The Redwoods Provide(d):
Stories from the Establishment of Redwood National and State Parks
Cat #: 2008.084.003
Cat #: 2001.034.015
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Cat #: 2009.009.010
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Cat #: D87.034.010
Cat #: 2005.078.031
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In 1968, Redwood National Park was created. |
The establishment of Redwood National and State Parks was a controversial one. It was a decision that involved thousands of people from Humboldt County to Washington DC over a hundred-year time span that continues even to today. It’s an enormous topic and, 50 years after the park’s formal establishment, is one that is still controversial and continues to affect Humboldt County today.
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There's more than one side to this story.
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This year is the 50th anniversary of the establishment of Redwood National and State Parks. To commemorate and reflect on the monumental decision to create a National Park in Humboldt County, a new exhibit, titled The Redwoods Provide(d): Stories from Redwood National and State Parks is now on display at the Clarke Historical Museum in Old Town Eureka
We decided in our examination of the Park that we would investigate the two main sides of the controversy-those who supported the establishment of the park and those who opposed it. Reasons to support or oppose the park changed over the course of the decades-long debate and our exhibit strives to illuminate the reasoning of individuals and groups involved within a specific period. We focus in on the years 1960-1980, when the pivotal events leading to the park's establishment were taking place. At the time, logging technology was developing quickly with the introduction of bulldozers and advancing mechanized saws, allowing the rapid logging of old growth forests. Concurrently, a new environmental preservation movement was sweeping the country and the Redwoods became a major battleground for debates on how people should relate to natural resources.
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The goal of this exhibit is to investigate the different views and reasoning in people's support or opposition to the establishment of Redwood National Park and its later expansion. |
The exhibit displays include items from several groups involved in the 1960s through the 1970s paired with items from the Clarke collections. Notable items on display are an old growth chainsaw, maps used in congressional hearings on expanding the Parks, and a copy of a National Geographic article that many see as a major turning point in promoting public support for the park. There will also be a device used to map the Parks using aerial photography, which will be demonstrated periodically thorughout the exhibit's run.
The exhibit will be on display through January 5
Preserving the Trees
Cat #: 2005.087.035
In a swift panorama the history of these trees passed before me, stage after stage from the remote past" -John C. MerriamOver time, there has been a number of reasons to save the redwoods from over-logging. Original reasons included preserving peaceful places for families and children to explore, scientific research on the plants, water preservation, and places for inspiration. The forests that were preserved in the 1920s and 1930s became tourist attractions as transportation improved, fueling a new industry and encouraging travel to see the tall trees.
What do you do when the ancient forests you enjoy for recreation, solace and science are being logged at an unsustainably fast rate? |
Preserving Tradition
32-foot saw used in early redwood logging. Cat #: D87.034.011
"If Logging Goes, Everything Goes"Generations of men in Humboldt County worked in the logging industry, from the earliest logging operations focusing on Sitka Spruce, Fir, and Tan Oak to later operations logging small redwoods and eventually gigantic old growth trees. Whole towns like Scotia, Falk, and Samoa constructed by lumber companies for their workers and families sprung up to support them. It was well paying work for hard working men, although it was also very dangerous. By the time the late 1960s came around, 70% of local industry was tied to lumber.
What do you do when the government begins talking about buying up land for a park-which may put you out of a job? |
What do you do when the forests that provide so much are under threat?
Fight for the Redwoods
Cat #: 1964.001.149b
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Fight for Tradition
Cat #:2004.051.004
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Share your experience with us by using the hashtag #theredwoodsprovided!
Help support this and future exhibits by entering our quilt raffle!
Additional Information |
This exhibit is part of a larger event!This exhibit is part of a series of art and cultural events taking place throughout 2018 in celebration of the Park's establishment. See the full list of participants and events here!
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Thank you to our Exhibit Sponsors! |
Thank you to our Exhibit Contributors!The following individuals and groups have graciously lended items to the museum for display:
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