Lead is marking the 150th anniversary of the Homestake Gold Mine this week, commemorating the April 9, 1876 claim by Fred and Moses Manuel that led to the largest gold mine in the Western Hemisphere.
The city of Lead and event sponsors will host a free public celebration at 7 p.m. Thursday at the Historic Homestake Opera House. The event will feature three 25‑minute presentations on Homestake history, along with refreshments, dessert and a champagne toast.
Historian David Wolff will open the program with an overview of the innovations and events that fueled Homestake’s success, including early mining technologies, railroad and hydroelectric development, shifts in gold prices, and the mine’s eventual closure and transition to a state-run underground science facility. Ann Delicate Thompson will follow with personal stories from her father’s time as a mine manager, and Jerry Aberle will discuss Homestake’s employee culture.
Attendees will also be able to take guided tours of the Opera House led by Todd Jones and volunteers. Lead City Administrator Robin Lucero said the event kicks off the city’s broader 150th anniversary celebration.
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