Palm Sunday Remembrance

On April 11, 1965, a widespread tornado outbreak occurred in the Midwest unleashing over 40 tornadoes in Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan and Ohio. 271 people died from the weather phenomenon including numerous fatalities in Elkhart County. Among the most infamous photographs of the event was taken between Goshen and Elkhart of a devastating double headed tornado.

This tragic event will be remembered at the Elkhart County Historical Museum on Sunday, April 5 from 2:00p.m. – 4:00p.m. The program will begin with a presentation by Meteorologist Patrick Murphy from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association. Murphy will address how tornadoes form and discuss the circumstances that led to the 1965 outbreak. His talk will also include a historical perspective on the creation of the warning system that developed in the wake of the disaster.

After Murphy’s program a panel of Palm Sunday survivors will describe their experiences on April 11 and participate in a question and answer session. Retired Elkhart Truth photographer Paul Hoffman will join the panel. Hoffman captured the famous image of a double headed tornado taken between Elkhart and Goshen.

Visitors who wish to stay longer to talk about the disaster can continue with an open microphone session after the program. Retired Elkhart police officer John Clark, who will participate in the panel, will show video footage of the aftermath from the tornado once the program has concluded.

People who have collected artifacts or have stories to share about the tornadoes are encouraged to attend. Several open tables will also be available for collectors to show items they found in the aftermath.

For more information please contact the museum at 574-848-4322.

Retired Elkhart Truth photographer Paul Hoffman captured this famous image of the Palm Sunday tornadoes between Elkhart and Goshen.