Volunteer Hours in 2025: 652, Volunteer Hours in 2026: Counting
OPEN HOUSES: (The Black Hills Passion Play Museum and Dolls at Home are also open during this time). Raised so far: $750
MAY 29: OPEN HOUSE to see the future Spearfish Museum main building, 421 Meier Ave., Fri, May 29, 1-6 PM; Suggested donation: $10; Theme: “Historical Photos of Spearfish and Long-Time Families.”
JULY 31: OPEN HOUSE to see the future Spearfish Museum main building, 421 Meier Ave., Fri, July 31, 1-6 PM; Theme: “Christmas in July.” Displays of international nativity sets (over 50) from Jo Powell’s unique private collection. Suggested donation: $10/per individual. BONUS: Each $10+ donor will receive a token for a scoop of Leones' Creamery delicious ice cream. Hosted by Jo, Johanna, and Marian.
AUG 28: OPEN HOUSE to see the future Spearfish Museum main building, 421 Meier Ave., Fri, August 28, 1-6 PM; Suggested donation: $10; Theme: “Arne Koski’s Spearfish History”, featuring amazing never-before-seen photos and memorabilia. BONUS: A massage certificate ($65 value) for the first person who donated $50 at the Open House.
FUNDRAISING and FREE Events:
JUNE 27: ICE CREAM SOCIAL - completed, woohoo! Raised $551.00
JULY 3: SPEARFISH AMERICA 250 PARADE - completed, woohoo! Free event
JULY 25: CELEBRATE SPEARFISH 150 - GRILL OUT PARTY - completed, woohoo! Raised $480.00
AUG 22: WESTERN CHUCKWAGON SUPPER - completed! Raised: $~$2300
SEPT 12: HARVEST FESTIVAL: Sat., Sept 12, 10 - 2 pm. Find our table, get information about the Spearfish Museum, and get your photo taken with Rebecca Hernandez’s horse and companion cart (FREE EVENT).
SEPT 20: BRUSHES & HISTORY, A Plein-Air Paint Out (future museum site: 435 Meier Ave.), Sun., Sept 20, 3 - 6 pm. Join The Matthews and the Spearfish Museum for an afternoon of art, history, and community at 435 Meier Avenue, the future home of the Spearfish Museum.
Held in celebration of 150 years of Spearfish history, from 1876 to 2026, this plein air paint-out invites local and regional artists to create work inspired by the people, places, landscapes, buildings, and stories that have shaped the community.
Community members are encouraged to watch the creative process unfold, visit with participating artists, learn more about local history, vote for a People’s Choice favorite, and purchase available artwork. Parking and restrooms will be available at Brady Park.
Attendees are encouraged to attend, observe artists at work, and vote for their favorite painting. All proceeds support the Spearfish Museum and The Matthews. Hosted by Rosalie Aslesen and Tia Ein.
EVENT SCHEDULE:
2:00–2:45 - Artist check-in
3:00 - Painting begins
3:00–5:00 - Public viewing and artists painting
5:00 - Brushes down; judging and voting begin
5:00–6:00 - Artwork display and social hour
5:45 - People’s Choice voting closes
6:00 - Awards announced
TICKETS: No ticket needed, FREE TO THE PUBLIC
PARKING + RESTROOMS: Brady Park
PROCEEDS BENEFIT: All proceeds will be shared to support the Spearfish Museum and the Matthews.
ARTIST REGISTRATION: $20.00 (Participating artists must bring their own materials, easels, seating, and supplies. Artists may choose to interpret a specific historic subject or respond more broadly to Spearfish's character and legacy.)
OCT 15: THE ROOTS of SPEARFISH, LECTURE SERIES (421 Meier Ave.), October 15, 2 and 7 pm, featuring Spearfish Historian and Contributing Editor of South Dakota magazine, Mr. Paul Higbee. TICKETS: $20; seating is limited. Cookies and punch afterwards. TICKETS ON SALE SOON. No Walk-ups.
Community Presentations about the Spearfish Museum (open to the public):
Spearfish Museum Ribbon Cutting, Chamber of Commerce, Meier House, Jan 8, 12:30 PM
Open House Tour, Meier House, Jan 11, 2:00 PM
Spearfish School Board Presentation, Business Office, Jan 12, 5:30 PM
Rotary Club Meeting Presentation, Holiday Inn, Jan 14, 12:00 PM
Spearfish Souper Stars Presentation, Senior Center, Jan 20, 6:00 PM
Lions Club Presentation, Holiday Inn, Jan 26, 6:00 PM
PEO Presentation, Feb 10, 1:30 PM
NHRSP Presentation, Senior Center, Feb 16, 1:00 PM
Senior Group Presentation, Senior Center, Feb 27, 2:00 PM
Geek Speak Presentation, BHSU, Jonas 1Room10, Mar 9, 4 PM
Committee Meetings for Spearfish Museum (private, members only):
Presentation and Strategy Development: Summer 2025
Open Session Meeting: Oct 3, 2025, BHSU, Library Conf Room 210, 3:10 PM
Advisory Committee Meeting: Nov 11, 2025, Meier House, 5:00 PM
Outreach Committee Meeting: Dec 8, 2025, Rosalie’s House, 5:00 PM
Outreach Committee Meeting: Dec 15, 2025, Rosalie's House, 5:15 PM
Advisory Committee Meeting: Jan 27, 2026, Meier House, 5:15 PM
Outreach Committee Meeting: Feb 19, 2026, Rosalie's House, 5:15 PM
Advisory Committee Meeting: Feb 23, 2026, Meier House, 5:15 PM
Business Strategy Meeting: Feb 25, 2026, Rosalie’s House, 2:00 PM
Advisory Committee Meeting: Mar 23, 2026, Meier House, 5:15 PM
Advisory Committee Meeting: Apr 13, 2026, Meier House, 5:15 PM
Advisory Committee Meeting: May 18 2026, Henry’s Books, 5:15 PM
Development Committee Meeting, June 29, 2026, 5:15 PM, Chamber of Commerce conference room
Development Committee Meeting, July 27, 2026, 5:15 PM, Chamber of Commerce conference room
Development Committee Meeting, Aug 31, 2026, 5:15 PM, Chamber of Commerce conference room
Development Committee Meeting, Sept 28, 2026, 5:15 PM, Chamber of Commerce conference room
Development Committee Meeting, Oct 26, 2026, 5:15 PM, Chamber of Commerce conference room
No meetings in November and December
Development Committee Meeting, Jan 26, 2027, 5:15 PM, Chamber of Commerce conference room