MEDICINE HAT, Alta. – A historic clay and potteries district in southern Alberta was not as badly damaged by heavy flooding as originally anticipated.

A news release from the Medalta Potteries National Historic Site says it will reopen Thursday.

The release says damage from high water on the South Saskatchewan River last week was mitigated by permanent berms that surround the site.

It says the museum galleries, collection room and offices sustained some damage, but the centre for contemporary ceramics was spared.

Many of the artifacts had been raised off the ground in anticipation of much higher water.

The Historic Clay District covers 60 hectares and encompasses a number of historically significant clay factory sites.

Spokesman Barry Finkelman said Medalta may have been saved, but is concerned about others in the River Flats neighbourhood.

“We were fortunate in that we were able to escape the worst of the flooding, but we are aware that many in our neighbourhood were not so fortunate,” he said.

“Our thoughts are with them.”