In 1955, Kilauea Volcano erupted in the lower Puna District of Hawaii Island for a heart-stopping 88 days. The outbreak began Feb. 28 and was the first eruption in an inhabited area on Kilauea since 1840.
In 1955, Kilauea Volcano erupted in the lower Puna District of Hawaii Island for a heart-stopping 88 days. The outbreak began Feb. 28 and was the first eruption in an inhabited area on Kilauea since 1840.
More than 24 separate volcanic vents opened up and down the volcano’s East Rift Zone, with lava flows covering some 3,900 acres of land. Coastal communities from Kalapana to Kapoho were evacuated, and sections of every public road to the coastline were buried by lava before the eruption ended abruptly May 26.
The Lyman Museum kicks off Volcano Awareness Month with a special presentation by USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory geologist Frank Trusdell and HVO photo archive volunteer Ben Gaddis, who use maps, photos and film to describe this historic event and its impact on lower Puna communities.
The public can attend the presentation on two occasions: from 7-8:30 p.m. Monday, Jan. 8, and 3-4:30 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 9.
The program is part of Lyman Museum’s Saigo Public Program lecture series. Admission is free to museum members, $3 for nonmembers.
The nationally accredited and Smithsonian-affiliated Lyman Museum showcases the natural and cultural history of Hawaii. Located in Hilo at 276 Haili St., the museum is open 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday.
For more information, call 935-5021 or visit www.lymanmuseum.org.
