Title: Stagecoach Inn, Newbury Park, 1895

Identifier: 5798 – From the MVC Research Library Digitized Photographs

The fair offers a fresh perspective on bridging farming’s past, present, and future through engaging exhibits and interactive activities. It aims to unite our community, promote sustainable farming practices, and inspire the next generation to explore rewarding careers in agriculture.

Don’t miss this opportunity to experience the heart of Santa Paula’s agricultural legacy at the Annual Labor Day Tractor Fair.

This FREE event is made possible by our sponsors: Topa Topa Flywheelers, AgWest Farm Credit, and the UCANR Thelma Hansen Fund.

In 1952, George Stuart created his first two Historical Figures, Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette. He fanned that initial creative spark into a life-long passion for making three-dimensional portraits. For over 70 years, Stuart captured the essence of history’s most famous personalities in his lifelike Figures.

The partnership between the Ojai-based artist and the Museum of Ventura County began in 1979 when Stuart gifted his collection and began performing monologues at the Museum. Especially fond of historical tales about power and scandal, his performances enchanted Ventura County audiences. His wit, dedication, and creativity will be greatly missed by all of those lucky enough to know him or hear his monologues.

UPCOMING MVC EVENTS

Ventura Chronicles: Unveiling the Archives!

Saturday, September 6

11 a.m. – 1 p.m.

@Museum of Ventura County

100 E. Main Street., Ventura

FREE EVENT! Working on a school research paper or project? Want to use real historical sources? Join us for Ventura Chronicles: Unveiling the Archives!—a free, in-person workshop designed just for students. Explore the Museum of Ventura County’s Research Library and gain hands-on experience with physical collections, digital resources, and the reading room. You’ll learn how to use finding aids, navigate the archives, and advance your research capabilities. This workshop will help you take your schoolwork to the next level. Free and open to students—registration requiredHERE.

Community Resource Fair

Sunday, September 14

11 a.m. – 3 p.m.

@the Agriculture Museum

926 Railroad Avenue, Santa Paula

FREE EVENT—Connect. Learn. Empower.

Join us for a free community event where you can connect with local organizations offering support in:

• Legal Aid & Representation
• Healthcare & Wellness
• Youth Empowerment
• Early Childhood Education
• Food Distribution
• Other Social Services

Featured Presentation by Lawyers from the Ventura County Bar Association.

Gain essential insights in your rights, the legal system, workplace protections, and proactive steps for family preparedness.

Family-friendly activities for children will be available so you can comfortably gather information and connect with resources.

This event made possible by Port of Hueneme.

Read more about this free event HERE.

Feria de recursos comunitarios

Domingo 14 de septiembre

11 a.m. – 3 p.m.

@the Agriculture Museum

926 Railroad Avenue, Santa Paula

¡EVENTO GRATUITO! Conectar. Aprender. Empodera.

Únase a nosotros en un evento comunitario gratuito donde podrá conectarse con organizaciones locales que ofrecen apoyo en:

• Asistencia y representación jurídica
• Salud y bienestar
• Empoderamiento juvenil
• Educación de la primera infancia
• Distribución de alimentos
• Otros servicios sociales

Presentación destacada de abogados del Colegio de Abogados del Condado de Ventura.Obtenga información esencial sobre sus derechos, el sistema legal, las protecciones en el lugar de trabajo y los pasos proactivos para la preparación familiar.

Habrá actividades familiares y para niños disponibles para que puedan recopilar información y conectarse con recursos cómodamente.

Este evento es posible gracias a Port Hueneme.

Lee más sobre este evento gratuito AQUÍ.

MVC NEWS & ANNOUNCEMENTS

NOW OPEN – Picturing the Past: How Photography Tells Our Stories

How do we truly know what happened in the past? History is a collection of stories—interwoven, evolving, and shaped by the evidence left behind. Photographs are one of the many tools that help us understand the past, capturing faces, places, and moments frozen in time. But do they always tell the full story?

This engaging exhibition explores the power of photography to record our history. Through images, artifacts, and interactive displays, visitors will discover how historians use photographs to uncover hidden narratives, challenge assumptions, and bring history to life. Join us in exploring the early history of photography in Ventura County, how photos shape our understanding of the past, and how the photos we take today tell tomorrow’s story. More information HERE!

NOW OPEN – Moments of Rest: A Visual Sanctuary

Rest is not a luxury—it is essential. In a world that glorifies busyness, art offers a space for stillness and reflection.

