First Fridays are back!

• Friday, April 3, 2026

Derrick Family History in the Verde Valley

Clarkdale Historical Society and Museum is pleased to announce a presentation by Dan Derrick on Friday April 3, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. in the Clark Memorial Clubhouse Auditorium located at 910 N. 19th St. in Clarkdale.

Dan will talk about the history of the Derrick family who settled in the Verde Valley in the late 1800s. They were involved in farming and mining until 1920 when they moved to Clarkdale. In Clarkdale the family worked primarily in the smelter and during shutdowns worked jobs wherever possible, including mining for gold. Dan will share pictures from his dad Jim Derrick and talk about growing up in Clarkdale.

Dan was born in the Jerome Hospital in 1949, lived in Clarkdale until age 6 when the family relocated to Cornville and graduated from Mingus Union High School. He spent 36 years working for the US Forest Service and continued to fight fires for another 11 years after his retirement. He is now retired and living in Cornville.

This is a 1-hour presentation that is free to the public, though donations are gratefully accepted

5th Annual Clarkdale Plant Sale & Garden Festival

• Saturday, April 11, 2026

See flyer on this page