Indiana State Museum and Historic Sites

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Polly Root Sturgeon, 812.855.1378, [email protected]

EVANSVILLE, Ind. – The public is invited to attend Earthquake Experience, a demonstration and lecture promoting earthquake preparedness education in Indiana. The demonstration will feature the Indiana Geological Survey’s earthquake simulator Quake Cottage, which will be open to the public on Saturday, Aug. 27 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on Sunday, Aug. 28 from 12 to 5 p.m. at to Angel Mounds State Historic Site.

The lecture will feature Dr. William Monaghan of the Indiana Geological Survey who will speak about evidence of quake activity at the Angel Mounds on Sunday, Aug. 28 at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m.

“The simulator provides Hoosiers with an opportunity to experience shaking similar to that of a moderate to strong earthquake,” said Polly Root Sturgeon, Indiana Geological Survey education outreach coordinator. “It also shows how inexpensive preparedness efforts can protect lives and property. Given our proximity to the New Madrid and Wabash Valley Fault Zones, earthquake preparedness is an important component in any overall emergency planning effort, as recent global events have demonstrated.”

According to the Indiana Geological Survey, their Quake Cottage is completely portable and is mounted on a dual-axle trailer measuring 25 feet deep x 8 feet wide x 14 feet tall. The trailer, with an interior recreation of a typical living room, mimics the shaking experienced during earthquakes having magnitudes from 3.0 to 7.0. A large window allows audiences to view participants inside.

“The simulator addresses the need to proactively assess and secure various items in the home, school and workplace,” added Sturgeon. Indiana Geological Survey staff will be on hand to provide additional information about earthquakes in the Midwest.

This event is free and open to the public.

The earthquake hazard preparedness project is funded by the Indiana Department of Homeland Security.

For more information, please contact Angel Mounds Site Manager Mike Linderman at 812.853.3956 or [email protected] or Indiana Geologic Survey Senior Research Scientist Dr. William Monaghan at 812.272.9137 or [email protected].

About the Indiana Geological Survey
The Indiana Geological Survey is a research institute of Indiana University; its mission is to provide geologic information and counsel that contribute to the wise stewardship of the energy, mineral, and water resources of the state. Since 1837, the health, safety, and welfare of Indiana’s citizenry have benefited through a combination of Indiana Geological Survey activities: Focused research initiatives and cooperative investigations with governmental agencies, businesses and industries, and educational organizations; geologic sample and data collection and archiving; and dissemination of information in many forms, including published maps, reports, databases, and educational outreach programs.

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Angel Mounds State Historic Site is located in southern Indiana in Evansville. Part of the Indiana State Museum and Historic Sites, Angel Mounds was a thriving ancient metropolis for Mississippian Indians more than 500 years ago. Today, it is an important site for excavation and research on one of Indiana’s native cultures. For more information, call 812.853.3956 or visit indianamuseum.org/angel-mounds.