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Saturday, March 23

2024 Annual St. Francis Dam Disaster Lecture and Bus Tour

Join us for an immersive experience on March 23 where we’ll explore the tragic St. Francis Dam disaster through a captivating lecture & tour

By Santa Clarita Valley Historical Society

Date and time

Saturday, March 23 · 10:30am – 4pm PDT

Location

College of the Canyons, 26455 Rockwell Canyon Road, Santa Clarita, CA 91355

Refund Policy

Contact the organizer to request a refund.

Eventbrite’s fee is nonrefundable.

Agenda

10:30 AM – 11:30 AM

St. Francis Dam Lecture: Alan Pollack, Ann Stansell, Dianne Hellrigel

Lectures will be given on the history of the disaster and events leading up to it, as well as memorializing the victims, and stories about various victims and survivors.


11:30 AM – 12:00 PM

Question and Answer Session with Lecturers and Dam Expert Frank Rock

Lecturers and renowned St. Francis Dam history expert Frank Rock will take questions from the audience.


12:00 PM – 4:00 PM

Bus Tour to the Dam Site

Tour led by Frank Rock, Alan Pollack, Dianne Hellrigel, and Ann Stansell. Participants will be taken to the site of the St. Francis Dam Disaster National Memorial and Monument where they will see the…
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About this event

  • 5 hours 30 minutes
  • Mobile eTicket

2024 Annual St. Francis Dam Disaster Lecture and Bus Tour

Join us for the 2024 Annual St. Francis Dam Disaster Lecture and Bus Tour, a captivating event that delves into the tragic history of the St. Francis Dam. On Saturday, March 23, 2024 at 10:30 AM, we will gather for an immersive experience.

During this in-person event, you will have the opportunity to learn about the devastating St. Francis Dam disaster that occurred in 1928. Our knowledgeable speakers Dr. Alan Pollack, Ann Stansell, Dianne Hellrigel, and the “Dam Man” Frank Rock will share fascinating insights into the causes, consequences, and aftermath of this significant event.

The lecture will be followed by a bus tour that will take you to the actual site of the St. Francis Dam. As you explore the remnants of this historical landmark, you will gain a deeper understanding of the tragedy that unfolded and its impact on the surrounding area.

Don’t miss out on this unique opportunity to engage with history and pay tribute to the lives affected by the St. Francis Dam disaster. Join us for a day of learning, reflection, and discovery.

The dam break was the second-worst disaster in the history of the state of California: the failure of the St. Francis Dam on March 12, 1928 killed more than 400 people, leveled farms and homesteads, destroyed property and livestock and changed the way dam safety was addressed forevermore.

Tour includes snacks, water, and motor coach transportation.

Because this tour is a very popular fund-raiser, it is impossible to guarantee that seats will be available for purchase on the day of the tour. Order your tickets now!

Please note: The venue location for the lecture is subject to change. We will update here if any venue change is made.

Frequently asked questions

Will there be walking involved in the tour?

Participants will be walking from 1/2 to 1 1/2 miles from the busses to the dam site. Most of the ground is level on an old asphalt road with a few sections of mild inclines. There will be portions of the walk on unpaved dirt which is level, compacted, and easy to walk on.

What is the recommended dress for the bus tour?

We recommend sturdy shoes suitable for walking and hiking along with long pants, long sleeve shirt, hats, and sunscreen.

Will food be provided?

Participants will each be provided with a snack and water. You are welcome to bring your own lunch with you as well.