05/28/2026
SANDERSON JOINS HERITAGE STAFF. . .The Clay County Heritage Center of Spencer is pleased to welcome Shayla Sanderson of Dickens to our staff. She will be serving as assistant to the museum director and performing a variety of duties, including the acquisition and accessioning of historic artifacts.
Sanderson, a 2026 Iowa Lakes Community College graduate, earned her associated degree in general education and is currently enrolled at Arizona State University online where she is working toward her bachelor’s degree in anthropology. She is a 2025 graduate of Spencer High School.
She enjoys reading, research, and has an interest in history. While in high school, Sanderson participated in the Spencer High School No Boundaries program, researching and interpreting the ‘History of Spencer Community Schools’ project.
“We are pleased Shayla has joined our staff at the Heritage Center. Her passion for researching history and work ethic will prove a marvelous fit for our organization,” said Susan Christensen, CCHC interim executive director. “She’s already shown great proficiency in learning the museum’s software program and is neck-deep in the process of accessioning artifacts. We’re eager to plug her into various additional roles at the museum, including exhibits and community programming.”
Sanderson also works part time at Starbucks in Spencer’s Hy-Vee. Her special interests include dance, reading, nature, and rugby.
With the addition of Sanderson as museum staff, the Heritage Center resumes regular business hours and is open to the public, Tuesdays - Fridays from 12-4 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Parker House tours are available by appointment. Contact the Clay County Heritage Center for more information at 712.262.3304.
