50th Anniversary of the ’64 Quake

On March 27, 1964, Alaska experienced the largest-ever recorded earthquake in North America. Known as the Good Friday Earthquake, this event caused an underwater landslide that washed away the waterfront area of Valdez and resulted in the loss of 32 lives. The quake also caused a local tsunami which surged into town, causing significant damage. As a result of the earthquake, the Valdez town site was deemed unsafe for habitation, causing the entire town to be relocated to its present, safer location approximately four miles away. The entire town was relocated, a process completed over the next three years.

2014 marked the fifty-year anniversary of the tragic event which is still recalled with loss by many of Valdez’s longtime residents. To commemorate the event, City of Valdez, the Valdez Museum, the Valdez Convention & Visitors Bureau, and the Pioneers of Alaska,would like to invite you to participate in the days events.

• The Valdez Museum will be open free to the public at both locations. The Valdez Museum on Egan will be open from 12noon-9pm, while the Valdez Museum on Hazelet will be open from 12noon-5pm.
• From 5:30-6pm the Pioneers of Alaska will meet on Kelsey Dock for their Annual Memorial Service, and they invite you to join them.
• Stating at 6pm the city will be funding a public reception that will take place at the Valdez Museum. At this time the Museum will also unveil the new earthquake exhibit, “A Moving Experience”.