The Museum of Ventura County is coordinating with Ventura County fire and sheriff departments, other agencies and most importantly the Ventura County public to create an historical archive of the devastating Hill and Woolsey fires. Throughout the next few months, the Museum will be gathering stories and digital images as well as physical artifacts to assemble the historical record of the extraordinary rescues, bravery, sacrifice and service of fire fighters, law enforcement personnel and other first responders who battled—and continue to battle—the raging fires in Ventura County, as well as those who reacted to the crisis with steadfast calm and opened their hearts and hands to help those in need. The Museum invites the public’s participation and encourages those with a story to tell or a tribute or thank you to share, to submit their stories and digital images to help document our common experience.
“Documentation of the extensive impacts of these fires on Ventura and Los Angeles counties has taken immediate precedence over our regular museum programs and activities,” said Denise Sindelar, programs director, Museum of Ventura County. “In providing a repository for the images, videos, artifacts and stories of this devastating event, the Museum will be creating access to this vital information for future generations.”
The public can send submissions of photographs, links to video, and stories to the Museum via email at submissions@venturamuseum.org or can arrange to submit other formats by contacting Curator of Collections Anna Bermudez at abermudez@venturamuseum.org.