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Unveiling the Alluring Mystery of the Black Hills feat. 5 Surprising Facts

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The Black Hills of South Dakota represent the heart of the American Midwest and stand to this day as a testament to nature’s awe-inspiring beauty and rich cultural heritage. While renowned for iconic landmarks like Mount Rushmore and Custer State Park, the region holds a wealth of lesser-known surprises waiting to be discovered. Join us as we unveil five surprising facts about the Black Hills that may just inspire your next adventure. 

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Step Inside The National Presidential Wax Museum: Your Passport to American History in 2024!

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Get ready to teleport back in time! The National Presidential Wax Museum is your gateway to time traveling as you witness some of America’s most pivotal moments in history. We are now open for the 2024 season in Keystone, South Dakota, and are ready for you to visit us and step back in time.  

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Decoding Super Tuesday: What You Need to Know

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Super Tuesday, often dubbed the "SEC Primary" or the "Big Tuesday," is a significant event in American politics. It typically occurs in early March during a presidential election year and involves multiple states holding primary elections or caucuses on the same day. This year, Super Tuesday falls on March 5th, and it carries immense weight in shaping the trajectory of the presidential race.

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Presidents' Day: Tracing the Evolution of This National Holiday

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Presidents’ Day, marked annually on the third Monday of February, stands as a tribute to the leadership, vision, and enduring legacy of America’s presidents. Yet, the journey to this nationally recognized holiday is as rich and diverse as the individuals it honors. From its humble beginnings as a celebration of George Washington’s birthday to its evolution into a day commemorating all U.S. presidents, the history of Presidents’ Day is a fascinating tapestry woven with threads of national identity, historical remembrance, and civic tradition. Join us on a journey through time as we delve into the origins, development, and significance of Presidents’ Day, uncovering the stories and events that shaped it into the revered holiday we know today.

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Presidential Displays of Affection (PDA) on Valentine's Day

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Valentine’s Day is a day designated for your special someone, and affection knows no bounds – even with our national leaders. While the presidency often involves public duties and responsibilities, presidents and first ladies throughout history have found ways to celebrate this day of love with their partners. From heartfelt gestures to private moments, their expressions of affection offer glimpses into the personal lives of those who have held the highest office in the United States.

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Sculpting Nature: Exploring the Rich Sculpture Heritage of the Black Hills, South Dakota

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Nestled in the heart of South Dakota, the Black Hills stand as a testament to nature's sculptural prowess, but it's not just the geological formations that captivate visitors. The Black Hills also boast a remarkable collection of human-made sculptures, seamlessly integrated into the breathtaking landscape.

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An Innovator, Artistic Trailblazer, and Our Founder: Katherine Stubergh Keller “The Madame Tussauds of America”

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In the captivating tapestry of wax’s extensive history, one name emerges as an indelible mark of artistic prowess - Katherine Stubergh Keller. A trailblazing American sculptor, Stubergh pioneered her way into the chronicles of wax history during the 20th century. Stubergh’s work resonates not only as a testament to her skill, but as a vivid reflection of an era. In the decades when flappers and Vaudeville were at their height, luminaries of the time sought the honor of sitting for her, contributing to a legacy that transcends mere sculptures. Her masterpieces grace the silver screen, finding a place of distinction in timeless Hollywood classics such as House of Wax, Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein, Gone with the Wind, The Hunchback of Notre Dame, and many more. Join us as we embark on a journey through the life and legacy of Katherine Stubergh Keller, exploring the empire she built and her founding of The National Presidential Wax Museum in Keystone, South Dakota.

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White House Holiday decorations over the years

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Can you believe Christmas decorations in the White House started off without Christmas trees? Decorations were low-key greenery, simple wreaths, garlands and ornaments. It wasn’t until 1889 that President Benjamin Harrison brought to life the first Christmas tree in the White House. It was decorated with candles, toys and ornaments to delight his grandchildren

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What is the Electoral College? – A Beginner’s Guide for High Schoolers

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The Electoral College may feel overwhelming no matter your age, let’s be honest…politics in general might have you stressing. Here is a breakdown of what the Electoral College really is!

