Tim Elam:1906 San Francisco Earthquake and Fire

1906 SAN FRANCISCO EARTHQUAKE AND FIRE

APRIL 15, 2023

1:30 PM

You likely felt the 2019 Ridgecrest earthquakes. Occasional ground shaking reminds us that we live in earthquake country in Kern County and California. Imagine awakening before dawn to one minute of terrifying noise and shaking, collapsed chimneys and buildings, fires that surround you, and conditions that change the rest of your life… if you live to tell about it. The April 18, 1906 San Francisco earthquake remains the largest earthquake to hit a major metropolitan center in the U.S. Fires started by the earthquake burned for three days, leaving 80% of the city in ruins.

Shaking caused by rupture along the San Andreas Fault severed San Francisco from its water source west of the fault, leading to the vast conflagration. But San Francisco recovered because of the largest relief and reconstruction effort ever seen in the U.S. A hugely successful World’s Fair in 1915 celebrated the reopening of the city.

Geologist Tim Elam leads earthquake and fire walking tours in downtown San Francisco. Join Tim as he presents a geologic, architectural, and historic view of the 1906 Earthquake and Fire. He will present and discuss via photographs and diagrams:

· First-hand accounts of survivors

· Geologic setting and earthquake risk

· Buildings and features that survived the earthquake and fire

· Celebrations that are still held to commemorate the event

· Why a 2009 building, 58 stories tall, is sinking and leaning in downtown San Francisco

· What measures San Francisco employed to make sure a 1906 type disaster does not occur again.

Tim will also address questions regarding the 2019 Ridgecrest earthquakes.

The presentation will be informal, and questions and discussion are encouraged. No geologic background is necessary to enjoy the event.

There will be no extra charge for attending this event…just the normal Museum entrance fee.