Earthquakes in Puritan New England and their Impact

Earthquakes are not that common in New England. And when they happen, they are usually small in the 1.2 to 1.5 magnitude range and do not cause much damage. But when an estimated magnitude 7.3 earthquake took place in Quebec in 1663, causing damage from Canada to Boston, the Puritans were rattled to say the least. Houses shook, chimneys collapsed, pewter and other kitchen items were flung from the walls. Frightened Puritans ran into the street fearing the wrath of God. They felt God was telling them something. But what? Opinions varied and the ministers incorporated the earthquake into their sermons.

Join us for a discussion of the earthquakes in Puritan New England with Dr. John E. Ebel of the Boston College Dept. of Earth & Environmental Sciences. We’ll discuss his book “New England Earthquakes: The Surprising History of Seismic Activity in the Northeast” and the impact that earthquakes had on the local Puritans.