Humboldt County Historical Society facts for kids

The Humboldt County Historical Society (HCHS) is a group that helps people learn about the past in Humboldt County, California. They have offices, a bookstore, and lots of old items in Eureka. Their team helps people research history.

Discovering Humboldt County's Past

The society welcomes everyone to explore their collection. This collection mostly has old papers and documents. The HCHS also offers many ways to learn. They often give public talks about different parts of Humboldt County's history. They also publish a magazine four times a year and special books.

What the Society Does

The HCHS has a clear goal. They want to help everyone understand and enjoy the history of Humboldt County. This includes all the people, places, events, and activities. They do this by finding, creating, saving, explaining, and sharing historical information. They also help others do the same.

The Gross-Wells-Barnum House

The society's offices are in a beautiful old house. This house used to belong to Helen Wells Barnum. She was once the owner of the famous Eureka Inn. Her grandparents, Dr. and Mrs. Reuben Gross, built the house in 1902. It is a lovely two-story home in the Colonial Revival style. Mrs. Barnum's family gave the house to the society in 1993. Most of the first floor is open to visitors during business hours.

Explore the Bookstore

The HCHS bookstore has many books about the region's history. It offers over 100 different publications. You can also find historic photos there. It's a great place to find out more about the area.

The Humboldt Historian Magazine

The HCHS publishes a magazine called the Humboldt Historian. It comes out every three months. This magazine has been published regularly since 1953. If you become a member of the society, your membership includes a subscription to the magazine.

Amazing Collections

The Historical Society is the main place for old printed materials. They also keep maps and photographs. All these items are important for understanding Humboldt County's history. So far, the society takes care of more than 50 different collections of documents.

Research Library

The society's Research Library has lots of information. You can find details about family histories (genealogy) here. It also has many local history records. You can visit the research library during their open hours. If you need special research help, it's best to ask by mail or email. Non-members might need to pay a small fee for research requests.

Programs and Events

The HCHS Lecture Series happens every month. These talks are on the first Saturday. They take place in the meeting room at the Humboldt County Library (Main branch in Eureka). The lectures usually start at 1:30 PM.

See Also

• Clarke Historical Museum
• Humboldt Bay Maritime Museum
• List of historical societies in California