The public is invited to preview screenings of SDPB’s new documentary Vanished South Dakota: Towns of Yesterday. Set to premiere August 2019, the thought-provoking program visits remnants of once-thriving towns to discover what led to the birth, boom, and demise of formerly prosperous communities throughout the state.
Four West River screenings with SDPB Producer Stephanie Rissler and local historians are scheduled, including:
- Wednesday, April 3, 5:30pm – Days of 76 Museum, Deadwood. Features Q&A with Stephanie Rissler & Deadwood-area historian William Jacob Stone, who discusses the lost town of Trojan in the documentary.
- Thursday, April 4, 6pm – SDPB Black Hills Studios, 415 Main Street, Rapid City. Features Q&A with Stephanie Rissler & Gary “Doc” Kuchar, Custer County Historical Society.
- Friday, April 5, 2pm – Hot Springs Theatre, Hot Springs. Features Q&A with Stephanie Rissler and Hot Springs-area historian Glen Reaser, who’ll share stories about the lost town of Smithwick.
- Saturday, April 6, 1:30pm – High Plains Western Heritage Center, Spearfish. Features Q&A with Stephanie Rissler and Spearfish-area historian Chris Hills, who discusses the lost town of Tinton in the documentary, and BHSU History Professor Emeritus David Wolff, who discusses the lost town of Terry in the documentary.
All events are free and open to the public. SDPB thanks the F.L. Clarkson Family Foundation and Pioneer Bank and Trust for sponsoring the Spearfish and Rapid City screenings. East River screenings are also being planned.
More information: SDPB.org/Vanished/
