Gladys Hansen facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Gladys Hansen
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| Born | Gladys Cox June 12, 1925 Berkeley, California |
| Died | March 5, 2017 (aged 91) San Francisco, California |
| Occupation | Librarian • archivist • author |
| Nationality | American |
| Alma mater | Lowell High School |
| Subject | History of San Francisco |
| Notable works | Denial of Disaster |
| Spouse | William Hansen |
Gladys Cox Hansen (born June 12, 1925 – died March 5, 2017) was an amazing American librarian, a person who keeps and organizes historical records (an archivist), and an author. She was a super expert on the history of San Francisco, especially about the big 1906 San Francisco earthquake. Gladys spent her life helping people learn about San Francisco's past.
Contents
Gladys Hansen's Early Life and School
Gladys Hansen was born in 1925 in Berkeley, California. When she was a child, her family moved to San Francisco. She lived there for the rest of her life. She went to Lowell High School. After high school, she briefly attended San Francisco State College (which is now San Francisco State University). However, she did not finish her degree there.
Gladys Hansen's Career and Discoveries
When Gladys was just 17 years old, she started working part-time. Her first job was at the Presidio branch of the San Francisco Public Library. Later, she moved to the main library building. By 1963, she was in charge of the library's special California collection. This collection held many important historical items. In 1972, the mayor of San Francisco, Joseph Alioto, named her the city's official archivist. This meant she was in charge of all the city's historical documents.
Researching the 1906 San Francisco Earthquake
In 1963, Gladys began a very important project. She wanted to find out the names of everyone who died in the 1906 San Francisco earthquake. The official number of deaths from 1907 was only 478. But Gladys believed this number was much too low. She thought the true number of people killed was hidden on purpose.
In 1989, Gladys co-wrote a book called Denial of Disaster. In this book, she explained her research. She estimated that more than 3,000 people actually died in the earthquake. This was a huge difference from the official count.
Even after she retired from the San Francisco Main Library in 1992, Gladys kept working. She continued to identify more earthquake victims. In 2005, the San Francisco Board of Supervisors agreed with her. They passed a resolution that said the old 1907 death count was wrong. Gladys helped write this important resolution.
Founding the Museum and City Guides
In 1991, Gladys Hansen started the Museum of the City of San Francisco. This museum helps people learn about the city's history. She also created a website for the museum, so people could explore it online.
Besides her library work, Gladys also created San Francisco City Guides. This is a group of volunteers who give walking tours of San Francisco. They teach people about the city's famous places and hidden stories.
In 1997, Gladys received a special honor. She got the Ron Ross Founder's Award from the San Francisco History Association. This award recognized her amazing work.
Gladys Hansen's Family Life
Gladys was married to William Hansen. William was a pilot in the United States Army Air Corps during World War II. They had one son together, named Richard.
Gladys Hansen's Passing
Gladys Hansen passed away peacefully in San Francisco on March 5, 2017. She was 91 years old. She left behind a great legacy of historical research and public service.
