Photo Credit: Harbor History Museum Collection #2786 (Photographer: J. Bashford)
UPDATE: February 26th, March 6th and March 19th dates are SOLD OUT.
Humanities in the Harbor, a monthly series that explores unique and engaging topics for the Gig Harbor community, will continue in February with a truly special presentation.
Harbor History Museum is eager to share unreleased footage documenting the collapse of the Tacoma Narrows Bridge on November 7, 1940. Taken by Arthur T. Leach -- a toll both operator at the time -- “The Lost Footage” is the only known video of the collapse as seen from the Westside, or Gig Harbor side, of the Tacoma Narrows.
“As a historian, I am naturally skeptical until I am able to confirm details. I am excited to say that I have been able to verify that Mr. Leach was noted as a toll booth operator at the time and that this footage is a rare find,” says Harbor History Museum Director Stephanie Lile. “One of the things that makes this footage so special is that this was the personal view of somebody who actually worked on the bridge. The clip we always see is shot from the Tacoma side, so this is a whole different view.”
Along with a Director Talk, Harbor History Museum plans to debut “The Lost Footage” as part of the Museum’s Humanities in the Harbor series. Those in attendance will be the first to glimpse the unseen 7:30 minute video of Galloping Gertie’s collapse and learn more about Arthur Leach, the research to verify the footage, and what happened that fateful November day.
Admission to Humanities in the Harbor is $5, but free for Harbor History Museum members. Tickets may be Purchased Online or at the front desk of the Museum. Members are encouraged to RSVP as seating is limited. RSVPs can be made by emailing Zachary Sokolik, Marketing & Development, at marketing@harborhistorymuseum.org or by phone at 253.858.6722.