This serene exhibition invites you to slow down and experience rest through landscape paintings from the Museum of Ventura County’s permanent collection. Let the calming ocean waves, the golden valley light, and the dreamy haze of imagined horizons create a moment of peace.

Take a breath. Absorb the beauty. Allow yourself to simply be.?Moments of Rest?is your invitation to pause, reflect, and recharge. More information HERE!

EXCLUSIVE ONLINE CONTENT

DISCOVER the riveting story of Walter Scott Chaffee, a courageous shopkeeper in Civil War-era California who stood guard with a loaded shotgun to protect the American flag outside his store in San Buenaventura. In a region divided by pro-Southern sentiment, Chaffee’s quiet defiance and steadfast loyalty to the Union made him a lasting symbol of courage during one of the nation’s most turbulent times.

“Even after 76 years, John Doughty’s memories as an 8-year-old in 1910 were as clear as if it were yesterday.”

Explore the local legacy of Halley’s Comet on the MVC THEN Blog.

Exhibitions

AGRICULTURE MUSEUM

Enfoque: Voces Indígenas Mexicanas del Condado de Ventura

(In Focus: Mexican Indigenous Voices of Ventura County)

Únase a nosotros en el Museo de la Agricultura para la inauguración de esta esperada exposición que muestra más de 40 retratos fotográficos del fotógrafo de fama internacional Diego Huerta. Estos retratos destacan las vibrantes y resistentes comunidades indígenas mexicanas del condado de Ventura. Para más detalles sobre la exposición, haga clic AQUÍ.

Join us at the Agriculture Museum for this highly anticipated exhibition showcasing over 40 photographic portraits by internationally acclaimed photographer Diego Huerta. These portraits highlight the vibrant and resilient Mexican Indigenous communities of Ventura County. For exhibition details, click HERE.

This exhibition is made possible with the support of Hofer Properties and Ventura Auto Center, the Busch Family Foundation, Oxnard Performing Arts Center, Gabriella Navarro-Busch and Peter Busch, and Vida Newspaper.

Challengers of the Status Quo – An Exhibition of George Stuart Historical Figures®

Challengers of the Status Quo is an ongoing exhibit at the Museum of Ventura County showcasing the extraordinary artistry of George Stuart, renowned for his lifelike, quarter-scale Historical Figures®. This powerful exhibition features eleven individuals who defied convention and changed history – figures like Madam C.J. Walker, Oscar Wilde, Florence Nightingale, and Abraham Lincoln. Through Stuart’s meticulously crafted sculptures, visitors are invited to reflect on the courage, resilience, and vision of those who challenged norms to shape a better future. Read more about this exhibition HERE.

The Museum of Ventura County is committed to preserving the history of our region. Local events, personal experiences, and everyday moments all contribute to the broader story of our community.

You can be part of this effort. Whether you’re taking photos, recording video, or using your phone’s voice memo feature to share your thoughts, your contributions can help us build a more complete record of life in Ventura County today.

SUBMIT your stories, videos, and photographs through our online archive and help us ensure that future generations have access to the stories that shape our county!

Book Your Holiday Event at the Museum!

Join us at the Museum of Ventura County or the Agriculture Museum for your holiday events. Spend the night enjoying delicious food from DJ’s California Catering and dancing the night away with In The Mix Events DJs and lighting packages, set in one of two exciting venues. Party Package includes: Gourmet buffet dinner; venue rental; tables, chairs, linens, and dining needs; DJ with lighting package; and no host bar (drink tickets available for additional fee). 100 person minimum — $150 per person.

Book today for the month of November, December, or January and receive a 20% discount on a Membership! Contact Kristy Rogers at krogers@venturamuseum.org to book today.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT!

Major funding for the programs at the Museum of Ventura County is made possible by City of Camarillo, City of Fillmore, City of Moorpark, City of Ojai, City of Oxnard, City of Port Hueneme, City of Santa Paula, City of Simi Valley, City of Thousand Oaks, City of Ventura, and the County of Ventura.

Thank you to our sponsors: The John and Glenda Hammer Family, TOLD Corporation, The Herritage Fund at VCCF, California Resources Corporation, William and Elise Kearney, Hofer Properties, HP Media, Ventura Auto Center, FTI Services, Ventura Music Festival, Ventura County Community College District, Montecito Bank & Trust, Ventura Spirits, Limoneira, Amigo Party Rentals, In the Mix Events, Peirano’s, Image Source and Mustang Marketing.

Make a difference in YOUR community by donating to MVC today.