Here Are Some Exhibits and Events at the Clarke This Month

This is a press release from the Clarke Historical Museum:

Please note we are now working under winter hours. We are closed Monday and Tuesday, open Wednesday through Sunday 11 am to 4 pm.

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Exhibits and Displays

Closing Soon: Crazy Quilt: Art and Craft

A few years ago, Director Katie received a grant to closely study the Clarke’s Crazy Quilt collection. Crazy quilts are known for, well, their craziness- with vibrant patchwork, elaborate embroidery, and use of any kind of scrap fabric the maker could get ahold of. They were made generally in the Victorian period, which was known for its strict boundaries and expectations of women, making it an interesting outlet for women to show their creativity in an unrestrained way. This exhibit, showing off the Clarke’s significant crazy quilt collection, will be one you won’t want to miss. This exhibit will be closing January 9, 2022

Opening February 2022: Bobs and Beads: 1920s Fashion

 The 1920s were a time of immense change in all facets of life.

One of the most visual indicators of change in a society is clothing and the 1920s are a great example. New materials, silhouettes, lengths, designs, and accessories became possible in this era with improving methods of producing synthetic materials, improved access to cultural information in other parts of the world and growing popular visual culture like movies and influential movie stars becoming fashion icons. Decreasing costs of synthetic materials, increasing incomes, and increased leisure time all set the stage for the seasonable fashion cycles and fast fashion of later decades.

This exhibit explores the social, cultural, and economic changes taking place in the 1920s through the lens of fashion trends, clothing, and accessories from the Clarke’s collections.

Weapons Vault Reopened!

The Clarke’s Weapons Vault is back open for viewing! Come see one of the most notable and extensive historic firearms collections in the county at the Museum. During most Arts Alives, historic firearms expert Dean Thomas is in the Vault to answer questions about the displays.

Victorian Winter Wear

How did people keep warm in the Victorian period here in damp and cold Humboldt County? This and more in our newest Victorian Room exhibit.

Tobacco Baskets and Tools on Loan from The Trinidad Museum 

Ron Johnson, known for his fascinating in-depth catalogs on local Native basket weaving and craft traditions created this exhibit exploring the traditional cultivation, harvest, and use of a local form of tobacco for the Trinidad Museum in 2020. It features items from the Clarke Museum, Trinidad Museum, and private collections. There are also catalogs for sale that feature full-color images on all the items on display and in-depth explanations written by Ron Johnson and former Clarke Curator Coleen Kelley Marks.

Hover Case Re-install

The Hover collection is a core collection at the Museum featuring a variety of baskets from around Northwestern California. Items from the Hover Collection are rotated on and off display once a year to give the baskets and items time to rest from light exposure. The collection was begun by a Karuk weaver frequently referred to as Emma Pearch, and pieces were added to the collection by at least 2 subsequent generations of her family. It was donated to the Museum to be used for public education. A full catalog of the Hover collection (titled “The Hover Collection of Karuk Baskets”) is available for purchase at the Museum.

This reinstall, coordinated by Intern Sjell (pronounced “Shell”), explores how contemporary forces have changed and been incorporated into traditional weaving styles and formats using items in the Hover Collection. 

Pine Nuts 

Pine nuts are a vital food source for local tribal communities, and also frequently appear on local regalia including dresses and necklaces. Learn more about this essential seed and see examples of its use in regalia in this new exhibit.

Upcoming Events:

Here’s what’s cooking behind the scenes at the Clarke. Be among the first to know when tickets go on sale by joining our newsletter or following us on social media. Tickets will likely sell out for ticketed events very quickly once they go up for sale. Please note that any events noted as ‘in person’ may switch to be virtual depending on the COVID situation. If you have registered for an event, be sure to check your email for any updates on the event format.

Jeannie Pfaelzer: Driven Out- Eureka’s Chinatown and the context of the 1885 Chinese Expulsion from Eureka

January 30, 2022 at 1 pm. In-person at the Clarke Museum. 

For the safety of all participants, properly worn masks and vaccination proof are required to attend in person. This event will also be livestreamed through the Clarke Museum Facebook and Youtube pages.[POSTPONED]

Tea and Cocktails: Roaring 20s

Local distilleries and local restaurants team up with the Clarke to host a roaring 1920s cocktail party! Join our newsletter for updates on the format and when tickets go on sale. We are aiming for Saturday, Feb 12, but this date may change depending on the COVID situation. Proof of vaccination is required to attend.

Participating Distilleries:

Alchemy Distillery 

Dutch and Dewey Distillery

Humboldt Craft Spirits

Humboldt Distillery 

Food Catered by:

Gabriels

Dina Fernandez

Want to sponsor the event? We are looking for business and individual sponsors for the event and your name/business logo will appear on advertising and other promotional materials for the event. Email [email protected] for more information. 

Educator Tour of Eureka’s Chinatown – Spring 2022

We’ve had a number of local educators interested in incorporating the story of Eureka’s Chinatown into their classrooms and are planning on hosting a tour for educators specifically, which will include previews of the Eureka Chinatown Project’s curriculum. Please contact [email protected] for more information.

Speaker Series:

Starting the third Saturday of February, the Clarke Saturday Speakers Series is back! Presentations are the third Saturday of each month at 2 pm. Here are a few of our confirmed speakers and topics for 2022:

May: Lynette Mullen: Eureka’s Red Light District

July: Josh Buck, Timber Heritage Association: Northwestern Pacific Railroad

November: Alme Allen, Karuk/Yurok artist- Woodcarving Traditions

New in the Giftshop

Dogs of Old Town Calendars are now on sale! This fundraiser calendar features 13 adorable dogs who live and work in Old Town Eureka. Calendars are $13 each and can be purchased at the Clarke Museum (240 E Street), Just My Type Letterpress (235 F Street) and Art Center Frame Shop (616 Second Street).

New Year, New Books! 

We’re ordering some crowd favorites and new titles for the gift shop- follow us on social media or join our email newsletter for updates on new books as they come in.