Lecture by Betsy Green: The Earthquake Survivors Speak

The Earthquake Survivors Speak

By Betsy Green

Thursday, June 26, 2025 at 6:00 pm

Architectural Foundation of Santa Barbara Gallery, 229 E. Victoria Street

The earthquake that hit Santa Barbara on the morning of June 29, 1925 killed 11 people. For those who survived, it was a day they would never forget. What was it like to be shaken awake at 6:42 in the morning? People in hotels were thrown out of their beds and staggered down the stairs. Families in homes stumbled through items that had fallen on the floor and ran outside. People on the streets and sidewalks dodged the debris raining down. But although the buildings downtown fell apart, the people pulled together and helped each other. After a cup of strong coffee and some breakfast provided by volunteers in De la Guerra Plaza or Alameda Park, people began to think about rebuilding Santa Barbara in a style that would be envied by other cities.

Historian and author Betsy J. Green will share some of the stories told by the earthquake survivors and their descendants. Copies of her latest book, Way Back When: Santa Barbara in 1925, will be available.

Host or Publisher Architectural Foundation of Santa Barbara