrative, unearthing both the rich history of a powerful industry and the individuals who made it so. The exhibition consists of 18 text panels of historic photographs, documents and objects within 6 pop-up units (3 text panels per unit), with additional hands-on artifacts.

Traveling Exhibits are available for eight-week loan periods.
The cost is $75.00 rental fee plus the cost of shipping to and from the site.

Use the navigation to the left or click to begin the exhibit tour!

For More Information or to Book a Traveling Exhibit Contact:

Kate Higdon

Phone: 605-773-4373

kathryn.higdon@state.sd.us