On May 31, 1889, the neglected dam and a phenomenal storm led to the catastrophe great tragedy flood, but also of triumphant recovery. The Johnstown Flood Museum, which is operated by the Johnstown Area Heritage Association, allows one to find out more about this shocking episode in American history.

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.

Objects recovered from the flood are represented. The exhibits include news reports from the time, and Victorian stereotypical photographs. Representations of the flood in movies and cartoons help illustrate the flood's continued hold on the public's imagination and interest.

The Johnstown Area Heritage Association opened the Johnstown Flood Museum in 1989, marking the centennial anniversary of the flood. In preparation for the opening, JAHA commissioned the internationally acclaimed filmmaker Charles Guggenheim to produce a documentary on the flood.

The 26-minute film won the Academy Award for Best Documentary, Short Subject; JAHA used photo archives and recreations of events to explain what happened that fateful day of May 31, 1889. The film is shown every hour at the Johnstown Flood Museum, in a specially-designed theater located on the second floor.