Due to an interior water leak on 1/23/25 caused by the recent extreme cold, the Johnstown Flood Museum ONLY is temporarily closed. Thankfully, nothing of historic significance was affected. As of 2/4, the water remediation team has concluded their work, which leaves repainting, floor refinishing, and replacement of carpet and soundproofing materials. We are currently waiting for insurance adjustors, a process we cannot control. In the meantime, we apologize for any inconvenience and appreciate your patience as we work to remediate and repair our beloved flagship museum.

In the meantime, we are pleased to present Relic Tales of the Johnstown Floods at the Heritage Discovery Center, which is unaffected and operating normal business hours. This new temporary exhibition includes more than 200 artifacts and photographs, many of which have never been on display before, from the Johnstown flood of 1889 (as well as 1936 and 1977).  Welcome!

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McCullough’s The Johnstown Flood turns 50 as Johnstown Flood Museum campaign continues

McCullough’s The Johnstown Flood turns 50 as Johnstown Flood Museum campaign continues

Posted: March 21, 2018 2:00 pm

David McCullough’s The Johnstown Flood went on sale nationally 50 years ago, on March 18, 1968. It marked the renewal of interest in a story that was almost gone from living memory, helping preserve it for generations. Dave Sutor of the The Tribune-Democrat published a terrific story about the book’s publication, and what it has meant to Johnstown. Richard Burkert, JAHA President, is quoted in the article: “Johnstown did a lot for McCullough, and McCullough did a lot for Johnstown’s heritage.”

As Richard said, David McCullough has long been a supporter of Johnstown, and of JAHA. He first publicly commented on the Johnstown Flood Museum in 1989, when he called the museum “among the best regional history museums in the country.” He recorded the video below to help us with our current Campaign for the Johnstown Flood Museum as we gear up for a long-awaited renovation of the building and a complete redesign of our exhibits.

A fund for the Johnstown Flood Museum Campaign has been established at the Community Foundation for the Alleghenies to support this project. You can make a secure donation to the using the form below (alternatively, download and mail in this form.) Thank you for your support!