Kelly Kirk

Inspired by her surroundings, Kelly Kirk has spent her career discovering and telling the stories of the people and the places where she has lived. Kelly spent a decade as a history professor at Black Hills State University, where she taught, led community history projects, and directed the University Honors Program. She now serves as the Director of the Sanford Lab Homestake Visitor Center (SLHVC), the museum and front door to the Sanford Underground Research Facility (SURF), a space where history, community, and world-leading science collide. In welcoming tens of thousands of guests from around the world annually, Kelly and the SLHVC team share the history and science of SURF with all who walk through the doors. 

Always seeking more stories to share, Kelly’s curiosity inspires her on her daily adventures, her service on local and regional boards, and in her attempts to create new recipes in her kitchen.