Museum of Ventura County (Thomas Fire) update for Dec. 8

Major funding for these programs is made possible in part by the
City of San Buenaventura and the County of Ventura.
Museum Remains Closed

Due to internal air quality, the galleries and the research library at the Museum of Ventura County will remain closed for at least one more week. We hope to open the galleries and library to the public by December 19. Admission to the museum will remain free to the public through the holidays.

Main Street Museum Pavilion Open on Monday

Beginning Monday, December 11, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m,. the Museum, located at 100 E. Main Street, Ventura, invites everyone to come to the pavilion and plaza for community, crafts and snacks. We know that many families have lost holiday ornaments and gifts, and we will have ornament decorating and other crafts available. People are welcome to bring ornaments to be repurposed and shared. We will also have complimentary snacks and water, and we will play family-friendly movies.

The first MUNCH event will be held Dec. 14

Grab a lunch and join us on the Museum plaza for live music and community, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., 100 E. Main Street, Ventura. For infomation, visitventuramuseum.org.

The Neal Barr Exhibition Opening is Postponed until after the New Year 

The opening reception for In High Style: The Photography of Neal Barr has been postponed until after the New Year. The date has yet to be decided but will be announced as soon as it is known.

The Ag Museum is Open and Ready to Serve

The Agriculture Museum in Santa Paula is operating on its regular schedule. We welcome our community with complimentary snacks and refreshments, and free admission through the holidays. We have a great space and plenty of room for children to play.

Community Information

The following information is from the Ventura Visitors & Convention Bureau and is excellent information for anyone wishing to help the many communities in our County that have been impacted by the devastating fires. Our thoughts are with all of you and with all of those impacted by the fires, as well as the first responders and fire fighters battling the fires. Stay safe Ventura County.


The question we hear the most is, “How can I help?” In the aftermath of spontaneous disasters, many generous community members step up to help those in need around them. One of the challenges of a crisis is mobilizing caring citizens so that they can effectively help their neighbors and neighborhoods. Here are a few of the best ways to help.
If you are in Ventura, please don’t underestimate the value of helping authorities who are working 24/7 to protect us and Ventura. Some of the easiest ways to help are to keep the roads clear for those working to assess the impacts of the fire, keep a safe distance away from evacuation zones, conserve water for ongoing firefighting efforts and stay informed to help disseminate accurate information. The most updated information can be found at ReadyVenturaCounty.org.

If you are able to volunteer, the Red Cross is actively looking for local volunteers to support the disaster response. Those interested should head to tinyurl.com/ThomasFire to complete an application. After approval, volunteers will be contacted within 24 hours to register for a volunteer shift. Volunteer work ranges from phone calls, data entry and client registration, to shelter support and supply replenishment. With seven shelters open, help is greatly appreciated. In order of priority, the following shelters need the most help: Oxnard College, UC Santa Barbara and Ventura County Fairgrounds. Please note that the Red Cross is not encouraging donations of physical goods at this time. Shelters are grateful for the overwhelming response and encourage you to consider a cash donation instead.

Another place in search of volunteers is the Santa Barbara Polo and Racquet Club offering shelter to all horses needing evacuation from the Thomas Fire in Ventura County. Volunteer work includes help feeding, watering and mucking out the stables of the evacuated horses. Feed and barn supply donations are also appreciated to assist with the effort. Those able to help can contact the Polo Club’s Volunteer Coordinator, Shannon McGraw, at (805) 455-2400.

The Humane Society of Ventura County is in need of donations after taking in more than 300 animals since the fires began Monday. The organization has set up a registry wishlist on Amazon with items needed to care for the diverse group of animals currently in its care. Those unable to bring supplies or food to the shelter can make cash donations on HCVC’s website.

Local chapters of the United Way and Red Cross have teamed up with the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office of Emergency Services to create the Thomas Fire Fund. 100% of the donations received will support those affected by the Thomas Fire. Those who wish to support may do so online, via phone by calling (805) 485-6288, or by texting UWVC to 41444. Checks may also be mailed to the United Way office at 702 County Square Drive, Suite 100, Ventura, CA 93003, with “Thomas Fire Fund” written in the memo line.

The Ventura County Community Disaster Relief Fund, created by the Ventura County Community Foundation, supports organizations providing shelter and long-term housing, legal services, education, healthcare and other immediate and long-term needs of those affected by the Thomas Fire. “Long after media attention has shifted away from our community, we will be here, committed to providing support that addresses the most critical needs of our nonprofits and their clients. Individuals affected by this disaster will have a multitude of needs that will change as time goes on. To support the immediate needs of those impacted by the fire, direct your contributions to the Sudden and Urgent Needs Fund. To support the mid- to long-term needs of those impacted by the fire, direct your contributions to the Disaster Relief Fund. More information on both is available here.

While there are many other charities at work, the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office reminds residents that charity scams often follow disasters. If you are asked to make a charitable donation to help people in disaster-affected areas, consider these tips:
Donate to charities you know and trust; be alert for charities that seem to have sprung up overnight; do not give out personal or financial information unless you know the charity is reputable; never send cash by mail; be suspicious of random calls requesting a donation; be cautious about clicking on links in emails requesting a donation; check out a charity before you donate by contacting the Better Business Bureau’s Wise Giving Alliance online or at 703-276-0100; and, call the Ventura Police non-emergency number if you suspect a scam at (805) 650-8010.


Heartfelt wishes to you and yours from your friends at Visit Ventura,

Major funding for these programs is made possible in part by the
City of San Buenaventura and the County of Ventura. 
Museum of Ventura County • 100 East Main St. Ventura, CA 93001 • 805.653.0323
Agriculture Museum • 926 Railroad Ave. Santa Paula, CA 93060 • 805.525.3100