The Johnstown Flood Museum is about one of the most shocking episodes of American history. On May 31, 1889, a neglected dam and a phenomenal storm led to a catastrophe in which 2,209 people died. The Johnstown Area Heritage Association receives many inquiries about the 1889 flood. The great wave measured 35-40 feet high and hit Johnstown at 40 miles per hour. $3,742,818.78 was collected for the Johnstown relief effort from within the U.S. and 18 foreign countries.
The first floor of the Johnstown Flood Museum contains a variety of exhibits and artifacts that tell the story of the flood. These include: The club and the dam - Photographs and artifacts tell the story of the South Fork Fishing & Hunting Club and its retreat along the banks of a beautiful reservoir, Lake Conemaugh. Animations illustrate how and why the dam failed. Flood artifacts - Objects recovered from the flood include a quilt to protect survivors, a set of keys, a trunk, various objects recovered from the flood debris, and even a bottle of floodwater.