Our museum: after the flood

what happened

  • October 19, 2024

    On the night of October 19, 2024, Roswell experienced a catastrophic flash flood, with nearly six inches of rain falling within hours. The Spring River breached its banks, overwhelming the city's infrastructure and flooding numerous buildings, including the Roswell Museum and Art Center. The floodwaters reached over five feet in some areas of the museum, causing extensive damage to its facilities and collections.

  • immediate response

    Museum staff, along with volunteers and conservators, quickly evacuated approximately 12,000 items from the collection. These included artworks, historical artifacts, and archival materials, most of which were transported to The Conservation Center in Chicago for triage, stabilization, and damage mitigation. Thousands of objects are currently undergoing conservation, with additional pieces scheduled for treatment.

The Museum’s recovery will span over the following years, focusing on the meticulous conservation of its collection and the eventual rebuilding of its facilities. This is an extensive and expensive project, requiring specialized treatments for a wide range of materials, including paintings, sculptures, textiles, and archival documents. Every step is being carefully planned to restore the collection as fully as possible while ensuring its long-term preservation.

current conservation efforts

community impact

The flood has had a profound effect on the Roswell community, displacing residents and disrupting local services. The museum, a cultural cornerstone, remains closed, and many of its programs and exhibitions have been temporarily suspended. However, the museum continues to engage with the community through alternative programming, including Second Saturday art activities at the Roswell Public Library and collaborations with local art spaces.

looking ahead

The Roswell Museum and Art Center is on a long journey to recovery, but its spirit and purpose remain strong. Our collection is being carefully preserved, and plans for rebuilding are underway with the goal of creating a stronger, more resilient Museum. Though the galleries are closed, we look forward to welcoming the community back to a place where art, history, and learning continue to inspire and connect us all.