Art Comes Alive Event at the Channel Islands Maritime Museum on November 9-10, 2024

The Channel Islands Maritime Museum announces the return of its highly anticipated Art Comes Alive event, taking place on November 9 & 10, 2024 from 12:00 - 4:00 PM

At Art Comes Alive, you'll stroll through the museum's world class galleries and meet a colorful cast of characters who have stepped right off the canvas (or boat decks) to share their stories, both real and imagined.

Actors will bring to life characters from the museum's renowned maritime art collection allowing visitors of all ages to interact with historical figures, both real and imagined. Characters like Edward Marple, famed boat model maker or infamous lady pirate, Anne Bonny will be sharing their stories allowing attendees to engage a side of the museum not seen on a traditional docent tour.

In addition, attendees can explore games (with prizes!), take pictures at the themed photo stations, kids can try on the costumes and all can participate in family friendly fun and adventure.

Ticket Information

Tickets for Art Comes Alive are available for purchase online or at the door. Discounts are available for museum members, seniors, military families, and for those who purchase their tickets in advance at www.cimmvc.org. The museum is located at 3900 Bluefin Circle in Oxnard.

"Voices of Old Conejo" Living History Performances at Stagecoach Inn Museum Newbury Park October 5-13, 2024

Join the Stagecoach Inn Museum for an evening of magical time travel as two people from 2024, browsing unwittingly through antiques of the Stagecoach Inn Museum, come across a classic western lantern. As they wipe the dust off it, voila, a genie appears and grants them their wish to visit the Conejo Valley of the past. What ensues is a whimsical, magical evening that only a genie-lead experience can provide.

Join us under the stars as you are led along to visit the ancient Chumash, the Hispanic settlers of our region, the creation of the Grand Union Hotel (now the Stagecoach Inn), and life under the presidency of Rutherford B. Hays. You will also pay visits to the Newbury, Haigh, and Janss families. Along the way you will meet colorful characters like Frank Crowley, Mike Hagopian, Guy Runnion, and the incomparable Mabel Stark. 

Shows at 5pm and 7:30pm on October 5, 6, 12 and 13.

Members: $15; Non-Members: $20

Tickets available at stagecoachinnmuseum.com or at the gate.

Stagecoach Inn Museum, 51 S. Ventu Park Rd., Newbury Park

2024 Pioneer Jamboree at Stagecoach Inn Newbury Park on Saturday, June 8th

The Stagecoach Inn Museum hosts its Annual Pioneer Jamboree from 10 am to 4 pm, Saturday, June 8, 2024, on the museum’s grounds at 51 S. Ventu Park Road, Newbury Park.

Bring the whole family to pan for gold, lasso like a cowgirl or cowboy, see a blacksmith fire-up the forge, and play pioneer games. Wear your western costumes (optional) and join the fun!

Activities include storytelling; cursive writing; fossil digging; rock painting; giant bubble making, and more! You can even try your hand at using a washboard… for laundry or for making music!

There are two parking locations- one next to the Museum on Ventu Park Road and one behind the Museum on Susan Drive.

General admission is $10. Children age 5 to 12 are $5 and under 5 are free. Conejo Valley Historical Society Members are free. Annual CVHS Family Memberships can be purchased online or at the door for as little as $50.  

For further information, call the museum at (805) 498-9441 or visit www.stagecoachinnmuseum.org.

150th Anniversary of Ventura County Kick-Off Celebration in Ventura on Friday, June 23rd

In 1873, Ventura County separated from Santa Barbara County creating a unique community in charge of its own destiny. In the 150 years since, Ventura County has become known for its agriculture, industry and innovation all the while cultivating a charming and laid-back cultural atmosphere.

As this year marks the significant distinction of celebrating 150 years, five groups have come together to honor our community, history and diversity. County of Ventura, Museum of Ventura County, Ventura County Community Foundation, Pacific Coast Business Times and Economic Development Collaborative present 150 days of celebration kicking off June 23 at Museum of Ventura County.

You are cordially invited to The 150th Anniversary of Ventura County Kick-Off Celebration on Friday, June 23 5:30 – 8:00 pm at 100 E. Main St. Ventura, CA 93001. Enjoy 3 exciting new exhibits, food trucks, live music, guest speakers, a specially crafted 150th cocktail and MORE!

This event is FREE of charge and open to ALL. Stay tuned for many more exciting events, programs, festivals and interactive experiences over the following 150 days.

venturamuseum.org/event/ventura-county-150th-kick-off-event

EVENT CANCELLED Civil War Days at Strathearn Historical Park Simi Valley April 1-2, 2023

EVENT CANCELLED

Strathearn Historical Park will transform itself into a small town in rural America in the 1860’s for the 11th Annual Civil War Days Encampment on Saturday, April 1, 2023 from 10am-4pm and Sunday, April 2, 2023 from 10am-3pm.

Step back to another place and time, when President Lincoln could take a break from his Washington duties to give a speech on the steps of our Strathearn House.  Here, costumed civilians, as well as soldiers from the north and south stand ready in their camps, eager to tell their stories to the passing visitors. Sergeants drill groups of local boys and girls curious to experience military life. Skirmishes, as well as artillery, infantry and cavalry demonstrations will take place throughout the weekend.

Highlights include:

• President Lincoln delivers his Gettysburg Address

• General Ulysses S. Grant & General Robert E. Lee reenact the Surrender at Appomattox

• Kids wanted as recruits – come early & enlist; interview a soldier

• Food for sale from local food vendors

• Experience Authentic Artillery & Infantry Demonstrations

• Enjoy a 1860s Women’s Clothing Demonstration

• Tour historic Simi houses & buildings

• Historical Demonstrations: Civilian Encampment, School Room, Newspapers, Apothecary & more

• Meet Harriet Tubman and listen as she shares her experiences on the Underground Railroad

• Music daily performed by Orange Town Revival, Mountain Fife and Drums and Camp Carleton

Advance Adult Tickets: TBA

Tickets at the Gate:  TBA ages 13 and up; TBA ages 5 to 12 and free to 4 and under.

Strathearn Historical Park & Museum is located at 137 Strathearn Place, Simi Valley.  Information: (805) 526-6453, www.simihistory.com

2018 Moorpark Rotary Blue & Gray Civil War Reenactment in Moorpark on March 17-18

The Blue & The Gray Civil War reenactment in Moorpark is the largest battle reenactment on the West Coast. Now in its 17th year, the event will take place March 17 and 18 at Hitch Ranch (100 West High St., Moorpark, entrance adjacent to the Moorpark Post Office).

Hundreds of re-enactors from all over the country come to Moorpark each year to participate.

Activities include four battle reenactments (with cannon and musket fire), Abraham Lincoln delivering the Gettysburg Address, solider and civilian encampments, Confederate army surrendering to the Union army and period dancing and music. The featured battle this year is the Battle of Gettysburg. Presented by the Rotary Club of Moorpark, the event is designed to educate the public about the historical significance of the Civil War and its effect on the United States including the abolishment of slavery.

Hours: 10 a.m.– 4 p.m. Admission:  $20/adults (online, $22 at the gate), $15/ages 6 through 17 (online, $17 at the gate), free/ages 5 and under. Bleacher seats: an additional $4 per person, per battle. Parking: $5 per car. A free shuttle will take visitors to the event site. Discount packages are available online. For more information: go to www.MoorparkCivilWar.com, CivilWar@MoorparkRotary.com, 805-279-5253.

SCENES FROM THE 2010 EVENT