Ojai Avenue looking southwest toward Libbey Park and the post office building. Snow on the ground in 1949. Identifier 13183 – From the MVC Research Library Digitized Photographs

MVC Programs

6 Generations 200 Years Later

Saturday, February 17

1:00 pm – 3:00 pm

@Museum of Ventura County

100 E. Main St., Ventura

Join us for a screening of “6 Generations,” followed by an insightful Q&A session with Chumash elder Ernestine Ygnacio-De Soto and Professor Kristina Foss. There will also be a curated display on the 1824 Chumash Revolt, offering a glimpse into a pivotal moment in Chumash history.

Discover the untold stories, triumphs, and challenges that have shaped the shared heritage of the Chumash people. Cost: $10 non-members, free for members at Individual/Family level or higher. Includes admission to the Museum. Made possible, in part, by the Bauer Foundation. Click HERE for more information and to register.

Garden Guardians: 2nd Annual

UC Master Gardener Open House

Saturday, February 24

11:00 am – 2:00 pm

@Agriculture Museum

926 Railroad Ave., Santa Paula

Visit the Ag Museum’s beloved Pidduck Garden for our annual showcase of the thriving partnership between MVC and the Ventura County UC Master Gardener program. We welcome all visitors, whether you are a family with young children who like to get their hands dirty, a budding or experienced home gardener, or just someone curious about how we grow food in this community. Come gather in the garden and discover something new! To find out more about the day’s events click HERE!

Ventura Chronicles: Unveiling the Archives!

Saturday, March 2

11:00 am – 1:00 pm

@Museum of Ventura County

100 E. Main St., Ventura CA 93001

Embark on a journey through the pages of Ventura County’s past with a librarian guide in “Ventura County Chronicles: Unveiling the Archives!” Immerse yourself in the heart of our Research Library and uncover the fascinating tales that lie within.

Navigate the historical depths of both physical and digital collections, become adept at exploring the reading room, and unravel the keys to utilizing finding aids specific to our local treasures. Whether you’re a seasoned historian or just beginning your exploration of Ventura County’s rich tapestry, this session is tailored to ensure you gain practical insights to enhance your connection to our regional history. Space is limited, click HERE to register!

The Legends of Hobson Heights: The Untold Tales of 100 Years of Architecture, Triumph and Tragedy

Saturday, March 2

3:00 pm – 5:00 pm

@Museum of Ventura County

100 E. Main St., Ventura

Due to the overwhelming response to this sell-out documentary premiere and the 100th celebration of Hobson Heights, we are offering you yet another chance to view the documentary and meet the filmmakers on Saturday, March 2nd 3pm – 5pm at Museum of Ventura County!

Join us for The Legends of Hobson Heights: The Untold Tales of 100 Years of Architecture, Triumph and Tragedy, a documentary that 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. More information and tickets can be found HERE!

Strong & Resilient Women of Rancho Guadalsca – Book Talk

Sunday, March 3

2:00 pm – 4:00 pm

@Museum of Ventura County

100 E. Main St., Ventura

Join us for a captivating book talk on “Rancho Guadalasca: Last Ranch of California’s Central Coast” by Colleen M. Delaney. As a professor of anthropological archaeology at California State University-Channel Islands, Delaney skillfully unravels the untold stories of the resilient women who shaped this historical ranch. This book talk promises an insightful journey into the heart of Rancho Guadalasca, celebrating the enduring spirit of the women who played a pivotal role in shaping the region’s history. For more information and free registration click HERE!

MVC NEWS & ANNOUNCEMENTS

Feast or Flop Episode #5 – Potato Caramel Cake

NEW EPISODE!

“Feast or Flop” is an engaging online cooking show that combines the culinary world with the treasures of the Museum of Ventura County’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.

Episode 5 features Renee working with Chef Adam from the Oxnard College Culinary program – see how they fare testing a recipe for Potato Caramel Cake! Watch it HERE.

February Puzzles

Theme: Snow Days

Rare snowfall in Ventura County! Unwind with an online puzzle from the Museum’s Library and delve into historic snow days. Explore the unexpected beauty of these moments, capturing the essence of the past. Whether a local or visitor, these digitized puzzles offer a brief escape, merging relaxation with a glimpse into the county’s unique history. Choose a puzzle HERE!

Membership News

To celebrate our new members in 2023, we recently awarded one lucky supporter a beautiful California marquee light made by Ventura-based designer Scott Coppersmith. This 3′ tall upcycled creation reinterprets the brilliance of the Golden State and makes us ever more proud to be part of such a creative community! THANK YOU, Scott Coppersmith Designs, for donating this fabulous light fixture to one of our valued members!

2024 Changes in Admission Policy

You’re invited to explore membership options!

As we look ahead to the new year, the Museum of Ventura County, Downtown Ventura location, has undergone a transition in its admission policy. The grant that has sustained free admission has concluded, necessitating a shift to a sustainable funding model.

As of February 1, 2024, the Museum of Ventura County, Downtown Ventura, implemented the following admission fees: $10 for adults, $5 for students & seniors, and free for those under 18 years of age. To avoid reinstated admission fees, please explore our exclusive, affordable membership packages! Join us as we embrace this new chapter together. ? Thank you for your continued support. Find out more HERE.

Exhibits

MUSEUM OF VENTURA COUNTY

Exhibit Closes February 19th! -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.

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 tether us to nature and, more importantly, to each other. For more information, click HERE.

New George Stuart Historical Figures® exhibit “Napoleon: Revolution, Romance, and Rivalries” opens February 22. More information coming soon!

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

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

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. Explore these concepts, and find out more about the exhibit 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

Hammer Museum presents:

Only the Young: Experimental Art in Korea, 1960s–1970s

Following the successful presentation at the Guggenheim Museum in New York, see the West Coast premiere of Only The Young: Experimental Art in Korea,1960s–1970s, on view from February 11–May 12. This exhibition gives unprecedented insight into a vibrant moment after the Korean War when Korean artists rebelled against artistic limits, embracing bold and provocative practices. Deemed a “must-see” by Artnet and hailed as “unforgettable” by The New York Times, visit and discover it firsthand! More information HERE.