Collection context
Summary
- Title:
- Collection on the 1989 Loma Prieta Earthquake
- Dates:
- 1989-1990
- Abstract:
- 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.
- Extent:
- 6 cartons, 1 pamphlet box. Includes one audio tape. (6.25 Cubic Feet)
- Language:
- Collection materials are in English.
- Preferred citation:
-
[Identification of item], Collection on the 1989 Loma Prieta Earthquake (SFH 455), San Francisco History Center, San Francisco Public Library.
Background
- Scope and content:
-
The collection includes personal accounts of Bay Area residents during and after the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake. Accounts are from the perspective of both children and adults and are generally unpublished. Personal accounts were submitted individually or as a class project by schools. Accounts submitted by schools include the name of the student as well as the school, teacher and grade level. Individual accounts are filed alphabetically by last name. Accounts submitted by class group are filed separately by school name. Accounts may be hand written, printed from computers files, or photocopies. The collection includes original ephemera and photocopies from the earthquake, newspaper articles from the days and months following the earthquake, and resource materials relating to earthquake preparedness, relief and response.
- Biographical / historical:
-
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.
- Custodial history:
-
The collection was amassed by the San Francisco History Center between 1989 and 1990.
- Processing information:
-
During processing, part of the collection was re-foldered and re-housed in acid-free folders and boxes. Some original folders remain. Duplicate materials were removed when possible.
- Arrangement:
-
The collection is arranged in five series: Series 1: Personal Accounts; Series 2: School Project - Personal Accounts; Series 3: Subject Files; Series 4: Newspaper Clippings; Series 5: Loma Prieta Earthquake Resource Materials
- Physical location:
- Open for research. The collection is offsite and advance notice is required for retrieval. Material must be requested at least 4 business days in advance of visit.
- Rules or conventions:
- Describing Archives: A Content Standard
Indexed terms
About this collection guide
- Date Encoded:
- This finding aid was produced using ArchivesSpace on 2017-02-23 18:12:59 +0000 .
Access and use
- Restrictions:
-
The collection is open for research and available for use during San Francisco History Center hours. Photographs are available during Photo Desk hours. This collection must be requested at least 4 business days in advance of visit.
- Terms of access:
-
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.
- Preferred citation:
-
[Identification of item], Collection on the 1989 Loma Prieta Earthquake (SFH 455), San Francisco History Center, San Francisco Public Library.
- Location of this collection:
-
San Francisco Public Library100 Larkin StreetSan Francisco, CA 94102, US
- Contact:
- (415) 557-4567