On the 80th anniversary of the Tacoma Narrows Bridge collapse, Harbor History Museum will share the recently discovered 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 West side, 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 documentation verifies that Mr. Leach was noted as a toll collector 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 worked on the bridge everyday. The clip we always see is shot from the Tacoma side, so this is a whole different view."

Harbor History Museum Collection #2786 (Photographer: J. Bashford)

This virtual presentation will be hosted by our Executive Director. Don’t miss this rarely seen 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.

To participate and receive a link to this presentation, please email Robin Harrison at operations@harborhistorymuseum.org.