History:

The Clarke Historical Museum was founded by Cecile Clarke (1885-1979).  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.  People gave her more things for the museum and it continued to grow.

Miss Clarke taught for over 40 years and dedicated her life to the museum. Originally named the Clarke Memorial Museum, 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 local Native Indian tribes.