ST FRANCIS DAM DISASTER TALK & TOUR 2026

Name: ST FRANCIS DAM DISASTER TALK & TOUR 2026
Start: 2026-05-16
Location: Newhall Family Theatre, 24607 Walnut St

May

Date

16 May (Saturday)

Time

Sat, 10:30 AM – 4:00 PM

Venue

Newhall Family Theatre, 24607 Walnut St

Santa Clarita, CA, United States

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📝 Useful Information

The ST FRANCIS DAM DISASTER TALK & TOUR 2026 is scheduled for Saturday, May 16, 2026, in Santa Clarita, CA. Hosted by the Santa Clarita Valley Historical Society, this annual event commemorates the 98th anniversary of the 1928 dam failure, California's second-worst disaster.

The event features recognized experts sharing insights into the disaster's causes and human impact:

Attendees are advised to wear long pants, comfortable shoes, and hats, and to bring sunscreen for the site visit. The event frequently sells out in advance, so early ticket purchase is highly recommended.

Would you like help finding nearby lodging or dining options in Newhall for the day of the tour?

Event Schedule & Details

Featured Speakers & Topics

Participant Recommendations

•Time: 10:30 AM – 4:00 PM PDT.

•Lecture Location: Newhall Family Theatre for the Performing Arts, located at 24607 Walnut Street, Santa Clarita, CA 91321.

•Parking: Available behind the school; enter the lot via 11th Street.

•Itinerary: The day begins with a series of historical lectures and video presentations at the theater, followed by a guided bus tour and moderate hike at the actual dam site.

•Tickets: Priced at $80 per person and include motorcoach transportation, snacks, and water. Tickets are available via the Santa Clarita Valley Historical Society or Eventbrite.

•Santa Clarita Valley Historical Society

•Dr. Alan Pollack: Historical overview of the LA Aqueduct, the Owen's Valley Water Wars, and events leading to the dam failure.

•Ann Stansell: Research from the Forgotten Casualties Project and efforts to memorialize the more than 400 victims.

•Dianne Hellrigel: Heartbreaking accounts of victims and the stories of local heroes.

•Frank "The Dam Man" Rock: Expert insights into the aftermath and consequences of the event.

Updated at 23 Mar 2026