Celebrating 50 Years of Preserving Santa Clarita’s History, and Looking Ahead

This landmark group started in 1975, when a small group of dedicated residents took a bold step: they signed papers and formed the Santa Clarita Valley Historical Society (SCVHS), a nonprofit organization committed to preserving the heritage of a valley that, at the time, was still mostly ranchland, rail lines, and quiet towns. Fifty years later, in 2025, the Society proudly marks its 50th anniversary, a milestone that honors decades of community-driven preservation while signaling an exciting future.
Over the past half-century, SCVHS has grown from a volunteer-based “heritage club” into a professional organization that runs the Santa Clarita History Center, a 16-acre historic campus located in William S. Hart Park in Newhall. The Center is home to restored historic buildings, a vintage steam locomotive and caboose, engaging museums, and professional exhibits that tell the story of the valley’s past, from its early ranches and railroads to oil fields, small-town life, and even its connections to Hollywood’s early film era.

A Year of Renewal
2025 has been a transformative year for the History Center. Visitors can now explore part of the Saugus Train Station Museum, the first building moved onto the campus in 1980. The Southern Pacific Agent’s Office has been faithfully restored, with the waiting room filled with historic art, exhibits detailing the station’s relocation, and stories of the people who shaped transportation in Southern California. These enhancements coincide with the upcoming 150th anniversary of the Golden Spike driven at Lang Station, a seminal event in the development of the region.
Across the campus, two buildings in Quester Court will open shortly to the public. The Edison House hosts a special exhibit on the tragic St. Francis Dam disaster of 1928, while the Kingsbury House offers visitors a glimpse into domestic life in early 1900s Newhall. Across History Center Drive, the Saugus Speedway exhibit showcases artifacts from one of the area’s most beloved landmarks, a perennial favorite among visitors of all ages.
While it has been a busy and productive year, these restoration projects, exhibits, and maintenance efforts are costly. Donations are the lifeblood of all nonprofit organizations, and the Santa Clarita Valley Historical Society is no exception. Here at the History Center, contributions allow the Society to preserve its collections, maintain historic buildings, and provide educational programming for students and community members alike.

Celebrating 50 Years – A Milestone for the Valley
The 50-year mark is more than a celebration; it’s a renewal of mission. What began as a volunteer-driven effort has evolved into a professional, dynamic institution. To commemorate this milestone, SCVHS launched its first-ever multi-year, community-centered capital campaign. The initial focus is on upgrading the historic Saugus Train Station, turning it into a “best-in-class” railroad museum that will serve as the anchor of the Society’s collection for generations to come.
This milestone also recognizes the vision of SCVHS’s founders: Art Evans, Jerry Reynolds, LaVaugh Yetter, Carl Boyer III, Lloyd Houghton, and pioneering women such as Cynthia Neal Harris, Ruth Newhall, and Mimi White. Their foresight ensured that critical buildings, artifacts, and memories were preserved before the rapid development of the valley erased them. Today, under the leadership of Dr. Alan Pollack, President of SCVHS, and Meredith McGowan, Vice President of SCVHS, a new generation of volunteers, staff, and board members is building on this legacy with professional standards, innovative exhibits, and educational programs.

The People Behind the Preservation
SCVHS is powered by its people, from passionate volunteers to dedicated staff and board members who represent the diverse fabric of the community. The Society’s leadership team, alongside a talented team of archivists, curators, and administrators, ensures that each project, exhibit, and restoration is thoughtfully executed. Their work preserves more than buildings; it preserves the identity and stories of the Santa Clarita Valley, bridging generations and connecting long-time residents with newcomers.

Looking Forward — The 50th Anniversary Gala
The celebration of 50 years will culminate in the 50th Anniversary Gala, scheduled for March 7, 2026, at the Canyon Country Community Center. This special evening, themed “SCVHS50: Live From Santa Clarita, It’s Saturday Night!”, will feature fine dining, live music, and special presentations highlighting the valley’s rich history. It is designed to be a festive, meaningful, and fun event for longtime residents, newcomers, history enthusiasts, and supporters of local heritage alike.
Tickets and sponsorship opportunities are available, and all proceeds from the evening will support ongoing restoration projects, new exhibits, and educational programs at the Santa Clarita History Center. To purchase tickets or sponsor a table, contact Carol Rock at crock@scvhs.org or visit www.scvhs.org.

Continuing to Give Back in the New Year
As we begin a new year, it’s a perfect time to reflect on what matters most, family, community, and the legacy we leave for future generations. Supporting the Santa Clarita Valley Historical Society (SCVHS) with a tax-deductible gift is a meaningful way to make a difference and help ensure that students, families, and history enthusiasts can continue to enjoy the Center’s programs, restored buildings, and exhibits throughout the year.

There are several ways to contribute:
Donate through the website at www.scvhs.org, either as a one-time gift or as a sustaining monthly donor.
Send a check to Santa Clarita Valley Historical Society, P.O. Box 221925, Santa Clarita, CA 91322-1925.
• Give from your Donor Advised Fund (DAF).
Another way to support SCVHS is by becoming a member of the Santa Clarita History Center Museums. Membership provides ongoing support for programming, operations, and the maintenance of historic buildings throughout the year, allowing you to see your contributions in action as the museums grow and evolve.

Why It Matters
• Celebrating 50 years isn’t just about looking back. For SCVHS, it’s a mission accelerator:
• Recognition of roots: Honoring the founders who recognized the value of preservation in 1975.
• Rebirth and renewal: Professionalization and expansion of exhibits and programs.
• Community bridge: Connecting generations, newcomers, and long-time residents through shared heritage.
• Legacy for the future: Ensuring the stories of early settlers, ranchers, railroad workers, and pioneers are preserved for decades to come.

Join Us
Your generosity, whether through a new year gift, membership, or Gala attendance, directly supports the ongoing preservation and celebration of the Santa Clarita Valley’s history. It ensures that our stories, of ranches, railroads, oil fields, film pioneers, and the people who shaped the valley, remain vibrant and accessible. Thank you for your continued interest and support, we look forward to welcoming you to the Santa Clarita History Center soon!