MVC Programs

Autism Society Ventura County Presents: Celebrating the Autistic Mind Art Show

Opening Reception January 11

5:30 pm – 7:00 pm

@Museum of Ventura County

100 E. Main St., Ventura

Museum of Ventura County welcomes Autism Society Ventura County’s “Celebrating the Autistic Mind Art Show” January 11 – 14 from 11 am – 5 pm daily with a special opening reception on January 11 from 5:30 pm – 7:00 pm. Explore the imaginative works of 43 neurodiverse artists of all ages. Reserve your spot HERE and immerse yourself in creativity!

Hobson Heights Documentary Premiere & Pop-up Exhibit – 100th Anniversary Celebration

Saturday, January 20

3:00 pm – 6:00 pm

@Museum of Ventura County

100 E. Main St., Ventura

The film includes over 20 gorgeous Hobson Heights properties and their fascinating stories of Hollywood movie stars, secret speakeasies, Olympic gold athletes, ghosts, ground-breaking firsts, and the heartbreaking story of the fire that almost destroyed it all. Step into the 1920s with “The Legends of Hobson Heights: The Untold Tales.” Join us for a free premiere showcasing a century of captivating stories, Hollywood history, and iconic architecture! Enjoy the documentary, meet the filmmakers and residents, and explore a pop-up exhibit with vintage maps and paintings by local artists. Sip on drinks for a cause – all proceeds support the Museum of Ventura County. Dress to impress in your best 1920s attire! FREE Registration and information can be found HERE.

Ivor Davis: Up Close and Personal with The Beatles

Thursday, January 25

6:30 pm – 8:00 pm

@Museum of Ventura County

100 E. Main St., Ventura

Ventura County author and journalist Ivor Davis had a front row, eyewitness seat as The Beatles Revolution unfolded in all its gory detail. He travelled with them, ate with them, drank with them, and now reveals the behind-the-scenes story of what unfolded from sea to shining sea in his 60th anniversary “Beatles and Me on Tour” book. Doors open at 6 pm for refreshments. Those who are not able to join in-person are invited to view via zoom. Registration is free for members at the Individual/Family level and higher, $10 non-members, $5 non-members zoom. Registration and information can be found HERE.

Catch up on Feast or Flop

New episodes coming in 2024!

“Feast or Flop” is an online cooking show that combines the culinary world with the treasures of MVC’s archives. Each episode takes viewers on a journey through our local history as the Museum’s Collections Manager Renee Tallent uncovers recipes that have been tucked away for years.Catch up on episodes 1-4 HERE!

MVC NEWS & ANNOUNCEMENTS

New Blog – Easy Health in a Bottle

By Library Volunteer, Andy Ludlum

When a baby was teething and wouldn’t stop crying, there’s a good chance that Ventura County parents in the late 1800s reached for “Mrs. Winslow’s Soothing Syrup.” The medicine was produced for years. The makers promised it was “likely to soothe any human or animal,” and could quiet restless babies and small children. Victorian-era parents knew the syrup would finally get their baby to go to sleep. What they may not have known was how much morphine was in this “indispensable” product. One teaspoon of the syrup contained ten times the amount of the drug recommended for a 6-month-old baby. And if the morphine was not enough, the other active ingredient in “Mrs. Winslow’s Soothing Syrup” was alcohol. Continue reading HERE.

2024 All-New Membership Perks!

Gift a Membership this Holiday Season

MVC is thrilled to announce the relaunch of its Membership Program, welcoming supporters to join the cultural community and become part of an exciting new chapter at the Museum. MVC’s updated Membership Program features accessible payment options, two new membership levels, and an expanded selection of member events and benefits. View the details HERE.

Strategic Planning Survey

Your Input is Requested

The Museum of Ventura County is engaged in strategic planning and is looking for community input to help ensure we are meeting the community’s needs. A short (2-minute) survey has been created that I’m hoping you’ll complete. There are no right or wrong answers — we are hoping to get county-wide feedback on what types of experiences our community is looking for and/or already takes part in. Plus, a fun prize for one winner is in the mix. Those who complete the survey will be entered into a drawing for a 4-pack of Disney tickets! Thanks very much for taking a few minutes to provide your feedback! Take the survey HERE.

Exhibits

MUSEUM OF VENTURA COUNTY

George Stuart Historical Figures® Exhibit, “Winter”

Welcome to “Winter,” our current exhibition of the George Stuart Historical Figures®. Delving into the enchanting world of winter, the exhibition explores the myriad ways in which people have sought to make the most of this season. Winter is the time of year when the days are shortest, and the nights are long and cold, affecting both our bodies and our moods. In response to the challenges of winter, people across the globe have crafted annual traditions to create their own warmth and find connection.

