Clarkdale Historical Society and Museum

04/30/2026

"First Friday, In Their Own Words" starts at 10:00am on Friday May 1st. Our event post stated 11:00am start. We apologize for any inconvenience.

04/20/2026

The Art and Puzzle of Historic Restoration 

Join Kimberly Hillen—local historic homeowner, realtor, Clarkdale Historic Preservation Commission member, and restoration enthusiast—for an essential guide to revitalizing historic properties without losing their soul. This presentation bridges the gap between preserving architectural integrity and implementing modern necessities. Featuring a panel of expert tradespeople, we explore the "Big Five" of restoration: balancing modernity with tradition, securing structural foundations, navigating regulatory red tape, managing hazardous materials, and budgeting for the "historic premium." Whether you’re a current homeowner or a prospective buyer, you’ll walk away with a practical framework for keeping your home’s history intact and your budget on track.

This event is free to the public, though donations are gratefully accepted.

04/18/2026

The museum will be closed today, Saturday 18th, due to staffing shortage. We apologize for any inconvenience caused.

04/15/2026

Among the many stories of heroism shown when the Titanic went down, carrying with it 2000 souls, The News prints the following, Mr. Clark (nephew of William Andrews Clark) having been known to a number of Jerome people. He was a cousin of W.C. and Charles Miller of this place:

"Tell your brother that his son perished as a hero with the other brave men whose gallant acts and devotion to duty challenge the admiration of the whole world."

The foregoing message, telling the fate of Walter Miller Clark, who went down with the Titanic, was delivered to Senator W. A. Clark in New York by colonel Archibald Gracie, U.S.A., to be transmitted to J. Ross Clark (father of Walter M. Clark) of Los Angeles.

Colonel Gracie, with Second Officer Charles H. Lightoller, was standing on the deck of the sea giant when it sank. The suction drew them against the deck house and their death seemed certain. As the leviathan was slowly descending, the boilers, coming in contact with the cold water, exploded. The force of this explosion released the men from their perilous positions and literally blew them to the surface. As each wore a life belt they floated about in the water for some time and then struck out for a life raft which they reached after a terrific struggle. Later these two men were picked up by the Carpathia and taken to New York.

Colonel Gracie, who knew Walter Miller Clark, saw the latter go to his doom along with John Jacob Astor, Major Butt and others.
(Jerome News, April 27, 1912)

Photo in 1908 shows Walter M. Clark and his wife Virginia, who survived, standing just above W.A. Clark.

04/13/2026

Another furnace was blown in at the United Verde Copper Company smelter last week, increasing the company payroll a couple of hundred men. The price of copper having reached 15 ½ cents, all of the producing companies in the southwest have increased their output, but still the red metal continues to increase in price. It is predicted that it will be selling for 17 cents in the near future. The increased demand for the metal and the inadequacy of supply is having a good effect upon prospecting companies, spurring them on to greater efforts toward developing their holdings, which is of great interest to promising mineral districts like the Jerome-Verde.
(Jerome News, April 13, 1912)

04/11/2026

Clarkdale Plant and Garden Festival is Underway!!

04/11/2026

Plant Sale and Garden Festival starts today!!!
Come by and get some locally grown plants.
There are also Garden Talks, Garden Art Vendors and Information Booths featuring Yavapai Master Gardeners Association.
!! FREE FACEPAINTING FOR KIDS !!

04/10/2026

The museum will be open from 12pm to 2pm today due to staffing shortage and plant sale preparation.

10/27/2025

Check out this treasure.

Wathogoma with his wife and their son near Clarkdale, Arizona - Yavapai - 1925