1868 Earthquake!

On October 21,1868, one of the most destructive earthquakes in California history ruptured the Hayward Fault. Houses were thrown off their foundations, buildings collapsed, chimneys toppled, and walls fell. Fissures opened in the earth. Beds flew from one side of a room to the other and back. Thirty people died, including the Deputy County Clerk who was caught in the collapsing Alameda County Courthouse in San Leandro.

Bay Area historian Richard Schwartz, whose local history talks have enraptured Historical Society audiences many times, tells the story and shows historic photographs of the largest known earthquake on the Hayward Fault. He includes riveting, first-hand accounts of people who lived through this massive earthquake. Richard will illuminate Bay Area history before and after the quake to reveal cultural changes its destruction brought about.

The USGS estimates that major eruptions occur on the Hayward Fault, on average, every 140 years. Are we ready now, 157 years later, for the next “Big One”? Join us for a fascinating afternoon discovering the history of a major earthquake and the lessons it has for us today.

Refreshments served after the event. Richard's books will be available for purchase and author signing.

Register to ensure a seat — Richard’s talks sell out quickly.