Located in Eureka’s historic Old Town, the Clarke Historical Museum is dedicated to preserving the history and culture of Humboldt County. Housed in an old bank building on E Street, it is a great place to stop and learn about local history. The museum features a number of exhibits and collections, with its Native American collection considered among the largest and best in the country. This includes an entire gallery devoted to local tribes, with baskets, ceremonial regalia, stone implements, tools, artifacts, and necklaces from the Yurok and Karuk tribes. There is also a Native American plant collection in front of the building. Other exhibits include local history displays, a Victorian room, a quilt display, a mineral and gem collection, and a historic gun collection with firearms, muskets, swords, and small guns. One local history exhibit details the expulsion of the Chinese. The museum creates historically accurate displays and vignettes with great details, stories, and information, including outstanding temporary displays about local industries, business, transportation, and daily life from years ago. It also has rotating art exhibits in the lobby. Staff are well-informed and a wealth of information. The price is very reasonable for what there is to see, making it a noteworthy attraction that should not be missed when visiting Eureka.