The Electoral College is made up of 538 electors. Each of these electors’ casts one vote after the general election; the candidate who receives 270 votes or more wins! Feeling more confused? Don’t worry! Let’s explain further.

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Spooky Facts of the White House

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The White House is one of the most iconic buildings in America. Built in 1792, and has suffered 3 disasters since, meaning there is only little left of the original structure. Not only is this building historic, but it also has a fairly creepy past with some terrifying facts that pair with it. The White House has been home to several presidential deaths, ghostly encounters, exotic pets, and hauntings!

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Fall Activities in the Black Hills

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Although summer is wrapping up in the Black Hills, that doesn’t mean the fun has to end! The Black Hills are filled with fall-tastic events for all ages. Even if you aren’t the biggest fan of pumpkin spice lattes, the smell of cinnamon in the air, or the changing crisp weather; you might end up falling in love with the season this year! We are here to share some amazing events with you, in addition to some activities to add to your ‘fall bucket list’ this year, no matter where you call home.

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Souvenir Shopping Guide

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Have you ever been to an attraction and their souvenir shop leaves more to be desired? Well, at Presidential Wax Museum, we’ve heard the museum and shopping experience is equally as amazing. The souvenir shop is a place you can find treasures for every group in your party and friends back home!

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Experience Monumental Fun in the Black Hills: Presidential Trip Itinerary

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The Black Hills are filled with wonders, from patriotic landmarks, to hidden treasures off the beaten path. We have compiled several ‘need to visit’ presidential spots in the Black Hills to fill your trip with utter enjoyment! From Mount Rushmore to the National Presidential Wax Museum, your next trip is certain to be fun when you utilize our 'Presidential' Black Hills Vacation Itinerary!

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46 Presidential Facts You Didn’t Know – Part 2

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Have you ever wanted to one-up your friends with your knowledge of odd and unique facts about past U.S. Presidents? Look no further than this blog article, and the article that came before it! As resident US President experts at the National Presidential Wax Museum in Keystone, South Dakota, we’re sharing our favorite odd facts about Presidents in US History from William McKinley through Joe Biden.

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46 Presidential Facts You Didn’t Know – Part 1

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Have you ever wanted to one-up your friends with your knowledge of odd and unique facts about past U.S. Presidents? Look no further than this blog article, and the article that comes after it! As resident US President experts at the National Presidential Wax Museum in Keystone, South Dakota, we’re sharing our favorite odd facts about every single President in US History.

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Make the Summer Monumental by Joining the National Presidential Wax Museum Team!

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The countdown to summer has officially begun and the National Presidential Wax Museum is looking to expand our team of fun and knowledgeable team members. Explore our Black Hills Jobs & Keystone, SD Jobs today!

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Get to the National Presidential Wax Museum for our 2022 Locals Weekend, March 26 - 27!

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As the 2022 tourism season dawns, the National Presidential Wax Museum in Keystone, South Dakota is ready to welcome the season with open arms at our 2022 Locals Weekend, March 26-27.

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Great Group Tours Await at the National Presidential Wax Museum in Keystone, SD!

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Come one, come all and enjoy a patriotic walk through the history of the United States on a group tour at the National Presidential Wax Museum in historic Keystone, South Dakota. Located right off the main strip of Highway 16, the National Presidential Wax Museum offers a treasure trove of excitement and national pride for groups of all sizes is one of the best things to do near Mount Rushmore.

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Unveiling the latest Wax Figure to Join our Collection: President Joe Biden

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The induction of a new president into office holds exciting news for the National Presidential Wax Museum: the unveiling of a new figure to add to our abounding collection of wax figures. In this case, we’re excited to welcome President Joe Biden to our collection!

