The Clarke Historical Museum: Past and Present

Brown Bag Lunch Online Presentation with Josh Buck, Clarke Historical Museum: The Clarke Museum is Humboldt County's largest museum and features many artifacts from the varied history of northwestern California. One of the unique qualities of the Clarke is that it is a living history museum, in that there are very few artifacts that are always on display. However, the museum does have a few that can be found year-round. Find out what the museum has on display, and the process by which exhibits are curated. In addition, learn how the museum was formed and provide a quick history of the buildings that now house the collection. There are plenty of opportunities to volunteer at the Clarke, and you will find out how to get involved.

Josh Buck is the executive director/curator of the Clarke Historical Museum, a board member of the Timber Heritage Association, a historical consultant and educator. Josh was born in Arcata, California, and has lived in Humboldt County his entire life. He has had a lifelong interest in the history of the county and had the opportunity to focus on that during his time at Humboldt State University as a history major. After graduating in 2018, Josh returned to Cal Poly Humboldt's Teacher Credential Program and graduated in 2022.

The Clarke Historical Museum, located at 240 E Street in Eureka, California, is Humboldt County's largest museum. It was founded in 1960 by Cecile Clarke, a former Eureka High School history teacher with a deep passion for sharing historical artifacts with her students. The mission of the Clarke 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.