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Remembering Hawkesbury’s Great Flood 1867

Would you like to know more about the catastrophic floods that took place in the Hawkesbury district 150 years ago? In the lead up to the commemorative activities on Friday, 23 June, Saturday 24 June and Sunday, 25 June, ‘Remembering the 1867 Flood’ will be the topic at the next Hawkesbury Family History meeting on Wednesday, 14 June. Hawkesbury Library’s Local History Librarian, Michelle Nichols, will look at the devastating impact that this unprecedented disaster had on the district.

In 1867 the Hawkesbury district experienced its highest-ever recorded flood when the river rose over 19 metres (63 feet 2 inches). The flood extended from Riverstone to the foothills of the Blue Mountains, including areas that had never been inundated, which were covered with water, with houses and livestock destroyed. Twelve members of the Eather family lost their lives in the flood when they were swept from the roof of a house in Cornwallis. The presentation will include some of the accounts of this tragedy, as well as some of the consequences of the Great Flood of 1867.

Anyone interested in local and family history is welcome to attend this free event, which starts at 10am at Hawkesbury Central Library, 300 George Street, Windsor. There is no need to book. Refreshments will be served after the meeting.

The exhibition ‘Flood!’ can also be seen at the Hawkesbury Regional Museum, 8 Baker Street, Windsor.

Open Wednesday to Monday 10am-4pm, closed Tuesdays.

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