A few years ago, the Capelinhos Interpretation Centre was opened in dedication to the volcano’s eruption in 1957/1958. This brand new center is a state-of-the-art building. Built underground, it has almost no impact on the landscape by blending successfully into its black and gray surroundings.

The tours begin with a 12-minute 3-D film titled The Formation of the Earth. After this film you see depictions of volcanic and seismic events around the world, minerals and gem stones, and much more.

The tour ends beneath the tower of the lighthouse. From there you have a great view onto a landscape still covered by ashes!

This eruption also triggered another exodus – this time it concerned the islanders. Thanks largely to John F. Kennedy, the Azorean Refugee Act was introduced in 1958 allowing Azoreans to start a new life in the U.S.A. A copy of this historical emigration document is on view in the Capelinhos Interpretation Centre.

An intense emigration followed, reducing the island’s population substantially, and new Azorean settlements sprang up both in the U.S.A. and Canada.

Strange to think in all those years I spent in the States I had never met one who claimed to have Azorean roots. I had met so many new Americans claiming to be Germans, British, half Swiss and half Irish, one fourth Native American, etc. But never did I meet one emigrant from the Azores.

Tags: Azorean Refugee Act, Capelinhos, Capelinhos Interpretation Centre, eruption 1957/1958

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