A Flood of Memories

Local Historian Shares Two Part Video Series on YouTube via Santa Cruz Public Libraries

The Santa Cruz Public Libraries is hosting a two-part video created by local historian Daniel Model in remembrance of the Flood of 1955.

“A Flood of Memories: Commemorating the 65 Years Since the Flood of ‘55” was released on YouTube Dec. 22, its anniversary.

Part I can be found at https://youtu.be/XWXELjCK_Aw; Part II is at https://youtu.be/k_rS4lo1fSs.

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Dec. 22 marks 65 years since the Flood of 55, known to many as the “Christmas Flood.” This was a major event in the history of our area. From the mountain communities to the beachfronts, many lives were touched by the floodwaters.

To honor this occasion, Model has spent the past year interviewing residents who experienced the flood first hand, collecting their stories, and photos and other memorabilia.

Part I of the video presentation is a 25-minute documentary about the flood, including stories from some of the interviews. Part II includes more in-depth interviews of two local residents who experienced it first hand.

The video presentation focuses on the impact of the flood on Downtown Santa Cruz, residents, businesses, and our beloved San Lorenzo River.

The project is a work in progress, and Model invites local residents to contribute their stories, photos, and memorabilia to this history project.

Email eastsidehistory@gmail.com or call (831) 464-8248 to share your memories.

Preserving local history is an important role for libraries, museums, and historians.

“It’s more than just preserving history, although that is important,” said Library Director Susan Nemitz. “It’s about bringing people together to share a sense of place and connection.”

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The Library is always looking to add local history information, projects, articles, and more.

Nemitz discussed a desire for the library to acquire more local history content from voices that have been excluded from much of the historical record, especially Black, Indigenous, People of Color, and LGBTQ+ history.

To find out how you can contribute to the Library’s collection, email us at eLibrary@santacruzpl.org.

For more local history photos, articles, and more, visit the library’s digital Local History Collection at history.santacruzpl.org.