Aug
23

Where were you the day the earth moved?

On August 23, 2011, a 5.8-magnitude earthquake struck near Richmond, Va., the strongest quake felt on the East Coast since the Second World War. Take a look back at that day with your colleagues who were there.

Cartoon showing damaged capitol and other buildings on the Mall
Copyright Peggy Noonan

August 24, 2011 Torch | Where were you the day the earth moved?

Staff describe their reactions to the quake, including hiding under a table with the Secretary and senior leadership.

August 26, 2011 Torch | After the shock: Secretary Clough gives an earthquake update

The Torch spoke with then-Secretary Clough, our own in-house expert on earthquakes, to get his observations on the quake that struck the East Coast on Aug. 23, and its effect on the Smithsonian.

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Posted: 23 August 2022
About the Author:

The editrix of the Torch is fired with a burning desire to ignite the flames of enthusiasm among her Smithsonian colleagues while brandishing the Torch of knowledge. She also likes puns.