Pictured left to right: Adam Weaver, Dr. Sharon Weaver, Rachel Farrar, Peter Larson, Sam Farrar
Black Hills Institute of Geological Research (BHI) is celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2024. With such a rich history of renowned fossil discoveries and research quality fossil replicas produced by BHI adorning museums worldwide, there is much to look back on.
Changes are on the horizon for Black Hills Institute. Joining BHI founder Pete Larson and long-term ally Sam Farrar on the board of directors are Adam Weaver, Rachel Farrar and Dr. Sharon Weaver. “We are having our 50th anniversary in 2024, and it’s time to bring in the next generation,” said President Peter Larson. With the new skill sets brought by the team, the Institute is going to see more growth.
The most notable area of growth will be the expansion of the Institute’s celebrated in-house museum on Main Street in Hill City. With the recent purchase of a motel property next door, the company will expand their museum facility four-fold. The Museum at Black Hills Institute plans to change its name to Black Hills Museum of Natural Science with the expansion. This means many of those treasures previously only seen by niche researchers will be put on exhibit for all visitors. This development will culminate in a comprehensive display of Earth’s history that will be on par with the largest in the Great Plains region. And if there’s one thing Institute staff are passionate about, it’s sharing the paleontological story of South Dakota and beyond. “The wonders of life on earth, including the end of the age of dinosaurs, are preserved right here for us to discover,” Pete said.
Black Hills Institute invites the Black Hills community and natural history fans far and wide to help celebrate its 50th anniversary with a weeklong series of special tours and events, from March 11-16. Follow Everything Prehistoric and Museum at Black Hills Institute on Instagram/Facebook or visit bhigr.com for more details on this special week or other museum events throughout the year.
117 Main Street
Hill City, SD 57745