Giving Back – Siskiyou Historical Society
ENJOY Q&A with Claudia East, Siskiyou Historical Society Board of Directors…
What year was the Society founded?
It was founded in 1945; however, there was organization going on in 1944. Our nonprofit status came in the early 1950s.
What is the mission in a nutshell?
To collect, preserve and share the diverse and culturally rich history of Siskiyou County. Since 1945, we’ve published an annual book focused on local history and also offer research services and historical presentations.
How big is your archive?
We house one of the largest collections on Siskiyou County in the state, including materials from the Genealogical Society and Yreka Historic Preservation.
What’s one of the oldest items in your collection?
Our librarian, Kathy Graves, said the oldest document we have is a book on math with the date of 1795. It was in the property of Alex Rosborough, Indian Agent during the Modoc War. It is in the Joint History Library and is in the Meamber Collection owned by Yreka Historic Preservation. However, most of our collection begins around 1850. Yreka was founded with the discovery of gold in 1851. At one time Yreka was known as the “richest square mile” south of the Yukon.
Who are some key historical figures from the area?
A few key figures from the past include:
- William Irwin from Yreka who served as the Governor of California from 1875 to 1880
- Randolph Collier, a State Senator from Yreka, served from 1939 to 1976 and is known as the father of California’s freeway system.
- Alex Rosborough, Indian Agent during the Modoc War in the 1870s;
- Anita Loos, author of “Gentlemen Prefer Blondes.”;
- George Wacker, former local historian and former Mayor of Yreka;
- Fred and Bernice Meamber helped launch the Siskiyou County Historical Society and Museum and secured the National Historic District designation.
Do you take donations of old photos or documents?
Yes. We do try to limit to Siskiyou County items. People should contact us via phone, email, or in person to let us know what they have to offer. If it is a large collection, board approval may be required.
What kinds of events or programs do you offer?
We host PowerPoint lectures, guest speakers and historical tours (some in costume) and provide info for self-guided tours of Yreka and the county.
How can people get involved or volunteer?
Stop by or reach out! Opportunities range from clerical tasks and social media to writing, research and display design—on-site or off-site.
How do you keep history relevant?
Through active social media, creative window displays, historic programs and our annual publication highlighting Siskiyou County’s rich past.
