News Release

133rd Anniversary of the Johnstown Flood

A commemorative wreath near the Visitor Center with luminaries in the background.

NPS

News Release Date: May 25, 2022

Contact: Elizabeth Shope, 814-449-4125

Tuesday, May 31, 2022, is the 133rd Anniversary of the Great Johnstown Flood of Friday, May 31, 1889. We will commemorate those who lost their lives on that fateful day with several events throughout the day.

The Visitor Center will be open from 9:00 am-10:00 pm. At 4:07 pm, the time that the flood waters reached Johnstown, Park Rangers will lay commemorative wreaths on both the North and South Abutments on the remains of the South Fork Dam. The wreath laying will be broadcast live on our Facebook page.

Children's activities will be held from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm in the park picnic area, located off of the South Abutment Road.

Beginning at 7:00 pm, 2,209 luminaries, lining the remains of the South Fork Dam and around the Visitor Center, will be lit to honor the victims of the Great Flood. Each luminary will have the name of a flood victim written on it and will remain lit until 10:00 pm. Park grounds will remain open until the conclusion of the luminaries.

The North Abutment parking lot, located on Lake Road, will be closed to vehicles. A shuttle will run on a loop between the Visitor Center parking lot and the North Abutment from 7:00 pm until 10:00 pm to take visitors to the North Abutment to view the luminaries. They will also be visible from the Visitor Center area. There is no entrance fee.