Museum of Ventuara County — News and Updates from the Development Team

As we close the chapter on History and Horizons, we also celebrate three incredible years of community support. Your generosity has helped preserve local stories, expand educational opportunities, and strengthen the Museum’s impact throughout Ventura County. Simply put, we could not have accomplished so much without you. Thank you for believing in our mission and investing in the future of local history.

While we are saying goodbye to one beloved event, we are also excited about what’s ahead. In early spring 2027, we’ll be introducing a new art-inspired fundraising experience at the Museum of Ventura County’s Downtown Ventura campus. We’re bringing back a familiar favorite with a fresh new vision, and we can’t wait to share more details in the months ahead. Stay tuned. We think you’re going to love what’s in store.

The evening was especially meaningful as members of the Chumash community welcomed guests with a blessing and the arrival of a tomol, reminding us that Chumash history is not simply part of our past, but a vibrant and living part of Ventura County today. We are grateful to everyone who helped create such a memorable evening, including our Programs and Education team, who partnered with our Development team to bring this celebration to life.

To everyone who attended, became a new member, renewed your membership, or simply came to celebrate with us, thank you. Your enthusiasm, generosity, and continued support make gatherings like these possible and help ensure the Museum remains a place where our entire community can connect through history, art, and culture.

These exhibits are made possible by the generous support of The John and Glenda Hammer Family, The Heritage Fund at VCCF, Amgen Foundation, and Tom and Esther Wachtell Family Fund.

Thank you to our Opening Reception sponsors: Moon Valley Nurseries – Peirano’s Catering – Oaks Event Rentals – Ventura Spirits – Ventura Auto Center

We also extend our heartfelt thanks to Barbara Stupay for her leadership support of arts and culture education. Her generosity is helping expand opportunities to explore art and art history throughout Ventura County. We look forward to sharing these exciting new programs with our community in this coming fiscal year.

Thank you to all of our sponsors and donors. Your investment in the Museum creates opportunities for learning, connection, and discovery that benefit our entire community.

We were fortunate to host Ivor’s talks at the Museum of Ventura County, where he captivated audiences with stories from his extraordinary career and the remarkable people and events he witnessed firsthand. His programs became treasured gatherings that inspired curiosity, sparked meaningful conversations, and brought our community together through a shared love of history.

More than anything, we will remember Ivor for the joy he brought to our members, guests, and staff. His generosity of spirit, quick humor, and genuine kindness left a lasting impression on everyone who had the privilege of knowing him. We are deeply grateful for the years he shared with the Museum and with our community. His legacy will live on in the countless lives he touched, and he will be greatly missed.

Throughout her career, Chelsea has worked with mission-driven organizations dedicated to education, environmental stewardship, community engagement, and social impact. She is passionate about connecting people with meaningful experiences and helping organizations achieve their goals through thoughtful planning, collaboration, and exceptional operational support.

In her new role, Chelsea manages our donor database, processes gifts, and helps ensure every contribution is acknowledged with care. She also supports the Museum’s fundraising efforts, events, and donor stewardship, helping create meaningful experiences for our supporters. We are excited to welcome Chelsea to the team and look forward to the many ways she will serve our Museum community.