GETTING READY FOR THE NEW MADRID BICENTENNIAL: REAL PLANS, GENERAL CONCEPTS, AND A WISH LIST

In 1811-1812, a series of great earthquakes rocked most of the area east of the Rockies. Centered near the frontier settlement of New Madrid, Mo., the earthquakes devastated the epicentral area; caused damage hundreds of miles away, including in Washington DC, New Orleans, and Georgia; and were felt in Boston and Canada. In the almost 200 years since, the population of the affected area has grown by more than 100 times. Many of the physical inventories of key parts of the US economy, as well as critical elements of the transportation and communication infrastructure of the Nation, have since 'grown into' the exceptional earthquake hazards of the central US.

Plans are in place to recognize the New Madrid Bicentennial in 2011 and 2012 by the US Geological Survey, the Central US Earthquake Consortium, the Earthquake Engineering Research Institute, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, and other organizations.

The purpose is to leverage the 200th anniversary of the New Madrid earthquakes into a national opportunity to increase awareness and inspire action to reduce earthquake risk to people, property, systems, and communities. A key theme of the New Madrid Bicentennial program will recognize and promote responsible and sustainable economic development in areas of the central US that are affected by geologic hazards and earthquake risk.

Plans for the New Madrid Bicentennial include ‘destination event' planning (modeled after the Lewis & Clark Bicentennial of 2004-2006), permanent and mobile museum exhibits, a PBS special, field trips, and hosting the 2012 National Earthquake Conference. Other ideas include developing an 'Earthquake Trail' for the tourism industry (modeled after the 'Golf Trail' and the 'Whiskey Trail'); sponsoring historical reenactments; and proactive outreach to industry associations in finance, insurance, land use, continuity planning, and related areas.