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.
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! |
![]() DID YOU KNOW: Originally named the Clarke Memorial Museum after her parents,
it was renamed to become the Clarke Historical Museum in 2001! |
Starting April 18th, 2023, we will be operating under our summer hour schedule and will be open Tuesday-Sunday, 10 am-5 pm, and closed on Mondays.
NOTE: We will be closed Saturday, May 20th, for a private event.
Clarke Historical Museum will be open late during these Old Town Eureka events:
NOTE: We will be closed Saturday, May 20th, for a private event.
Clarke Historical Museum will be open late during these Old Town Eureka events:
Friday Night Markets (resuming in July 2023)
Fridays 5:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. July - September |
Eureka Arts Alive
1st Saturday of the Month 6 p.m. - 9 p.m. |
Looking for the Visitor Center? We just moved!
Find us at our new location in the brick building behind the gazebo at 108 F Street.
Quickly, easily, and safely donate to the museum through PayPal using the yellow button below! |
Like us on Facebook! |
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Current Exhibits![]() New in Nealis Hall:
Ecological Management Albert & Vivian Hailstone Collection 1900-1940s Baskets from the Hover Collection Nellie McGraw ...and new mini-exhibits in ALL flat cases! ![]() New in the Emmerson Room:
Baleen Bones: Structure in Victorian Garments |
Upcoming EventsA Very Victorian Tea
July 23rd, 2:00pm - 5:00pm More info and ticket sales coming soon! More Digital Goodies
Ask a Curator Video Series Clarke TikTok Videos Behind the Scenes at the Clarke Gather Post-Screening Panel HHS 2020 Presentations The Clarke Historical Museum would like to thank the readers of the North Coast Journal for voting us Best Museum in Humboldt County in 2022. Your support is appreciated and so important to us, and we are honored to have earned the title!
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