On January 17, 1980, the town of Kelso was lost to the floodwaters of the Pomahaka River.
Thirty years on, former residents and a local historian are working to ensure the memory of Kelso is not forgotten.
The plaques, which outline the history and demise of the town, are of museum quality and have been mounted on two large rocks.
They present pictures of Kelso and information on its history from its early days up to the time of the flood.
West Otago Ward councillor Jeff McKenzie said historian Allen Duff approached the West Otago Community Board five years ago with a collection of historical material on Kelso.
"He had all this history of Kelso, and brought it to the community board, hoping they would pile it up and do what we have done here," he said.
Mr Duff, who still lives near Kelso, said the board was keen at the time, but did not have the funds to carry out the project.
"It sat on the back burner for three years. We decided to revisit it two years ago," he said.
With funds from public donations and volunteer labour, which Mr Duff estimates would total $4000, the project has gone ahead, ensuring Kelso's history is preserved for future generations.
Mr McKenzie said there had been "quite a lot of interest" in the project and with "various bursts of enthusiasm", they had got it to this level.
"Once we put the word out there, that we were going to do this, residents of Kelso got right in behind us."
People wanted to see the history of the area preserved, Mr McKenzie said.
"A lot of people have lived in Kelso over the years. "It amazes me how many people I come into contact with who lived here, or had some connection with Kelso."
Mr McKenzie says about 60 people have registered for tea after the unveiling, and he is expecting up to 100 people on the day.
