Welcome to the Clayton Historical Society and Museum’s website!

The Clayton Historical Society was founded in 1974 to “research, collect, record, preserve, display, borrow, share, and interpret local history information and memorabilia, and to promote understanding of Clayton origins and development.”

Upcoming Event: Clayton Ghost Tour Returns Oct 30th!

A beloved Clayton tradition is coming back from the beyond!

First started by Richard R. Taylor in 1979, the Clayton Ghost Walk spent 40 years bringing the town’s history, folklore, and ghost stories to life. Now, after several years away, the walk returns for a new generation of curious residents and ghost hunters.

Join us on Friday, October 30, 2026 as we wander through historic Clayton and revisit stories of the mysterious Lady Sarah “Granny” Norton, the “White Witch,” the Gomez house, Growlers Saloon, and other local legends—including reports of more recent unexplained happenings with eerie connections to Clayton’s past.

Learn More & Reserve Clayton Ghost Tour Tickets

New Exhibit: Joel Clayton and the Gold Rush

Illustration promoting the Clayton Historical Museum exhibit on Joel Clayton and the Gold Rush, featuring a man dressed in 1850s attire holding mining tools and a sign with directions.

Recent Newsletter: End of Summer 2026

Check Out the Society’s YouTube Channel

We are pleased to announced the Clayton Historical Society YouTube Channel, featuring a variety of videos on Clayton history, meetings past and present, and other interesting tidbits. We strive to digitize more of our collections as we preserve and promote Clayton’s history.

Video thumbnails from the Clayton Historical Society's YouTube Channel showcasing historical content and events related to Clayton.

1964 Tour of Clayton

Wanting to learn and see more about the history of Clayton? Checkout this 1964 Tour of Clayton, CA by former Society President Dick Ellis and friend of the Museum, Bob Daugherty. While the population was only 1023 people, the town’s distinct features remain recognizable today. A blast from the past, indeed!

Video Shot by Dick Ellis and Bob Daugherty, 1964.

Museum Gift Shop

Check out what we sell at the Museum’s Gift Shop online. All items can be purchased online and picked up at the Museum or delivered to your door in the Clayton Valley area. Shop Now