Due to an interior water leak on 1/23/25 caused by extreme cold, the Johnstown Flood Museum ONLY is temporarily closed. Thankfully, nothing of historic significance was affected. The water remediation team concluded their work, which leaves repainting, floor refinishing, and replacement of carpet and soundproofing materials. We are currently waiting for insurance adjustors and approval of quotes, 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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Thank you for a fantastic Mobsters & Molls event!

Thank you for a fantastic Mobsters & Molls event!

Posted: April 29, 2024 10:01 am

What a fantastic event we had with Mobsters & Molls: A Murder Mystery at the Heritage Discovery Center on April 13! Our wonderful house of more than 125 people set about solving the mystery all over the museum, and a great time was had by all. People had the opportunity to eat, drink, enjoy the occasion and each other, see the new Forging a Nation steel exhibition, and learn more about all JAHA has to offer!

We would like to thank:

  • Tamera Gindlesperger Fisher, our director, her assistant Rebekah Hurley, and their fantabulous all-star cast, which included Troy Smajda, Christina Fosbrink, Randy Jeffreys, Cassidy Polacek, Michael Cashaw, and Sam Johns;
  • Russell Shorto, aka “Elliott Mess,” the author of Smalltime: A Story of My Family & the Mob, who graciously took time from his busy schedule to serve as our celebrity detective;
  • Todd Wagner, our volunteer bartender who served delicious cocktails using Ponfeigh Whiskey;
  • Kristi Democko, who sold 50/50 tickets for us (and nobody can say no to Kristi!);
  • Our 50/50 winner, whose name we didn’t catch but who graciously donated his winnings back to JAHA;
  • And finally, everyone who bought a ticket and came out to support the event, and set about solving the mystery with such cheer and enthusiasm.

We are already looking forward to next year’s murder mystery, which is set for March 8, 2025! Mark your calendar now. (Photos by Makenzie Croyle).