May 31 Anniversary

Remains of the dam with luminaries
The remains of the South Fork Dam with luminaries

NPS/S. Lonergan

Friday, May 31, 2024 is the 135th anniversary of the Great Johnstown Flood of May 31, 1889.

The Visitor Center will be open from 9:00 a.m. until 10:00 p.m. At 4:07 p.m., the time that the floodwaters reached Johnstown, a wreath will be placed at the North and South Abutments on the remains of the dam. This will be broadcast live on our Facebook page. Beginning at 5:00 p.m. the names of the flood victims will be read outside of the Visitor Center. Children's activities will be available in the picnic area from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Each year on May 31, 2,209 luminaries are lit to honor the flood victims. The luminaries are placed on the North and South Abutments and around the Visitor Center, and each bag will contain the name of a flood victim. The luminaries will be lit from 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.

A shuttle will run between the Visitor Center parking lot and the North Abutment from 7:00 pm until 10:00 pm. This takes visitors to the North Abutment to view the luminaries. The North Abutment parking lot will close to vehicles. Luminaries will also be visible from the Visitor Center area.

No reservations are required for any events on May 31. Johnstown Flood National Memorial is free of charge.
A list of Johnstown Flood victims can be found here.
 
 

Learn about our annual partnership with Forest Hills Elementary!

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    Last updated: May 1, 2024

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    733 Lake Road
    South Fork, PA 15956

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    814 886-6171

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