News Release

136th Anniversary of the Johnstown Flood

Luminaria lit in remembrance of the flood victims.

NPS Photo

News Release Date: May 23, 2025

Contact: Elizabeth Shope, 814-449-4125

SOUTH FORK, PA- The 136th anniversary of the Johnstown Flood is Saturday, May 31, 2025. The park will commemorate the victims of the flood that occurred on May 31, 1889, when the South Fork Dam broke sending 20 million tons of water down the Conemaugh Valley to Johnstown.

"It is our duty each day to honor the 2,209 flood victims," said Johnstown Flood National Memorial Superintendent Stephen M. Clark. "We keep their stories alive to ensure this tragic day in American history is never forgotten." 

The Visitor Center will be open from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. and is free of charge. The park film, Black Friday, plays throughout the day at quarter after each hour. At 4:07 p.m. park rangers will lay commemorative wreaths on the remains of the dam at the time the floodwaters reached Johnstown. The wreath laying will be broadcast live on the park's Facebook page.
Beginning at 7 p.m., 2,209 luminaries, will be lit to honor the victims of the flood. They line the remains of the South Fork Dam and around the Visitor Center. Each luminary will have the name of a flood victim written on it and will remain lit until 10 p.m. Park grounds remain open until the conclusion of the luminaries.

Parking is available at the Visitor Center and South Abutment. A shuttle runs between the Visitor Center and the North Abutment through the duration of the luminaries. Luminaries will also be visible from the Visitor Center area.