Miami Museum Unveils Exhibit Marking 100 Years Since Catastrophic 1926 Hurricane

Miami residents can look back at a pivotal moment in the city's history with a temporary exhibit at the Miami Museum, commemorating the 100th anniversary of the devastating 1926 hurricane. The exhibit offers a detailed look into the monumental event that reshaped early Miami.

The hurricane, which struck in mid-September 1926, lasted 12 hours with two distinct phases. It caused hundreds of deaths and left more than 40,000 people homeless, nearly half of Miami's population at the time. Dr. Paul George, resident historian at the Miami Museum, emphasized the storm's profound impact, noting it was devastating even when compared to later events like Hurricane Andrew.

The 1926 hurricane also destroyed Miami's first construction boom. The Miami Museum, the city's oldest cultural institution, uses an extensive collection of photographs, newspapers, and letters to tell the story of the storm and its aftermath. An interactive component allows visitors to listen to firsthand accounts from those who lived through the hurricane.

The storm hit Miami before modern weather technology existed, leaving most residents unprepared for its arrival. Dr. George hopes the exhibit serves as more than a historical lesson. He aims to remind visitors about the lethality of hurricanes and the critical need for preparedness.

The temporary exhibit is currently open at the Miami Museum.