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History of San Francisco’s 1906 Earthquake & Fire with Historian John Martini
arts & culture
When?
Thursday, Apr 16
5:45PM - 7:00PM PDT
Where?
In-person
Description
At 5:12 a.m. on April 18, 1906, a massive earthquake estimated at magnitude 7.9 struck along the San Andreas Fault, violently shaking San Francisco and the surrounding region. Buildings collapsed, streets split open, and gas lines ruptured. In the hours that followed, fires ignited across the city and burned for three days, destroying more than 28,000 buildings and leaving roughly 250,000 residents homeless. Despite the devastation, the disaster also sparked one of the most remarkable rebuilding efforts in American urban history, reshaping San Francisco’s architecture, infrastructure, and civic identity.
Join NEXT Villagers for “Making History Fun Again,” honoring the city’s legendary past through lively storytelling and unforgettable personalities as historian John Martini presents a fascinating look at one of the most defining events in San Francisco history: the 1906 earthquake and fire.
Through photographs, stories, and historical insights, Martini will explore how the earthquake and fires unfolded, how residents responded in the chaotic days afterward, and how the city ultimately rebuilt itself from the ashes.
About the Speaker: John Martini is a historian, author, and retired National Park Service ranger known for his engaging presentations on San Francisco history and military history in the Bay Area. During his decades with the National Park Service, Martini worked at sites including Alcatraz Island and the Presidio, where he helped interpret the region’s complex historical landscape. A widely respected authority on the 1906 disaster, Martini has researched the earthquake and fires extensively and frequently lectures on how the event transformed San Francisco. His storytelling combines rigorous historical research with vivid personal accounts from survivors, bringing one of the city’s most dramatic chapters to life.
Join NEXT Villagers for “Making History Fun Again,” honoring the city’s legendary past through lively storytelling and unforgettable personalities as historian John Martini presents a fascinating look at one of the most defining events in San Francisco history: the 1906 earthquake and fire.
Through photographs, stories, and historical insights, Martini will explore how the earthquake and fires unfolded, how residents responded in the chaotic days afterward, and how the city ultimately rebuilt itself from the ashes.
About the Speaker: John Martini is a historian, author, and retired National Park Service ranger known for his engaging presentations on San Francisco history and military history in the Bay Area. During his decades with the National Park Service, Martini worked at sites including Alcatraz Island and the Presidio, where he helped interpret the region’s complex historical landscape. A widely respected authority on the 1906 disaster, Martini has researched the earthquake and fires extensively and frequently lectures on how the event transformed San Francisco. His storytelling combines rigorous historical research with vivid personal accounts from survivors, bringing one of the city’s most dramatic chapters to life.
Thanks to The Clift Royal Sonesta hotel for inviting NEXT Villagers to participate in this presentation. Advance registration required.
Location for this in person only event is two blocks from Union Square. Address & meeting up directions will be emailed to registrants. Friends are welcome, but make sure guests register themselves so their names will be included on the guest list.
Location for this in person only event is two blocks from Union Square. Address & meeting up directions will be emailed to registrants. Friends are welcome, but make sure guests register themselves so their names will be included on the guest list.