ARRINGTON, Va. (WVIR) – Hurricane Camille devastated Nelson County in 1969 on a day the community will never forget. For 34 years, the Oakland Museum has commemorated the anniversary.

55 years ago, Hurricane Camille claimed 124 lives in Nelson County. Every year, the Nelson Historical Society commemorates the tragedy. Geologist Ann Wytt spoke at the event.

“The gathering here in Oakland is an opportunity to remember those who died and to remember what happened. But also from a planning and disaster preparedness perspective, we learned a lot about why and where this happened so we can now plan for the future,” Wytt said.

In the museum, visitors could view exhibits on the history of the county and the victims of the hurricane.

Wade Lanning was present and paid his respects to Camille. He said it is important to never forget those who lost their lives because of Camille.

“And it’s something that needs to be preserved for future generations,” Lanning said.

Dick Whitehead was about to start college when the hurricane struck. He remembers being with his father, then the sheriff, when the storm hit. The scars left by the hurricane have not yet healed, according to Whitehead.

“I came to college and tried to tell people what had happened, but they didn’t believe me,” Whitehead said.

Whitehead said working with the Nelson Historical Society and its events has helped Nelson County never forget that terrible day.

“Here at the museum, we are constantly receiving new information and we want to preserve the information about Camille,” Whitehead said.

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