An immersive evening of fine dining, storytelling, and local history set in the Gilded Age that shaped Ventura County’s future.
VENTURA COUNTY — The Museum of Ventura County is pleased to announce Taste of History –?The Gilded Age, a fundraising event celebrating a transformative era in our region’s past. Taking place on Thursday, Sept. 4, 2025 from 5:30-8:30?p.m. on the Museum Plaza at 100 E. Main Street, this immersive experience invites attendees to step into a world of innovation and community growth that defined Ventura County in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
In 1890s Ventura County, the scent of orange blossoms lingered in the air, railroads stitched communities together, and downtown streets buzzed with both dreams and dust. It was a time of transformation, when farmers became innovators, families established roots, and Ventura County began writing the first bold chapters of its story.
To honor this history, guests will begin the evening with a refreshing cocktail hour, followed by a spectacular three-course dinner featuring seasonal dishes such as slow braised beef with Italian chimichurri over creamy polenta, chicken with rhubarb chutney and sautéed spinach, and a vegetarian Burrata pasta. Each dish is thoughtfully crafted to reflect the culinary trends of the era. The dinner will be served al fresco on the historic Museum Plaza.
As the evening unfolds, Elena Brokaw, the Museum’s Barbara Barnard Smith Chief Executive Officer, will transport guests back in time with a compelling oral history presentation on Ventura County’s rapid growth during the Gilded Age. The night will culminate in a live auction and paddle raise.
Proceeds from the event will support the Museum’s mission: preserving Ventura County’s rich history by collecting artifacts, archiving stories, and presenting educational events that spark curiosity and strengthen community bonds. Join us for an unforgettable evening of history, flavor, and community.
Event Details
Taste of History – The Gilded Age: Fundraising Event
What: Cocktail reception, plated dinner, oral history presentation, live auction and more
When: Thursday, Sept. 4, 2025 | 5:30-8:30?p.m.
Where: Museum Plaza, Museum of Ventura County, 100 E. Main Street, Ventura, CA 93001
Tickets: https://interland3.donorperfect.net/weblink/weblink.aspx?name=E342153&id=311
The Museum of Ventura County would like to thank the generous sponsors who make this event possible:
Elise and Bill Kearney; Ventura County Credit Union; Leslie Leavens and John Krist;
Elena Brokaw & Pat Miller; E.J. Harrison and Sons Inc; Jennifer and David Fukutomi; Pierpont Racquet Club; Nancy and Spencer Garrett; Busch Family Foundation; Ventura College Foundation; Mike Sedell; FTI Services; Ventura Music Festival; Puretec Industrial Water; Community Memorial Healthcare; Petra and Al Lowe; Kate McLean and Steve Stone; Carol and John Lamb; Mustang Marketing; Image Source; Amigo Event Rentals; In The Mix Events; Peirano’s Catering
About the Museum — The Museum of Ventura County engages participants in meaningful experiences with history, art, culture, and each other by aspiring to spark curiosity and encourage compassion to build community and connection. The Museum has two locations – the main museum is located at 100 East Main Street, Ventura, California (805-653-0323). The Agriculture Museum is located at 926 Railroad Avenue, Santa Paula, California (805-525-3100). Both museums are open Thursdays through Sundays, 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. – venturamuseum.org