1972 Black Hills Flood
One of the worst floods in U.S. history descended on the Black Hills of South Dakota in the middle of the night on June 9, 1972. In the aftermath, the community gathered to rebuild, and today you can visit local parks and museum exhibits to learn more about the unforgettable impact this flood had on Rapid City.
This year was the fifty year commemoration of the Black Hills Flood and the community gathered to remember, commemorate, and celebrate the renewal of our community.
The Journey Museum and Learning Center hosted many events during the 50th Commemoration and would like to share some of those events with you.
1972 Black Hills Flood | 50th Commemoration Exhibit
Visit our award winning 50th comemmoration exhibit online! The exhibit has been captured and preserved in this virtual format so that even when it is no longer physically present, that it can be experienced for years to come.
William and Joy Medley
Major Vangie O'Neil hosts a presentation regarding the history of the Salvation Army and the important roles that William and Joy Medley had in the 1972 Black Hills Flood. This project is made possible by a grant from the U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services.
1973: The Year After the Flood
Corey Christianson hosts a presentation on recovery efforts in 1973, the year following the 1972 Black Hills Flood. This project is made possible by a grant from the U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services.
First Responders
Corey Christianson hosts a presentation at the Journey Museum and Learning Center on first responders to the 1972 Black Hills Flood. This project is made possible by a grant from the U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services.
William O'Connell
Jim Kinyon hosts a presentation at the Journey Musuem and Learning Center on Msgr. William O'Connell and his role in the 1972 Black Hills Flood. This project is made possible by a grant from the U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services.
Higher Ground
A song performed and presented by local musician Andrew Beaird. this song was presented at multiple locations during the Commemoration activities on the days of June 8th and 9th. Andrew provided this presentation specifically for us to share online as part of the recorded program package.
Remembrance and Renewal
This documentary and recorded program and presentation occurred on Sunday, June 5th as a kick-off to the activities surrounding the 50th Commemoration. The original score was composed by Alexander Massa and presented by a local ensemble. This performance was supported in part through funding from a IMLS Cares Grant.
Community Healing
This program comprised entirely of local community members allowed people to tell their own experiences of the Flood. This was completely unscripted and captures the stories as people brought them forth.
Remembrance, Resilience, and Rebuilding: Lessons from 1972
This program was originally presented on June 8th. Dr. Stephen Hausmann as Assistant professor in history of St. Thomas University. Presented a look back on the experiences of 1972 Rapid City. Dr. Hausmann has dedicated his career to and examining the roots of environmental injustice and urban inequality among Native American communities in the West. His discussion is focused on what happened in Rapid City in the time that followed the tragic event.
The Day After the Flood
Originally presented on June 10th in collaboration with the South Dakota historical Society. Mayor Don Barnett who at the time of the Flood was a 29 year old leader recounts his personal experiences of the day after. The thoughts and conversations surrounding him and how Rapid City would begin to find it's way from the impact of the tragedy that had just occurred and looking into the uncertain future.
To learn more about what led up to the Flood of 1972 watch the videos below.
