CLARKE HISTORICAL MUSEUM

Welcome to the Clarke Historical Museum

The mission of the Clarke Historical Museum is to celebrate the rich and varied history of Northwestern California by preserving, sharing, and interpreting that history in ways that increase knowledge, enrich the spirit, engage the mind, and stimulate the imagination.

Museum Hours:
Wednesday - Sunday
11 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Closed 10/18-10/19 for A Very Victorian Tea & Tarot

Admission:
Admission is a suggested donation of $10 per individual or $30 for a group of five.

Information on School Tours
*Click Here*

Whether a tourist or a local, a stop in Old Town Eureka is not complete without a visit to the Clarke Historical Museum.

Founded by Eureka High School teacher Cecile Clarke, the museum has been housed in the landmark Bank of Eureka building since 1960. The Clarke Museum proudly displays the rich history of Humboldt County, which includes vibrant Native American cultures, gold rush settlements, the lumber industry, prosperous ranching, farming and livelihoods wrung from the sea. Walking through period rooms and changing exhibits, visitors can glimpse Victorian elegance, remarkable craftsmanship, and everyday work, home, life and play from Humboldt County’s past.

We look forward to making your next visit to Humboldt a historic one!

Museum Brochure

DID YOU KNOW: Originally named the Clarke Memorial Museum after her parents,
it was renamed to become the Clarke Historical Museum in 2001!

Quickly, easily, and safely donate to the museum through PayPal using the yellow button below!

2025 Exhibits

Main Hall:

History of McKinleyville

Nealis Hall:

Florence Harrie (1889-1981, Karuk)

The McKinnon Family:
From Basketry to Bowls

More Digital Goodies
Saturday Speaker Series
Ask a Curator Video Series
Clarke TikTok Videos
Behind the Scenes at the Clarke
Gather Post-Screening Panel
HHS 2020 Presentations

Upcoming Events

Saturday Speaker Series
November 1, 2025
2:30 p.m.- 3:30 p.m.
Free and open to the public!

Arts Alive
First Saturday of Every Month
6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Free and open to the public!

An Evening of Gratitude
Friday, December 5th
5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

The Emmerson Victorian Room:

Poisons and Potions:
Victorian Era Pharmacies

Victorian Era Sewing Circles

We're in the News!

The Clarke Historical Museum would like to thank the readers of the North Coast Journal for voting us Best Museum in Humboldt County in 2024. Your support is appreciated and so important to us, and we are honored to have earned the title!