March 27th, 1964 was a tragic day for the State of Alaska when the Great Alaska Earthquake struck the south-central region. The Anchorage Museum will be commemorating the 50th anniversary of the 1964 Great Alaska Earthquake. State and local officials join community leaders to recall the devastation brought by the earthquake and share stories of Alaskans and their survival.

This Great Alaska Earthquake forever altered the Alaskan landscape in places like Anchorage, Seward and Valdez. Places on the Kenai Peninsula were also slightly effected. The aftershocks ruined many homes, businesses etc and caused hundreds of millions of dollars in damage. Property damage was estimated at about $311 Million dollars. Ground fissures, collapsing building structures, and tsunamis resulting from the earthquake caused about 139 deaths. This Great Alaska Earthquake forever altered the Alaskan landscape in places like Anchorage, Seward and Valdez. There are still some places you can see, that were ruined or destroyed during the earthquake. Places along Alaska have traces of the devastating event that occured that left many homeless, jobless, and worse, without a family member. We are coming together to remember those who were lost and of those who came in time of need to help.

This Thursday at 1:36pm individuals, schools, families, businesses, churches, and other organizations are encouraged to participate in the Great Alaska Shakeout Drill. The drill is to help “remember” the great earthquake, and to instill proper earthquake evacuation skills. The drill is part of commemorative events on the 50th Anniversary of the 1964 Earthquake. Everyone is asked to practice proper earthquake response with “Drop, Cover and Hold On!” or to have a more extensive emergency drill.

A lecture follows at 6 p.m. about the effects of the earthquake by George Plafker, geologic hazard consultant and U.S. Geological Survey Volunteer Scientist Emeritus.

Come to the Anchorage Museum Thursday night from 5 to 7pm to remember the Great Alaska Earthquake.

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