It’s Time for (Local) Tea at the Clarke

This is a press release from the Clarke Historical Museum:

Teacup/saucer basket, photo taken by Katie Buesch — Twined cup and saucer made by an unknown Hupa weaver, c. 1914-15, with Frog’s Hand design. This is part of the Worthington Collection in Nealis Hall

The Clarke Historical Museum invites the community to a multisensory adventure into understanding native plants that have been used by local tribes since time immemorial at a special Sunday afternoon tea on January 24^th, 2021.

Wild rose hips, yerba buena, and nettle have been used as healthful, tasty teas by local tribal communities for centuries. Thanks to support from United Indian Health Services, Trinidad Rancheria, and sponsors Cher-Ae Heights Casino, the Museum is able to offer the community the opportunity to sample these teas and learn more about the plants and their roles in indigenous culture.

The cost for the full event package is $30, which includes a custom-designed mug by Jenna Catsos of Pen & Pine, a selection of locally grown teas from Potawot Community Garden in Arcata, an acorn tea infuser, and access to a Zoom presentation by Dessa Gunning, Librarian at the Trinidad Rancheria, explaining the names and uses for the various plants in the tea blends. Tickets for the entire package are limited to 50, but additional tickets for those wishing to attend the presentation but not receive the teas or mug are unlimited and may be purchased at $10 each.

Here’s Dessa, in her own words, explaining the value of local native teas in her life:

“I was a sickly child and would spend two weeks or longer with my kue-chos (grandmother) in the summer. I had uncontrolled asthma and many allergies. When I stayed with kue-chos, she would make me all sorts of teas. It was not until I spent time with my aa-wok Aunt Juanita Samuels, who was a master herbalist, that I learned what all those teas were and how they helped me. I learned about local teas that grow wild around us and their medicinal value, and it changed how I look at that simple cup of tea, realizing it was a healing living thing that created wellbeing. I now share this knowledge with my tribe and others by providing cultural programs and as a librarian for Trinidad Rancheria.”

Participants will also have a chance to win a unique door prize – a handmade teapot and four matching cups created by Hupa/Yurok ceramicist Jessica Lourence, valued at $280 and packaged in a handmade redwood box crafted by Yurok tribal member Kenny Childs.

“This is the first in a series of tea-themed events the Clarke will be holding over the course of 2021,” says Executive Director Katie Buesch. “Proceeds from this event will go towards improvements in the Nealis Hall Native American exhibit space. Future events – initially over Zoom but hopefully in person before the end of 2021 – will include a Japanese tea ceremony, a Victorian tea party, and a tea-themed cocktail party.”

Tickets can be purchased on the Clarke Museum website at www.clarkemuseum.org/wild-teas.html or by calling the museum at 707-443-1947. Participants will be able to pick up their tea kits from the Museum in the days leading up to the event or can be shipped for a small additional cost; if shipping is required, please order by January 18th, 2021 to ensure a timely delivery.

The mission of the Clarke Historical Museum 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.

Design/photo for Wild Teas mug by Jenna Catsos, Pen+Pine