About Us

The Santa Clara History Museum opened its door Swiss Days 2012.  Santa Clara City had built their new Town Hall with an empty basement that could house the story of this community.  From the time Santa Clara Swiss Days began in 1990 events were held to share the history of its families.  Many artifacts were out there but a place was needed to house them.  The Relief Society House and Hug-Gubler Home were available to house some, but a larger facility was needed to really be able to “tell the story”.  Permission was given to have the space, but funding was needed to complete the project.  Charlie Clayton came to our aid to contribute enough to add to what we already had and the project was completed.  Mr. Clayton is a descendant of Samuel R. Knight – so because of his contribution the name – Samuel R. Knight Santa Clara History Museum.

A committee was organized with each person or persons taking on a specific subject to cover.  We began with the American Indians (Shivwitt Band), Mormon Missionaries, Swiss Company, etc. to tell the story of how Santa Clara began and how it would thrive.

Those involved in the creation of the museum were:

Susie Nilsson, Charlie Clayton, Sherri Anderson, Jan Stucki, Vicki Lasswell, Donna Stafford, Lee & Brenda Ence, Jan & Gretchen Graf, Lori Hafen, Claudia West, Debbie Hafen, Paul Graf, Ester West, Alice Steel, Barbara Beckstrom, Shirlee Bray, Penny Barben, Noreen Mackley, and many others.  Much time and effort has gone into the creation and maintenance of the Santa Clara History Museum.