Homestake Opera House
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    • Contact Us
    • Staff
    • Board of Directors >
      • Mission and Values
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    • History
    • Accessibility
    • Art Center
    • Indoor Shooting Range
  • EVENTS & TICKETS
    • 2020 Festival of Trees
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  • Tours
    • Bus & Group Tours
    • Interpretive Exhibit
    • Listen to the Free Audio Tour
    • Free Parking Spots
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History

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“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  

Quick history of the Historic ​Homestake Opera House

Through its restoration, the Opera House will illustrate and illuminate the benefits of historic preservation, as set forth in the guidelines of the Secretary of the Department of Interior, educating and informing the public as the Opera House once again provides a venue for educational and cultural activity in the community.  

From its construction in 1914 until a catastrophic fire in 1984, the Opera House was the center of community life and lifelong education in Lead, South Dakota. The Historic Opera House Society is dedicated to its restoration, use, and preservation for future generations, in the belief that it is the cornerstone for the preservation, renewal, and development of our community.
​

The society’s focus is on fundraising to acquire funds as necessary to complete the restoration of the theater and recreation center building to bring back “The Jewel of the Black Hills” to its original 1914 glory. While these efforts continue, the Society makes use of the facility to the extent possible to generate revenue and advance its mission.

1914

The Homestake Opera House and Recreation Building
This incredible building was constructed in 1914, and boasted a theater that sat 1,000 people and also housed an heated indoor swimming pool, billiard hall, library, bowling alley, a smoking room, social hall and more. This theater and recreation center was conceived and built by Homestake Mining Company superintendent, Thomas Grier, and Phoebe Apperson Hearst, widow of mining magnate George Hearst who was the owner of the Homestake Mining Company.  ​

1984

This building was the heart of the mining town of Lead (pronounced “leed”) and the social and cultural heart of the northern Black Hills for 70 years. But in 1984, the theater portion of the building was nearly destroyed by fire – and it sat empty for 11 years.
1995
It was purchased from the City of Lead in 1995 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.
2008
In 2008, the first community theatre production in 25 years was celebrated by the Gold Camp Players, establishing a theatre program in the community. This program continues, with musicals, adult comedy plays, and children’s shows year-round. 
​

​2009-2010

In 2009 and 2010, new windows, fire safe doors, updated sound system, and heated floors were installed in the theater and the women’s lounge completed. ​

2011-2014

Fundraising and programming continued, and in 2013, the golden murals were restored near the foyer ceiling. In the foyer in 2014 the original water fountain was returned, and cloakroom, men’s lounge/smoking room was restored. On the 100th Anniversary of the building, the cherub sculptures were returned to their location near the stage, and $150,000 was raised for architectural plans for theater and stage.

2015-2016

2017-2018

In 2015, the wood floors in the original library space were restored to make way for a new Interpretive Center that opened in 2016.
Restoration of the interior lower walls of the theater were completed; original bronze and stained glass light fixtures were restored and replicated. Big plans include the completion of technical design drawings for the architectural and engineering aspects of the theater and stage. Read more.

All year round this nonprofit historic performing arts venue continuously features tours, concerts, theatre, educational field trips and presentations. Please call and schedule your visit! 605-584-2067. Thank you.
Theater Entrance / Physical Address
313 West Main Street, Lead, SD

Gift Shop Entrance / Arts Center
309 West Main Street, Lead, SD

​​Office Entrance
Located at the back entrance at
​308 Julius St., Lead, SD
605-584-2067

Monday-Friday, 9:00 am - 5:00 pm

​Mailing Address  
​
PO BOX 412, ​LEAD, SD 57754

TOURS:

​M-F Every Hour on the Hour 11am-2pm
30-45 minute tour 
$10 Adults, $5 Children under 18


Saturdays by Special Appointment
30-45 minute tour
$15 Adults, 
$7 Children under 18


Call 24-48 hrs in advance​

605-584-2067
M - F 9:00 am - 3:00 pm

​

FREE TOURS to Members - CLICK HERE

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Contact HOH by Email

info​@homestakeoperahouse.org



​HISTORIC HOMESTAKE OPERA HOUSE SOCIETY MISSION:
Built in 1914 by the Phoebe Hearst and her Homestake Gold Mining Company, this historic performing arts venue and recreation center boasted an exquisite theater with 1,000 seats, and a library, a bowling alley, a billiards hall, a social hall, and a heated indoor swimming pool. 

From its construction in 1914 until a catastrophic fire in 1984, the Opera House was the center of community life and lifelong education in Lead, South Dakota. The Society is dedicated to its restoration, use, and preservation for future generations, in the belief that it is the cornerstone for the preservation, renewal, and development of our community.
​
While these efforts continue, the Society makes use of the facility to the extent possible to generate revenue and advance its mission. 
The theater is host to 40 performing arts/educational events while restoration progress is underway from a fire in 1984. The theater currently seats 500. Visit year-round for building tours and see the new Interpretive Center upstairs and recently restored walls in the theater.
This institution is an equal opportunity provider. Click here to read our full statement.
  • ABOUT
    • Contact Us
    • Staff
    • Board of Directors >
      • Mission and Values
      • Public Organizational Documents
      • HHOH Board Calendar
    • History
    • Accessibility
    • Art Center
    • Indoor Shooting Range
  • EVENTS & TICKETS
    • 2020 Festival of Trees
    • Community Theatre
    • Where to Stay
    • Volunteer
    • Rental Venue
  • News & Media
  • DONATE
  • Tours
    • Bus & Group Tours
    • Interpretive Exhibit
    • Listen to the Free Audio Tour
    • Free Parking Spots
  • MEMBERSHIP