Join us on a global journey through the art of George Stuart Historical Figures® as we uncover the diverse winter symbolism, customs, and celebrations that connect people to nature and, more importantly, to each other. For more information, click HERE.

Spin Cycle: Unfolding the

Science of Laundry

Everybody’s clothes get dirty, so we all must deal with the dreaded laundry. Through the years people have tried different ways to clean their clothes, and now we have the science to explain why some of those methods actually work!

Using 19th and early 20th century laundry items from MVC’s historical collection, visitors will learn about the “how” and “who” behind everyone’s least favorite chore. Let’s explore how our everyday world works together.

This exhibit is made possible by the

Ventura County Credit Union

Proximity to Water: Works from MVC’s Permanent Collection

Come be inspired by the ever-changing coast captured by our regional artists.

From plein air painting to photography, the mutable coast provides an endless supply of inspiration. Art helps us admire, respect, and revere our region, reminding us of our own place in the natural world. Proximity means a closeness in space, time, or relationship. These artworks from the Museum’s permanent collection bring us closer to the water, both visually and in feeling.

This exhibit is made possible by the Esther and Thomas Wachtell Family Fund, the Paul and Anne Leavens Family Fund and the Bonita C. McFarland Fund

The Murder of Tom More:

A True Crime Story

In the early hours of March 24th 1877, a mob of angry settlers set fire to Thomas More’s barn and shot him at least 10 times. Motivated by a passionate battle over land ownership and water rights turned deadly, news of his murder rippled through California.

Amid the rubble of lies, perjuries, briberies, and omissions in the historical record, there are mysteries regarding his death that remain forever unsolved. His story stands today as a warning about the strong emotions unleashed over our limited natural resources.

This exhibit is made possible by

the John Hammer Family

Exhibits

AGRICULTURE MUSEUM

Ventura County, The Place

We Call Home – A

Community Experience

The Museum of Ventura County (MVC) celebrates the County’s 150th anniversary with Ventura County, The Place We Call Home – A Community Experience that highlights the diversity of our communities by featuring different interpretations of Ventura County as ‘Home.’ Some people perceive home as a physical place where they grew up. For others, family and those they share their lives with are what make them ‘feel at home.’ The taste of food, beloved objects, and fond memories are other ways that people define what home means to them.

The exhibition utilizes both historical and contemporary photographs to compare and contrast, over time, the lives of the people connected to Ventura County and their relationship to nature, the land, and each other. Read more HERE.

Co-presented by the County of Ventura and Ventura County Community Foundation.

 This exhibit made possible by California Humanities, the City of Santa Paula,

the City of Simi Valley, Harrison Industries, Limoneira, Meissner,

the Port of Hueneme, TOLD Corporation, Ventura County Credit Union,

Ventura County Community College District, and many more.

Exhibits From the

Smithsonian Gardens:

Pollination Investigation –

The Essential Role of Pollinators in the Natural World

Nearly 90% of flowering plants rely on approximately 200,000 species of pollinators for fertilization. Explore the essential role pollinators play in the natural world in the Smithsonian poster exhibition, Pollination Investigation.

Through “pollinator profiles” visitors can learn about different pollinators—from butterflies and hummingbirds to bats and the wind—and their favorite flowers based on floral characteristics like flower shape, color, scent, and more. The set of 14 posters is bilingual (Spanish and English) and designed to educate and inspire people to explore the natural world looking at flowers and insects. Learn more HERE.

The Farm to Market Children’s Hands-On Exhibit

An interactive exhibit promoting healthy lifestyles through role-play, the Ag Market is an immersive environment where children and families identify healthy food choices in a fun, market-like atmosphere.

Learn more about what the Agriculture Museum has to offer HERE.

Special thanks to Santa Paula’s former mayor, Carlos Juarez for volunteering his time in

building our fun-filled market.

Explore More Exclusive

MVC ONLINE CONTENT

MVC RECOMMENDS

75th Anniversary of Pt. Hueneme Mural

Calling All Artists!

Calling artists in Ventura, Santa Barbara, and Los Angeles Counties!  The City of Port Hueneme, in collaboration with Ventura County Library and OPAC, invites submissions for the Ray D. Prueter Library Mural Project. In celebration of the City’s 75th anniversary, this mural is made possible through the City of Port Hueneme and Port of Hueneme Community Benefit Fund.  Apply by December 31, 2023 to be considered for this permanent, large-scale outdoor mural! More information HERE!

A Special Thanks to Our

150th Anniversary Sponsors!