With the 1906 earthquake centennial behind us and the 20th anniversary of the Loma Prieta earthquake upon us, there is still much to see and learn about earthquakes in the Bay Area. Here is a list of informative and entertaining activities in the Bay Area. Please drop us a line and let us know about events we haven't listed.
There is a 62% probability that at least one earthquake of magnitude 6.7 or greater will occur on a known or unknown San Francisco Bay region fault before 2032. There's nothing we can do to prevent earthquakes, but there are things we can do to prevent or reduce the harm they cause. Preparedness is the key to eliminating a great deal of damage and injury.
Ongoing -- British artist Andy Goldsworthy has created a site specific artwork in the entry court at the new de Young Museum. Entitled "Faultline," it is continuous crack in the stone pavers running north from the edge of the Music Concourse roadway in front of the museum, up the main walkway, into the exterior courtyard, and up to the main entrance door. Along its path, this crack will bisect several large stones that will serve as seating for museum visitors. Goldsworthy's work is inspired by the unique character of California's tectonic topography, as well as the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake that rendered the old de Young unsafe. The new de Young building has been constructed with the latest in seismic technology to withstand intense earthquakes. Click here for more information.
An exhibition of photographs of San Francisco and Northern California taken by Jack London in the days and weeks immediately after the earthquake, accompanied by his writings and descriptions published in 1906. The online exhibit, archived by The Bancroft Library, can be viewed online here. For more information about California's history, visit www.californiahistoricalsociety.org.
The Exploratorium's Magnitude X: Quake Science and Survival series covers the science, structural engineering and human dimensions of earthquakes. The Exploratorium will provide a range of opportunities to pose all your pent-up questions to a seriesof experts. Visit the Exploratorium's web site dedicated to quake science and engineering, at http://www.exploratorium.edu/faultline and learn more about the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake here.
1906 Earthquake and the Army Exhibition. IN the days following the earthquake, the newly homeless needed food and shelter. The US Army troops stationed at posts now part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area responded within hours. They helped city authorities to maintain order and fight fires. They also established communications, gave medical treatment and provided food, shelter and sanitation. This exhibit tells a story of heroism and valor, order and organization, as well as conflict and controversy. For more information, visit www.nps.gov/prsf/history/1906eq/
The San Francisco Water System: Destruction and Renewal. The San Francisco Public Utilities Commission (SFPUC) presents an exhibition of original, sometimes on-of-a-kind archival photographs portraying the destruction of a city and its water system, the ready and round-the-clock responses of plumbers and other city workers, and the genesis of a new water system designed to provide reliable water and the guarantee that the City of San Francisco would never burn again. The exhibition will consist of approximately 30 framed prints plus enlarged images on banners. For more information, visit www.sfwater.org.
