Welcome to the Rapid City Society for Genealogical Research, Inc. (RCSGR)
Serving the Rapid City, Black Hills and Western South Dakota genealogical community by providing a learning and sharing environment and by providing genealogy materials and assistance to its members and the public.
QUARTERLY EXCURSIONS
These are short trips usually of one-day duration that we take to surrounding areas for research or to enjoy something historical.
Winter Excursion
February 8, 2020
Tour of "McGillycuddy House"
Born of Irish immigrants in Racine, Wis., on Valentine's Day, Feb 14, 1849, McGillycuddy's nearly 90 years of adventure and accomplishments include: doctor, educator, explorer, topographer, surgeon, government agent, Indian advocate, bank president and politician.
He was surgeon and topographer for the International 49th Parallel Expedition of the U.S. and Canada border; topographer and surgeon on the Jenney-Newton Black Hills survey and the first non-native to reach the summit of Harney Peak, now known as Black Elk Peak. He was field surgeon under Gen. George Crook in the Battle of the Rosebud, Battle of Slim Buttes and the forced "horsemeat" march to the Black Hills. He was assistant post surgeon at Camp Robinson. McGillycuddy moved his family into the house he built in Rapid City in 1887 and through the 90s served as Rapid City Mayor, Dean of the School of Mines, and President of the Regional Lakota Bank and Investment Co. He was also elected to the state Constitutional Convention and appointed South Dakota Surgeon General.
When McGillycuddy died in 1939, his ashes were placed atop Black Elk Peak (Harney Peak) in memory of his role in the history of the Black Hills.
The property, located at 727 South Street, has been recently purchased by Historic Rapid City in an effort to save this historic landmark. The house has seen a variety of renovations through the years, and was converted in the 1940s to a bungalow style. As a historically contributing structure to the West Boulevard Historic District, the house will require significant restoration to be brought back to its original grandeur. Historic Rapid City is seeking donations to help save this unique piece of our history.
House prior to restoration
Fall Excursion
September 6 & 7, 2019
Trip to the South Dakota State Archives in Pierre!
Members and Friends:
On Friday, September 6, 2019, we ventured to Pierre to tour the South Dakota State Historical Society on Saturday (the 7th). Virginia Hanson, the Archivist for the state, gave us a tour to remember--she showed us all the different departments that they are involved with. We got hands-on with their state-wide newspaper microfilms, library books of all sorts, their filming equipment, copies of legal documents, and much more. The people that went all said that this is a great place to expand our genealogical research. They felt that this was a worth while trip, and we should do it again sometime as there was just not enough time to gather all the information a person can acquire there. For more information, check out their website at https://history.sd.gov.
Again, I would like to thank Virginia Hanson and the other employees for our personal tour as they did an outstanding job!
Lester Nelson, President
Saturday, June 8, 2019
15th Annual Galena Ghost Town Walk
9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
BBQ starts at 11:00 a.m.
Five of us met in Galena for their 15th Annual Galena Ghost Town Walk. The weather was not the greatest but Galena is a beautiful little town. Although it is a bit hilly, there are some wonderful things to see there. We met at the schoolhouse and walked to some of the other buildings and then came back for some wonderful pulled pork, hot dogs and brats with baked beans, chips and desserts. Sarah Campbell, the cook who came out with Custer's expedition and then stayed, is buried at the Vinegar Hill Cemetery in Galena. Although there weren't many of us, we had a wonderful time!
.jpg) Saturday, April 27, 2019Journey Museum
Old Rapid City Busineses and Museum
Journey Museum Outing.jpg)
We enjoyed a morning at the Journey Museum on April 27th.
There were 5 members that attended and 5 guests.
After watching the short film together we began our journey through the museum. As we all found different interests, we slowly separated into our own small groups. I had family from out of town that had never been through the Museum so we moved much slower than the rest.
As always, every exhibit was wonderful and interesting. An enjoyable morning for all.
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February 8
Tour of "McGillycuddy House"
Society members and guests are welcome to join us for the a tour of the Valentine McGillycuddy House. The house is being restored, and we have ...
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February 20
Deadwood City Archives
Michael Runge, Deadwood City Archivist, will present a program regarding Deadwood archives. Guests are welcome!
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March 19
Galena (SD) History (Tentative)
Jeff Jacobsen and other Galena historians will present a program on Galena History. Guests are welcome!
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April 16
"Those Old Stone Memories: Beyond Cemetery Records"
Virginia Hanson,Archivist, South Dakota State Historical Society, from Pierre will present the program. Guests are welcome.
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May 21
Genealogy Computer Programs
Some of our members will be presenting a program on various genealogy computer programs they use. June Beason will present on Family Tree Maker, Christal Hexem ...
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