Thanks to a results-driven voluntary partnership between Jon Crane, the U.S. Forest Service and countless volunteers we're making progress in the name of history.

We believe projects like Meeker Ranch and Gold Mountain Mine serve as irreplaceable reminders for present and future generations that preserving Black Hills history is an action worthy of our time and resources. We're dedicated to that end. We hope you'll join us.

Recent News

Meeker Ranch Phase 1 Complete -

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Volunteers needs for re-roofing project at Meeker Ranch - The Black Hills Historic Preservation Trust is seeking volunteers for the re-roofing of the Meeker Ranch, east of Custer. In partnership with the National Forest Service, who manages the property, and HistoriCorp, a non-profit historic preservation group out of Colorado, volunteers from the BHHPT will spend the week of August 16-20 at the ranch, replacing the old roof. Funding for the project comes from monies raised by BHHPT, a matching grant from the Deadwood Historic Preservation Commission, and from the National Forest Service. To volunteer, please contact BHHPT President Skip Tillisch at (605) 574-4748 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

South Dakota Historic Preservation Advocacy Day - On January 21, Preservation advocates took to the South Dakota State Capitol for Historic Preservation Advocacy Day organized by the Black Hills Historic Preservation Trust, Preserve South Dakota and National Trust. Supporters of historic preservation visited with legislators about historic preservation issues and benefits in communities across South Dakota.

Advocacy Day will become an annual event and is open to participants dedicated to building a voice at the State Legislature for historic preservation in South Dakota. Please join us in 2011.

Deadwood Historic Preservation Commission Presents Match Grant - The Black Hills Historic Preservation Trust was allocated $7,500 to match local funds to help support efforts to stabilize the Meeker Ranch by the Deadwood Historic Preservation Commission on February 10.

Each year, the Deadwood Historic Preservation Commission awards up to $250,000 for projects outside of Deadwood and within the state of South Dakota that have a demonstrated relationship with Deadwood's history.

Gold Mountain Mine Progress Report - In the last two weeks (Dated from May 6, 2010) Black Hills Historic Preservation Trust has poured new concrete footings for the mine's main support post. Missing and damaged cross bracing was also replaced. We've also changed our approach to the preservation of the mine. What started as a deconstruct and reassemble project is now a rehabilitation. This shift in our approach came as Bodensteiner Beamworks and Albertson Engineeering evaluated our plans and the state of the structure. This should allow a faster completion of the project, a lower overall cost and better retention of the original structure.

To see photos of the progress, click the flickr icon on our home page.