Humboldt County
Eureka - Clarke Museum
The Clarke Historical Museum is located in Eureka at the corner of 3rd and E streets on the edge of the historic section of town. It occupies an old bank building and the treasures that the building now houses are far more valuable than the mere specie that used to be kept within it's walls.
The Clarke Museum is a wonderful assemblage of memorabilia from Eureka's glory days as the lumber capital of Northern California. This thoughtfully curated collection takes you inside the stately Victorian era homes of old Eureka for a glimpse of the people that lived there. Clothing, furniture, home decor, and every day utilitarian items bring the nineteenth century to life for anyone with the slightest hint of an imagination. There is even a surrey with a fringe on top.
The famous collection of Native American materials in the annex is truly unique and warrants it's reputation as one of the best representations of American aboriginal basketry in the world. This magnificent collection gives one an insight into the lives of human beings living in this area before the sailing ships arrived and the quest for gold, timber and land by Anglo-Europeans transformed their world forever. The simplicity and beauty of Native American handicrafts is amply displayed in this collection, and the basketry is easily one of the most impressive collections I have ever seen anywhere.
Simply put, the Clarke Museum should be on your short list of museums to visit while exploring Northern California. Check their website for their hours http://clarkemuseum.org.
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