Title: Harvesting Scene, Combined Header and Thresher circa 1910. Identifier: 21247 PC. From the MVC Research Library Digitized Photographs.

MVC PROGRAMS

3rd Annual Ventura County Wildflower & Weed Show

Saturday, April 20

11:00 am – 3:00 pm

@Agriculture Museum

926 Railroad Ave., Santa Paula

Don’t miss the 3rd Annual Wildflower and Weed Show, a celebration of California’s diverse flora! At noon, Antonio Sanchez will deliver an enlightening lecture titled “Inviting California to Dinner: Bringing California Native Plant Foods into Your Life and the Future of Native Plant Agriculture.” Enjoy a specimen show, an iNaturalist demonstration, plant sale, special kids’ activities, and guided tours led by UC Master Gardeners.

Thank you to our partners – County of Ventura Agriculture/Weights & Measures – County of Ventura Conservation District – California Native Plant Society, Channel Islands Chapter – Weed Management Area, Ventura County – UC Cooperative Extension, Agriculture and Natural Resources, Master Gardeners! FREE event, no registration required. More information can be found HERE!

NEW UPCOMING EXHIBITIONS!

Masters from the Museum of Ventura County Collection

Opening Reception

Saturday, June 8

6:00 pm – 8:00 pm

@Museum of Ventura County

100 E. Main St., Ventura

“Masters from the Museum of Ventura County Collection” celebrates the extraordinary artistic legacy of seven artists who have significantly shaped Ventura County’s art history and achieved international acclaim. This showcase displays the dynamic range of talent within our county, from Jessie Arms Botke’s turn-of-the-century paintings that synthesize various artistic influences, through Omar D’León’s vibrant cross-hatching techniques, to Hiroko Yoshimoto’s intimate connection with nature.

InnoVision: Ventura County

Artists to Watch

Opening Reception

Saturday, June 8

6:00 pm – 8:00 pm

@Museum of Ventura County

100 E. Main St., Ventura

This exhibition is a celebration of the innovation and the artistic spirit of Ventura County. Embracing our core values of inclusivity, boldness, empathy, and integrity, this is more than an art exhibition; it is a reflection of Ventura County, a community with vigor and creativity. Featuring the works of 9 artists, it serves as a testament to our commitment to showcasing diverse artistic practices and artists who are innovating in their respective fields.

This exhibition is made possible by the John Hammer Family

MVC NEWS & ANNOUNCEMENTS

The Agriculture Museum Awarded Non-Profit of the Year!

The Agriculture Museum is honored to be awarded Non-Profit of the Year at the 62nd Annual Santa Paula Chamber Awards and State of the City Address. The MVC Board of Directors and staff are grateful to the Santa Paula Chamber of Commerce for the community recognition. Come celebrate with us on April 25, 5:30 pm at Palazzo Event Center! For more information and tickets click HERE.

Congratulations to MVC Board Members Sarah McCarthy-Garcia and William Kearney!

Museum of Ventura County congratulates new Board Member, Sarah McCarthy-Garcia, on being named by Pacific Coast Business Times as a “Top 50 Women in Business” for 2024!

Our congratulations also goes out to Board Chair, William Kearney, for being inducted into the Pacific Coast Business Times’ Business Hall of Fame as well as being recognized with a Founders Award by Ventura County Leadership Academy. To find out more about Pacific Coast Business Times Awards, click HERE. To find out more about Ventura County Leadership Academy Awards, click HERE.

Thank you to our Sponsors!

Museum of Ventura County and the Agriculture Museum were delighted to welcome fresh faces at the History to Horizons event on April 6th. Thank you to all who came and supported. We express our deep gratitude to our partners who offered sponsorships which made this event a true celebration of not only the Museum, but also our community. Thank you to Amigo Event Rentals, BlueStar Parking, Chris Ryan Photography, Passion Flowers, and Peirano’sMarket for creating something spectacular!

