The collection includes personal accounts of Bay Area residents during and after the 1989 Loma Prieta Earthquake, along with original and photocopied ephemera. It also includes newspaper articles from the days and months following the earthquake.

While serving as the City Archivist for the San Francisco Public Library at the time of the 1989 earthquake, Gladys Hansen called for the public to donate their personal accounts to what she called the “1989 Earthquake Project”. Residents submitted their personal accounts along with newspaper clippings, flyers, and various other materials. Library staff and volunteers also contributed to the collection. At the time of the project Hansen had written a book about the 1906 San Francisco Earthquake titled "Who perished: a list of persons who died as a result of the great earthquake and fire in San Francisco on April 18, 1906" which is often referred to in the collection.

6 cartons, 1 pamphlet box. Includes one audio tape. (6.25 Cubic Feet)

All requests for permission to publish or quote from manuscripts must be submitted in writing to the City Archivist. Permission for publication is given on behalf of the San Francisco Public Library as the owner of the physical items.

The collection is available for use during San Francisco History Center hours, with photographs available during Photo Desk hours. Collections that are stored offsite should be requested 48 hours in advance.