Exhibit opens today to relive historic flood of '48
By City of Trail
In recognition of the seventieth anniversary of the flood of 1948, the Trail Museum & Archives has developed a new exhibit entitled The Flood of ’48: A River Ran Through It! The exhibit opens officially on July 4 in the Trail Museum & Archives at the Riverfront Centre in the aptly named Columbia Gallery.
The flood of 1948 was a province-wide crisis and impacted many B.C. communities situated along major tributaries. The damage was immense, but as any resident of Trail will attest, the community rallied to save the city from the raging and rapidly rising waters of the Columbia River.
“The Columbia River flood at Trail in 1948 is still within recent memory for many of Trail’s residents,” states Sarah Benson-Lord, Museum & Archives Manager. “It was a harrowing experience for anyone living along low-lying areas of town, especially Columbia Avenue in East Trail and Riverside and Groutage Avenues in West Trail. Many are familiar with the images of Bay Avenue during the flood, but this exhibit turns attention to damage and efforts in East Trail, as well.” The flood of 1948 was yet another example of the generosity and volunteerism for which the residents of Trail are known. The community response was overwhelming.
The exhibit makes extensive use of the Trail Historical Society’s archival photograph collection and includes an 8-minute film production of the flood from the multi-media collection. Visitors will even have the opportunity to measure their height against the high water mark on Bay Avenue.
The exhibit is open to the public during regular Trail Riverfront Centre hours. Entry to all museum galleries is free.
The Trail Museum & Archives was pleased to collaborate with the Trail Historical Society in bringing this exhibit to life. Are you interested in participating in the museum? The Trail Historical Society will be at the Trail Riverfront Centre holding a membership drive on Wednesday, July 4 to answer questions about the exhibit and how you can volunteer.