Museum of Ventura County, Downtown Ventura CLOSURE

Museum of Ventura County, the Ventura branch, will be closed from May 13 through June 7. On June 8, MVC will reopen with an Opening Reception celebrating our new exhibitions from 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm. The reception is open to the public!

May 12 is the last day to view our current exhibitions – Proximity to Water: Works from MVC’s Permanent Collection, Spin Cycle: Unfolding the Science of Laundry, and The Murder of Tom More: A True Crime Story.

Become a Member Today!

Check out these Membership Benefits

Become a member of the Museum of Ventura County and discover the rich art, culture, and history of this vibrant region at our three campuses. Not only is your membership an investment in yourself, with perks at every level, it’s a pledge to celebrate and uplift the vibrant communities we serve.

Depending on level chosen, membership may include benefits such as free admission, free or discounted events, members-only events, member swag, store discount, NARM membership, and much more! Membership is 100% tax deductible. Check out the details and join today by clicking HERE.

Exhibitions

MUSEUM OF VENTURA COUNTY

The Murder of Tom More:

A True Crime Story

Hurry! Last day to view is May 12!

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 exhibition is made possible by the

John Hammer Family

Spin Cycle: Unfolding the

Science of Laundry

Hurry! Last day to view is May 12!

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 exhibition is made possible by the

Ventura County Credit Union

Proximity to Water: Works from MVC’s Permanent Collection

Hurry! Last day to view is May 12!

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 exhibition is made possible by the Esther and Thomas Wachtell Family Fund, the Paul and Anne Leavens Family Fund and the Bonita C. McFarland Fund

George Stuart Historical Figures® Exhibit, Napoleon: Revolution, Romance, and Rivalries

Explore the complex life of Napoleon Bonaparte in a new exhibition of George Stuart Historical Figures®. As a charismatic leader, military strategist, and political figure, Napoleon rose to power during the tumultuous aftermath of the French Revolution. Immerse yourself in his journey, from the forces that propelled him to prominence, his marriages, and his entwined destinies with other global leaders. Through George Stuart’s intricate creations, experience Napoleon Bonaparte’s significant impact on the course of history. For more information, click HERE.

Exhibitions

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.

Exhibition 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 Exhibition

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

Fillmore Historical Museum

Zoom Presentation

The T. Wallace More Murder Revisited

Thursday, April 18th 7 pm – 8 pm

It’s been almost 150 years since T. Wallace More was killed by hooded men as he tried to save his horses from a burning stable. With information not available to the original jury, would you find Frank Sprague guilty beyond a reasonable doubt? Free registration required, click HERE for more information.

Inaugural Playwrights Festival

Peek behind the curtain and witness the birth of theatre in the making

Thursday, April 25 – Sunday, April 28

1 pm and 7 pm performances each day

@Museum of Ventura County

100 E. Main St. Ventura

NACT offers a platform for emerging playwrights to showcase their talents. Four new plays have been selected from nationwide submissions. Staged reading performances will be presented by professional actors. The audience will have the opportunity to interact with the artists and provide feedback to the writers. Don’t miss this exciting theatrical experience. Festival ’24 is free to the community. To reserve your free ticket click HERE.

MICOP Indigenous Knowledge Conference 2024

MICOP is proud to announce the return of our Indigenous Knowledge Conference(IKC). This year’s Conference theme is Reclaiming Our Voices.

On April 26th, at Oxnard College, we welcome a few of our community’s brightest minds to share their insight on indigenous thought, creativity and health. We hope you, the academics and professionals of our community, will join us. Space is limited, so register now by clicking HERE.

Oxnard Film Society Presents: The Monday Night Foreign

Film Series

Oxnard Film Society presents the 17th annual “Monday Night Foreign Film Series” featuring films such as upcoming Venice Film Festival winner “Io Capitano” on May 6th and Bhutan’s Submission to the Academy Awards, “The Monk and the Gun” on May 20th. Screenings premier at Plaza Cinemas 14, Oxnard. Don’t miss out on these truly astounding cinematic offerings! For more information on the film festival, and to purchase tickets, click HERE.