Deadwood, South Dakota, earned a prestigious honor this week when its historic preservation commission was granted certification by the National Park Service (NPS). The designation places Deadwood in the Certified Local Government (CLG) Program, a federal initiative that encourages collaboration among federal, state, and local partners to protect historic places.
What the certification means for Deadwood
Being a CLG‑certified community gives Deadwood several practical benefits. The city can now formally review nominations for the National Register of Historic Places within its boundaries, a key step in safeguarding historic structures and districts. In addition, the certification opens a direct line to assistance from the South Dakota State Historic Preservation Office, which can provide technical guidance, training, and access to grant programs that fund local preservation projects.
Local officials celebrate the achievement
Kevin Kuchenbecker, Deadwood’s planning, zoning, and historic preservation officer, said the city is honored to receive the certification. “We value our partnership with the South Dakota State Historic Preservation Office and see this recognition as a testament to our community’s commitment to preserving our unique heritage,” he explained.
The CLG program, created by Congress, has certified a growing number of municipalities and counties across the nation. Deadwood is the newest South Dakota community to join this distinguished group, adding to the state’s roster of historic‑preservation leaders.
Benefits for residents and visitors
For residents, the certification means stronger protection for the historic downtown area that draws tourists from around the country. It also creates opportunities for local businesses to tap into preservation‑related grant funding, potentially spurring economic development that respects Deadwood’s historic character.
Visitors can look forward to a more carefully maintained historic environment, with restored buildings and interpretive signage that tell the story of Deadwood’s frontier past. The city’s commitment to preservation aligns with broader tourism strategies that highlight South Dakota’s rich cultural legacy.
Next steps for the city
Deadwood’s planning department plans to leverage the CLG status by identifying priority projects that qualify for state and federal grant funding. The city will also host workshops in partnership with the State Historic Preservation Office to educate property owners about the benefits of historic designation and the resources available to them.
As the certification process continues, Deadwood officials intend to use the program’s framework to ensure that future development respects the city’s historic fabric while meeting modern needs. The collaboration between local, state, and federal partners underscores a shared belief that preserving the past strengthens community identity and economic vitality.
Original reporting: KOTA (Gray) – local — read the source article.
