Above: Columbia Theater, Gallia Street near the Esplanade, January 1937 flood (Carl Ackerman Collection, Southern Ohio Museum). “One in a Million,” on the marquee, was a film about an Olympic figure skater.

In this episode, Flood Proof?, we meet Dr. Kurt Shoemaker, Professor of Geology at Shawnee State University.  Dr. Shoemaker has conducted research on volcanic systems in the northwestern United States and has studied the evolution of the Ohio River system during the Ice Age. More recently, his interests have turned toward the role of geologic setting and geologic phenomena in historical events. This episode shares a portion of his current research on the history of flooding and flood defense at Portsmouth, Ohio. As Dr. Shoemaker details the history of flooding and flood control along this portion of the Ohio River, he’ll weigh in on whether Portsmouth is “flood proof.”

Dr. Shoemaker has provided additional resources and classroom activities for those who want to learn more about flooding and flood protection. These include a digital photo archives of the historic 1937 flood at Portsmouth, a documentary highlighting survivors of the flood, and activities and an online resource that allow you to simulate flooding. #drownyourtown

Click here for the additional resources: Ep 4_Flood Proof_connecting classrooms_supplement

A transcript of this episode is available here: Transcript- Episode 4 Flood Proof