On May 31, 1889, a neglected dam and a phenomenal storm led to a catastrophe in which 2,209 people died. It's a story of great tragedy, but also of triumphant recovery. Visit the Johnstown Flood Museum, which is operated by the Johnstown Area Heritage Association, to find out more about this shocking episode in American history.

Location & Directions
The Johnstown Flood Museum is located at 304 Washington Street, Johnstown PA 15901, on the corner of Washington and Walnut Streets. The flood museum is a distinctive, beige brick building, as pictured to the right. When you purchase a ticket to the flood museum, you also receive a ticket to the Heritage Discovery Center, which is located a half-mile away at 201 Sixth Avenue, Johnstown, 15906. Museum staff will be happy to direct you. Click here for a downloadable map of Johnstown, featuring the Heritage Discovery Center, Johnstown Flood Museum, Wagner-Ritter House & Garden, Inclined Plane and other points of interest. The map includes driving directions between the museums. From the east:Take the Pennsylvania Turnpike west to Bedford (Exit 146). Take Route I-99 North to the first exit (Route 56). Take PA-56 West approximately 27 miles to Route 219. Take Route US-219 North 1/2 mile to the PA-56 West exit (Johnstown Expressway). At the first stoplight turn right onto Walnut Street. At the fourth stoplight on Walnut Street, turn right onto Washington Street. The museum is at this corner on the right. From the north: Take Route 80 to Route 220/I 99 South. Follow I99 South to US-22 West outside of Altoona. At Ebensburg take US- 219 South to the PA- 56 West exit (Johnstown Expressway). At the first stoplight turn right onto Walnut Street. At the fourth stop light on Walnut Street turn right onto Washington Street. The museum is on this corner on the right side.
From Pittsburgh: Take Parkway I-376 East to US-22 East at Murrysville. Take US-22 East for 40 miles. Exit onto PA-56 East at Armagh. Follow PA-56 East approximately 9 miles into the City of Johnstown (this takes you on a winding road through a residential/mixed-use neighborhood). PA-56 will become Broad Street as you drive through the Cambria City Historic District; you will pass the Heritage Discovery Center on your right. Immediately after you travel under the second railroad overpass, get in the left lane and turn left onto Washington Street, before you pass Point Stadium (this is a stoplight). The museum is located at 304 Washington Street, on the right just beyond the second stoplight.
From the west: Take the Pennsylvania Turnpike East to Somerset (exit 110). Follow the signage for US-219. Take US-219 North 21 miles to the PA- 56 West exit (Johnstown Expressway). At the first stoplight turn right onto Walnut Street. At the fourth stoplight on Walnut, turn right onto Washington Street. The museum is on this corner on the right.
When you reach Johnstown, look for blue directional signs as pictured at right. More than 70 such signs are placed throughout the Johnstown area to help visitors find their way to JAHA museums, public buildings, hospitals and other points of interest.