The Johnstown Flood Museum in Cambria County, Pennsylvania, has been temporarily closed after flooding caused by an interior water leak due to extreme cold weather.

In a statement, museum officials confirmed that no historical artifacts were damaged, but carpets, drywall, and ceiling tiles sustained significant water damage.

The museum, which honors the victims of the Great Johnstown Flood of 1889, discovered the leak when volunteer docent Nikki Bosley, working in the archives during the museum’s winter operating schedule, noticed the issue and alerted officials. This prompt response helped prevent further damage.

The museum is collaborating with its insurance company to expedite repairs and reopening. Officials expressed appreciation for public patience as mitigation work continues.

The Johnstown Flood of May 31, 1889, caused the deaths of over 2,000 people, including 99 entire families, when the South Fork Dam failed after days of heavy rainfall.

The disaster destroyed 1,600 homes, and bodies were discovered as far as Cincinnati, Ohio.

Johnstown was rebuilt over five years and has faced additional devastating floods in 1936 and 1977."