Ventura Then & Now: Step Inside the Museum of Ventura County Archives

Yes, upon first glance, it’s Ventura’s golden beaches and laid-back vibes that capture hearts, but if you look a little deeper, you’ll find layers of stories that have shaped Ventura into the place it is today. And truly understanding the city you’re visiting somehow makes the trip even richer.

That’s where the Museum of Ventura County comes in.

Located in Downtown Ventura, the Museum of Ventura County is home to thousands of photographs, artifacts, documents, oral histories, and objects that help tell the story of Ventura County’s past — and why it still matters today. Whether you’re a history buff, a curious traveler, a longtime local, or someone simply looking for unique things to do in Ventura, the museum offers a fascinating look at how Ventura has grown, changed, and stayed true to itself over time.

We sat down with Deya Terrafranca, Deputy Director, Library & Collections at the Museum of Ventura County, for an in-depth conversation about Ventura’s history, the stories held within the Museum’s galleries and archives, and the way the past continues to shape what we see around us today.

Why Visit the Museum of Ventura County?

The Museum of Ventura County has been part of the community since 1913, but the collection that started it is even older. Its roots trace back to Dr. Cephas Bard, a doctor who moved to the area after the Civil War and began collecting items from local residents — sometimes even accepting objects as trade for medical services.

The museum houses nearly 30,000 objects, about 45,000 photographic positives, approximately 200,000 photographic negatives, and hundreds of thousands of items in its library and archives.

The Archives: A Behind-the-Scenes Look at Ventura’s Past

historical photo of main street in ventura — Courtesy of Museum of Ventura County

Historical photo of Ventura Pier — Courtesy of Museum of Ventura County

While the museum’s exhibits are open for visitors to explore (there are frequent discounted or free days), there is even more history preserved behind the scenes in the research library and archives.

The archives are especially rich in materials from the 1870s through the 1940s, including photographs and documents related to Downtown Ventura, the Ventura Pier, Mission San Buenaventura, Main Street, the oil boom, and Prohibition in Ventura County.

historical photo of Ventura bath house — Courtesy of Museum of Ventura County

One of the best parts of exploring local history is discovering stories hiding in plain sight.

Deya Terrafranca shares the story about the parking structure at the end of California Street, right by the Ventura Pier (you might have parked there before!) Today, it’s a familiar Downtown Ventura landmark, but in the late 1910s and early 1920s, that same site was home to a large bathhouse complex. It wasn’t just a pool — it also included a skating rink, ballroom, movie theater, salon, rooftop viewing patio, and more than 400 changing rooms.

Another fun fact: the museum archives also hold photographs of Johnny Cash in Ventura County, who lived in nearby Casitas Springs and spent time in the region.

The Photo that Represents Ventura’s Spirit

Downtown Ventura drone — Courtesy of Museum of Ventura County

historical photo of james crothers — Courtesy of Museum of Ventura County

Ventura’s community is full of pride in our rich history, culture, and traditions. And, at the same time, the city continues to grow and evolve, with its future growing brighter with each year.

Deya Terrafranca shared one photograph, which she believes captures Ventura’s history perfectly: it’s of James Crothers, sitting in a horse-drawn buggy in front of a gas station. When cars arrived in Ventura County, Crothers was not exactly thrilled about them, especially when drivers sped past his house.

It’s a small, human moment, but it reflects something timeless. Every community faces change. Every generation decides what to preserve, what to adapt, and how to move forward without losing its sense of place.

That balance is still part of Ventura’s identity today. You can see it in historic Downtown Ventura, where old buildings now house restaurants, shops, bars, galleries, and creative spaces. You can feel it walking from the beach to the hills, where natural beauty and city life sit side by side.

How to Experience Ventura History in Real Life

The Historic Moreton Bay Fig Tree in Ventura California

Downtown Ventura, Finney's, Ventura heart

A visit to the Museum of Ventura County is a perfect starting point for exploring Ventura’s history, but the story doesn’t stop at the museum doors.

Completely free and a perfect way to explore Ventura by foot, stop by the Ventura Visitor’s Center to pick up a free Ventura Historical Walking Map. You’ll walk to the historic Moreton Bay Fig Tree where Theodore Roosevelt once gave a speech, see where the Ortega chilis were first made, and much more.

Things to Do

Family Fun

Ventura Shopping

Arts, Culture & History

Pet Friendly

Parking

Outdoors

Beaches & Surfing

Ventura Pier Beachfront Promenade, Ventura, CA 93001

805-652-4550