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Title: First Car Owned by Ventura County Sheriff (1910)
Identifier: 5970 – From the MVC Research Library Digitized Photographs
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| The Museum of Ventura County recently hosted a truly memorable Taste of History evening, immersing guests in the elegance and indulgence of the Gilded Age. Guests enjoyed a specially curated dinner inspired by the lavish flavors and culinary traditions of the late 19th century, paired with engaging stories and insights that brought this fascinating era to life.
The night blended history, culture, and cuisine in a way that only the Museum can, giving attendees a chance to savor not just a meal—but a deeper connection to the past. Thank you to all who joined us and supported MVC’s mission of preserving and celebrating Ventura County’s history. |
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Enfoque Guided Exhibit Tours
Sunday, September 21
1 – 2 p.m.
@the Agriculture Museum
926 Railroad Avenue, Santa Paula
Join us for a free, public tour of Enfoque led by members of our Latino Advisory Committee and Museum Docents. In a relaxed and reflective tour setting, explore themes of cultural identity through powerful images and stories—share perspectives, spark insight, and connect. Find out more information HERE. |
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One County, One Book – Author Talk
Saturday, October 11
2 – 3:30 p.m.
@Museum of Ventura County
100 E. Main Street., Ventura
FREE EVENT! Join us for the finale of the Ventura County Library 2025 One County, One Book program!
Celebrate a season of community reading with a special appearance by author and journalist Michael Finkel, who will discuss his book, The Art Thief: A True Story of Love, Crime, and a Dangerous Obsession.
The author talk will take place in the Pavilion at the Museum of Ventura County. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to hear directly from the author of The Art Thief and be part of a county-wide literary celebration!
The event is free, open to everyone, and no reservations are required. Learn more about this event HERE. |
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Ivor Davis: Up Close and Personal with Chris Carter
Wednesday, October 15
6:30 – 8 p.m.
@Museum of Ventura County
100 E. Main Street., Ventura
Chris Carter, host of radio’s longest-running “Breakfast with the Beatles” show on KLOS-FM, will be appearing in person at the Museum of Ventura County on Wednesday, October 15, as the latest guest in the Museum’s “Ivor Davis: Up Close and Personal With…” interview series. Chris, funny and informed, is one of the world’s experts on the Fab Four and has built an impressive career in films and music while now taking over the “Breakfast with the Beatles” weekly program.
Chris is also a musician, music expert, and producer, and he hosts “Chris Carter’s British Invasion” on SiriusXM, which has a worldwide following. Chris could probably use eight days a week to fit in everything he does. But, like the rest of us, he’s limited to seven.
Doors Open at 6:00 p.m. with program beginning at 6:30 p.m. This is a ticketed event.
Get your tickets HERE. |
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Play Date in the Garden with Pinaysphere
Friday, October 17
2 – 4 p.m.
@the Agriculture Museum
926 Railroad Avenue, Santa Paula
Join us for a vibrant Play Date in the Garden with Pinaysphere, where kids dive into Filipino culture by crafting their own bahay kubo! A bahay kubo is a traditional Filipino house built on stilts, made from natural materials like bamboo and coconut fibers, showcasing Filipino ingenuity, sustainability, and community spirit. This playful activity celebrates the simplicity and creativity of these iconic homes, known for their adaptability and resourcefulness. Led by Pinaysphere, an organization dedicated to empowering Filipino women and youth through art and culture, this event will be filled with fun, learning, and creativity as we explore the beauty of Filipino heritage together! Register online HERE. |
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Filipino American Fiesta
Sunday, October 19
11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
@Museum of Ventura County
100 E. Main Street., Ventura
Celebrate culture and community at the Filipino American Fiesta! Join us for a vibrant afternoon filled with inspiring speakers, traditional Filipino dance performances, and delicious merienda (snacks). Discover the rich history and diverse stories of Filipino Americans through music, art, and conversation. Explore local Filipino-owned businesses, community organizations, and art that highlight the past, present, and future of the Filipino American experience. This family-friendly event offers something for everyone—come connect, learn, and celebrate with us! Get more information about this free event HERE. |
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Film Fright Night
Friday, October 24
5 – 9 p.m.
@Museum of Ventura County
100 E. Main Street., Ventura
Featuring the Nights of Nosferatu exhibition, this event showcases George Stuart’s collection of grotesque Nosferatu figurines and includes a special screening of the vampire cult classic, “The Lost Boys.” Visitors can enjoy food and drinks available for purchase, ensuring an evening filled with bites, beverages, and bloodsuckers. A blend of art, cinema, and the supernatural, this Film Fright Night entices visitors to explore the darker side of MVC.
This event is for visitors 18 and older. Under 18 not admitted without an adult/guardian.
Learn more and purchase tickets HERE. |
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Ventura County Chronicles: Fire, Freight & Freeways
Monday, September 22
1:15 p.m.
Hall of Administration – Multipurpose Room
800 S Victoria Ave, Ventura
Ventura County Cultural Heritage Board is launching a new guest speaker series this month. This year’s theme is Ventura County Chronicles: Fire, Freight & Freeways. The inaugural session will be held on September 22, 2025 at our regular Cultural Heritage Board hearing. It features Betsy J. Green, a seasoned writer and historian, who will explore the dramatic history of local wildfires. Her presentation, “From Buckets to Bulldozers: Wildfires Then and Now,” compares the Great Forest Fires of 1917 with the Thomas Fire of 2017, offering insight into how fire response has evolved over the past century. Cultural Heritage Board meetings are open to the public, so all are welcome. |
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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! |
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| Read our newest MVC Then blog, Chasing Marion: Ventura County’s Notorious Burglar
UNCOVER THE STORY of Juan Marion, a burglar who robbed dozens of homes, stores and railroad cars in the 1920s while evading the law in Ventura and Los Angeles counties. |
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| 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. |
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| Don’t miss reading about Ventura County’s Brush with the Tail of the Comet, a fascinating blog post by Library Docent Volunteer Andy Ludlum.
“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. |
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Exhibitions
AGRICULTURE MUSEUM
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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.
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| Located in the heart of historic downtown Ventura, the Museum of Ventura County is the perfect setting for meetings and events. Additionally, the Agriculture Museum in Santa Paula offers beautiful gardens and an equipped indoor space, providing another charming venue option. Both locations are ideal for hosting memorable gatherings. |
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Join the Docent Volunteer Council!
Be part of a vibrant community of lifelong learners making a difference at the Museum of Ventura County.
Member Benefits:
- Exclusive training and lectures on Ventura County art and history
- Quarterly gatherings with fellow docents
- Sneak-peek tours of upcoming exhibitions
- Private visits to other local museums
Training Program:
- Curated reading, listening, and viewing selections
- Behind-the-scenes orientations at MVC sites
- Opportunity to create and share your own research project
The next docent training begins in January. Sign up today!
EMAIL OR CALL:
Leila Benoun Kaseke
Education & Engagement Specialist
(805) 653-0323 x300
lbenoun@venturamuseum.org |
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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 Heritage 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.
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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
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