The Clarke Historical Museum in Eureka, California contains the area's premier collection of California North Coast regional and cultural history. The facility has an entire Native American wing, Nealis Hall, which features an extensive internationally recognized collection of basketry, regalia, stoneware, implements, and other objects indicative of the culture and creativity of local and regional Native American groups including the Wiyot, Yurok, Karuk and Hupa Tribes. The EurekaVisitors Center is located in the main hall of the museum. The Clarke Museum is a 501 3 non-profit.
History
The Clarke Historical Museum was founded by Cecile Clarke. Miss Clarke was a local history teacher at Eureka High School. It was here at Eureka High that she first started displaying her collection of local Native American basketry. In 1960, when the school ran out of room for her ever increasing collection of local history items, Miss Clarke sold her family sheep ranch and used the money to buy the old Bank of Eureka building and she set up her collection here. Miss Clarke taught for over 40 years and dedicated her life to the museum. Originally named the Clarke Memorial Museum, after her parents, it was renamed the Clarke Historical Museum in 2001, and now runs as a privately operated non-profit organization for the use, benefit, and awareness of the City of Eureka, surrounding cities and the localNative Indian tribes. The Native American wing, Nealis Hall, was built in 1979. The museum is housed in the former Bank of Eureka & Savings Bank of Humboldt Building in Old Town Eureka, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The bank building is a Classical Revival or Neoclassical structure, notable for its elevations, which are covered in glazed architectural terra-cotta over brick. It is the most significant structure covered in this material north of San Francisco. Quoinedpavilions flank the recessed portico supported by ionic columns and an extensive balustradedparapet appears above the cornice.
