The Plinian column from the May 18, 1980, eruption of Mount St. Helens towers into the sky. This is an aerial view from southwest. Mount Adams is in the background (right).
Commemorate the 40th year since Mount St. Helens big eruption, hear first person stories about the mountain and create your own volcano hate from 6:30 to 8 p.m. on Monday, May 18 online at facebook.com/historymuseum/live. You do not need a Facebook account to participate. May 18 marks 40 years since the 1980 eruption of Mount St. Helens. Also known as Lawetlat’la and Loowit, the mountain is a natural and cultural landmark with a storied history. The 1980 eruption was the most dramatic chapter in recent memory, abruptly changing the way we lived, worked, recreated, and thought about the mountain.
Leading up to this anniversary, Washington State Parks has collected stories from people who shared memories of their relationship with the mountain before, during and after the blast. The Mount St. Helens Visitors Center Oral History Project connected Interpretive Specialist Alysa Adams with people from near and far who contributed their stories and family photos. For the virtual 40thanniversary commemoration, we’re bringing together a group of locals who have deep connections to the area to share their stories.