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Replace the Daily Grind with Grapes & Grinds!

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Grapes & Grinds is the perfect blend of the two best things—coffee and wine (other than American History, of course)! Whether you start your day with us enjoying our fresh brewed coffee, hand-ground espresso, and luxury coffee drinks, or you spend the night out enjoying a wine-tasting while on our picturesque patio taking in the beautiful Black Hills scenery, we have the perfect place for some relaxation on the road. Located right off the main strip, we are nestled into the beautiful South Dakota landscape.

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The National Presidential Wax Museum is a Learning Paradise

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The National Presidential Wax Museum in Keystone, South Dakota is world-renowned for our hyper realistic depictions of our nation’s presidents, historical figures, and more. Perfectly tucked in the Black Hills along historic Highway 16, we draw thousands of visitors, both local and non-local, to our growing museum every single year. And while our wax figures are easily our largest draw, thanks to their accuracy in likeness and pure spectacle, we pride ourselves for the intense research that has gone into the development of our tours and resources over the years. In short, the National Presidential Wax Museum is a learning paradise.

Whether you’re from the United States or from a foreign country, our museum fosters an opportunity for all who walk through our doors to take a step back in history. Here, you’re able to experience and enjoy the formative moments that have carved our nation’s trajectory course and have allowed us to become the mighty superpower we are today.

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The Top Events you won’t want to miss in the Black Hills this Summer

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Already planning a trip to South Dakota for this summer? There’s no better place to spend your vacation than in the Black Hills of South Dakota. Surrounded by National Parks and Forest, along with numerous attractions, festivities and events, there is a little something for everyone here! Here are just a few of the events happening this summer, that are within driving distance! Don’t forget to check out the National Presidential Wax Museum in Keystone, SD for a fun and educational stop on your journey!

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Which Presidents Have Visited the Black Hills: A History

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If experiencing and living through American history is your jazz, you’ll love the Black Hills region of South Dakota. From playing its own unique role in our nation’s history with the Black Hills Goldrush of the 1800s to the development of our nation’s premier homage to our fearless leaders with the carving of Mount Rushmore National Memorial in the 1900s and opening of the National Presidential Wax Museum in 1971, there’s history around every corner. Whether you’re 8 or 92, there are so many things to do in the Black Hills, let alone even more things to do in South Dakota. When you're planning a trip to South Dakota, make sure to come see us in the Black Hills.

With all of the excitement surrounding the Black Hills, its eccentric assortment of attractions, friendly, relaxed atmosphere, and unique attachment to our Presidents, we can’t help but think about how these hills have played their own role in Presidential history. As such, we’re detailing all of the Presidential visits to the Black Hills on record, dating all the way back to 1911! If you come and visit, you'll be living and breathing in Presidential history - how cool is that?

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The Top Sculptures You ABSOLUTELY Need to Visit on Your Next Trip to the Black Hills

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For decades, millions of tourists have traversed the beautiful Black Hills of South Dakota to pay homage to the brilliant scenery and intricate art interwoven throughout the hills. Perhaps the largest draw is the eclectic mix of sculptures, namely Mount Rushmore and Crazy Horse. Whether you’re an art buff or simply enjoy viewing works of art, it’s hard to miss the hundreds of iconic sculptures sprinkled around.

As the residential sculpture experts of the Black Hills here at the National Presidential Wax Museum in Keystone, SD, we’re here to share the top sculptures/sculpture parks you ABSOLUTELY need to see the next time you’re in the Black Hills!

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A Brief History of Calvin Coolidge’s Time in the Black Hills

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When you think of United States Presidents and the beautiful Black Hills, George Washington, Theodore Roosevelt, Thomas Jefferson, and Abraham Lincoln likely come to mind thanks to our pride and joy, Mount Rushmore. While these Presidents inarguably shaped American history, many fail to recognize the many Presidents who have actually spent leisurely time in the Hills.

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