Humboldt County Historical Society
The Humboldt County Historical Society (HCHS) is a regional historical society, primarily focused on the history of Humboldt County, California. Offices, bookstore, collections, and research staff are located in Eureka.
| Formation | 1947 |
|---|---|
| Type | Historical Society |
| Headquarters | Gross-Wells-Barnum House |
| Location |
|
Membership | c. 3,000 |
| Website | HCHS |
Overview
The society is open to requests by the public for research in the society's collection, which consists mostly of documents. HCHS also provides a number of educational opportunities, including frequent public talks on various aspects of Humboldt County History, and publishes a quarterly journal and books.
Mission
The society provides the following statement of purpose: The HCHS shall further an understanding and appreciation of all peoples, places, events, and activities of Humboldt County and related areas. The society shall accomplish this by acquiring, creating, preserving, interpreting and disseminating historical information and by assisting others to do the same.
Gross-Wells-Barnum House
The society offices are housed in the former home of the late Helen Wells Barnum, previous owner of the historic Eureka Inn. Built by her maternal grandparents, Dr. and Mrs. Reuben Gross, in 1902, the beautiful two-story Colonial Revival style house was donated to the Society in 1993 through Mrs. Barnum's estate. Much of the lower floor of the home is open to the public during business hours.
Bookstore
The HCHS bookstore offers the most extensive array of historical publications (over 100) and historic photos on the region.
Historical publication
HCHS publishes the Humboldt Historian quarterly. The Historian has been in continuous publication since 1953. Subscription is included in the cost membership to the society.
Collections
The Historical Society is the primary repository for print materials, maps, and photographs that have a bearing on Humboldt County history. To date there are more than 50 separate collections of documents cared for by the society.
Research Library
The Society's Research Library contains collections of genealogical information as well as local history. The research library is available on a drop-in basis during our open hours. Research requests are best handled by mail or e-mail and non-members are charged fees.
Programs and events
HCHS Lecture Series is monthly on the first Saturday in the Humboldt County Library (Main branch - Eureka) meeting room (1:30 PM)