This guide will give information on resources including books, libraries, museums, and special collections that may help students with research on Humboldt County history. 

Humboldt County Courthouse in Eureka, California

Humboldt County is a county in the state of California. Based on the 2010 census, the population was 134,623. The county seat is Eureka. Humboldt County was established on May 12, 1853, from Trinity County. The county derived its name from Humboldt Bay, which was entered by a sea otter party in 1806 but was not rediscovered until 1849. In 1850, Douglas Ottinger and Hans Buhne entered the bay, naming it Humboldt in honor of the great German naturalist and world explorer, Baron Alexander von Humboldt.

Humboldt County comprises the Eureka-Arcata-Fortuna, California plus other towns and cities. It includes 4,052 square miles of sometimes rugged terrain, famous redwood tree groves, bays, and is bordered by the mountains and the Pacific Ocean.  It is located on the far North Coast 200 miles north of San Francisco.

Although College of the Redwoods does not have a degree or certificate offered for Humboldt County History, students may wish to transfer to four-year colleges that do offer other pursuits for history degrees. This school does offer a degree in Associate of Liberal Arts: Humanities, and History which is a similar subject interest. The library offers these guides as resources as a way to support student understanding of local Humboldt and California History. 

Clarke Museum in Eureka

The Clarke Historical Museum in Eureka, California contains the area's premier collection of California North Coast regional and cultural history, including Nealis Hall, dedicated to honoring and teaching about local Native American tribes. 

Address: 240 E St, Eureka, CA 95501
Opened: 1911
Hours:  4PM ⋅ Opens 10AM
Phone: (707) 443-1947
Architect: Albert Pissis

Always ask your instructor what citation style should be used for research projects. See below for links to helpful resources.