Our Mission

Historic Homestake Opera House Society will utilize and sustain the Homestake Opera House facilities for the enrichment of our citizens and community by providing art, culture, and educational opportunities for generations to come.

Our Vision & Values

Nurturing art, culture, and educational experiences in the presence of historical grandeur.

With Historic Homestake Opera House society, our partners, and our customers,  we value:

• Rehabilitating the Opera House to its original design; adapt according to its current nature and purpose, adhering to the Secretary of the Interior Standards for Historic Preservation.
• Acting as a model for historic preservation and reuse.
• Keeping expenditures local whenever possible.
• Encouraging community involvement in project development and the rehabilitation.
• Honoring memory and vision equally. Sharing the glory; there will be plenty.

Timeline

“It has been reported by people who know that this is the finest building of its kind, erected by any industrial concern in the United States.”
 - Lead Daily Call, 1921  

1914
Built 1914, the Homestake Opera House was built as a gift to the community. Phoebe Apperson Hearst, widow of George Hearst, believed the people of Lead deserved an opportunity for exposure to the arts and culture. Through this dream, the Homestake Opera House was built. However, Thomas J. Grier, superintendent of the mine at the time, felt that instead it should be a true community center for the miners. So, in addition to the theater that sat 1,000, a billiards hall, library, bowling alley and heated indoor swimming pool were added to the building. 

1984
The residents enjoyed the amenities of the Homestake Opera House for many years. They even got to watch movies at the theater! Until 1984, when a devastating fire broke out. The fire burnt most of the theater, causing immense damage.

1995
After sitting empty for 11 years, the building was purchased from the City of Lead by Jerry Aberle, former Homestake engineer, and planning for restoration and structural improvements began. A nonprofit organization was formed in 1998 and $3 million was raised. Reconstruction of the stage and theater floors, restoration of the foyers, lobby, and plasterwork was expertly completed by former Homestake Gold Mine employees. Also added was an elevator, restrooms; and a floor was installed over the pool area that created offices and a conference center.

2009-2016
New windows, fire safe doors, updated sound system, and heated floors were installed in the theater and the women’s lounge completed. In 2013, the golden murals were restored near the foyer ceiling and  in 2014 the original water fountain was returned, and cloakroom, men’s lounge/smoking room were restored. On the 100th Anniversary of the building, the cherub sculptures were returned to their location near the stage. In 2015, the wood floors in the original library space were restored to make way for a new Interpretive Center that opened in 2016.

2017-now
Restoration of the interior lower walls of the theater were completed; original bronze and stained glass light fixtures were restored and replicated.
Big plans are in the works to fully restore the building to its original grandeur.