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The Matthews Opera House & Arts Center has partnered with Historic Black Hills Studios to bring the Fassbender Photographic Exhibit to the Matthews gallery. This historic exhibition portrays images of the early days of the Black Hills and its people, many of which have never been seen before.
The exhibit opens on Friday, September 23 and the public is invited to an opening reception from 5-7 pm. Hors d’oeuvres and a cash bar will be available.
The Fassbender Photographic Collection presents an exemplary record of Black Hills history, including the grand opening of Spearfish Canyon Road, presidential visits and a vast selection of early mining photos. The pieces exhibited at the Matthews Gallery will showcase events of specific interest to local history:
• Early images of the Matthews Opera House theater and Black Hills State University Swarm Days.
• George Sitts: In 1946, escaped convict George Sitts murdered two lawmen, Butte County Sherriff Dave Malcom and South Dakota Special Agent Tom Matthews. 2023 marks 75 years since Sitts’ execution. (to find out more, read the KBHB interview with Tim Velder)
• George Hopkins: In 1941 professional parachutist George Hopkins found himself stuck atop Devil’s Tower. This year marks the 80th anniversary of his harrowing adventure. (Read more here )
• The public is invited to contribute to a special “Do You Know Me” section of the exhibit. Patrons are welcome to provide accurate information that will help identify individuals and locations in the historic images.
This exhibition is presented by Fassbender Collection in stewardship with the Deadwood History Society and hosted by the Matthews Opera House & Arts Center.
