Humboldt County Historical Society facts for kids

The Humboldt County Historical Society (HCHS) is a group dedicated to exploring the past of Humboldt County, California. They gather, keep, and share stories and items from the area's history. You can find their offices, a bookstore, and research materials in Eureka.

Discovering Humboldt's Past

The HCHS helps people learn about Humboldt County's history. They have a large collection of old documents you can look at. They also offer many ways to learn, like public talks about local history. The society publishes a special magazine and books too.

What the Society Does

The main goal of the HCHS is to help everyone understand and enjoy the history of Humboldt County. This includes learning about people, places, events, and activities. They do this by collecting, saving, explaining, and sharing historical information. They also help others who want to do the same.

The Gross-Wells-Barnum House

The society's offices are located in a beautiful old house. It used to belong to Helen Wells Barnum, who once owned the famous Eureka Inn. Her grandparents, Dr. and Mrs. Reuben Gross, built the house in 1902. It's a two-story home built in the Colonial Revival style. Mrs. Barnum's family gave the house to the society in 1993. You can visit much of the first floor during business hours.

Explore the Bookstore

The HCHS has a bookstore with a huge selection of books about local history. You can find over 100 different publications there. They also have many historic photos of the region.

The Humboldt Historian Magazine

The HCHS publishes a magazine called the Humboldt Historian. It comes out four times a year. This magazine has been published continuously since 1953. If you become a member of the society, you get a subscription to the magazine.

Amazing Collections

The Historical Society is the main place to find old printed materials, maps, and photos about Humboldt County. They take care of more than 50 different collections of documents. These items help us understand what life was like in the past.

Research Library

The society has a special research library. Here, you can find information about family histories (genealogy) and local events. You can visit the research library during their open hours. If you need specific research help, it's best to send a mail or email. Non-members might need to pay a small fee for research requests.

Programs and Events

The HCHS hosts a monthly lecture series. These talks happen on the first Saturday of each month. They take place at 1:30 PM in the meeting room of the Humboldt County Library (Main branch in Eureka). It's a great way to learn more about local history!

See also

• Clarke Historical Museum
• Humboldt Bay Maritime Museum