Ventura Then & Now | Inside the Museum of Ventura County Archives

Ventura Then & Now | Inside the Museum of Ventura County Archives

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Visit Ventura
2 Video Views·Jun 30, 2026

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.

Inside the Museum of Ventura County, history feels close. Through photographs, collections, exhibits, and preserved community stories, the Museum helps connect Ventura’s early days to the streets, landmarks, and coastal views that are still part of everyday life here.

During our visit, we were lucky enough to view photographs from more than 100 years ago, showing familiar sights and locations that visitors can still experience today. From historic streetscapes to recognizable Ventura landmarks, these images offer a rare look at how much has changed — and how much has stayed beautifully familiar.

Whether you’re a local, a history lover, or planning a visit to Ventura, the Museum of Ventura County is a meaningful stop for understanding the people, places, and stories that helped shape this beach town.

Learn more about the Museum of Ventura County:
https://venturamuseum.org/

Plan your Ventura visit:
https://visitventuraca.com/

▬ Contents of this video ▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬
0:00 - Intro
00:33 - About the museum
01:05 - How many documents does the museum house?
00:44 - Which photo do you think represents Ventura the most?
02:29 - How many galleries are there?
02:39 - Human stories
03:10 - How many objects does the museum have?
03:45 - Which stories should more people know about?
03:55 - Ventura Bath House
04:30 - Does the archive contain more from a specific time period?
04:53 - John Calvin Brewster
05:08 - The research library
05:27 - The Ventura Pier
06:00 - Johnny Cash
06:20 - What's the most exciting thing in the archives?
07:00 - Best way to experience the history of Ventura
07:34 - Favorite part of the historical walking tour?
07:52 - Ventura County Courthouse/Ventura City Hall
08:14 - Most surprising photographs?
08:52 - The past repeats itself
09:30 - History of Ventura
10:17 - Poli Street
10:38 - Outro

sync ID: MB01B8JY4VSBEI7

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