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Picturing the Past: How Photography Tells Our Stories

At the Museum of Ventura County
Opens Jun 7, 2025

How do we truly know what happened in the past? History is a collection of stories—interwoven, evolving, and shaped by the evidence left behind. Photographs are one of the many tools that help us understand the past, capturing faces, places, and moments frozen in time. But do they always tell the full story? 

This engaging exhibition explores the power of photography to record our history. Through images, artifacts, and interactive displays, visitors will discover how historians use photographs to uncover hidden narratives, challenge assumptions, and bring history to life. Join us in exploring the early history of photography in Ventura County, how photos shape our understanding of the past, and how the photos we take today tell tomorrow’s story. 

Imaginando el pasado: cómo la fotografía cuenta nuestras historias

¿Cómo podemos saber realmente lo que ocurrió en el pasado? La historia es una colección de historias que se entrelazan, evolucionan y se conforman a partir de las pruebas que quedan. Las fotografías son una de las muchas herramientas que nos ayudan a comprender el pasado, capturando rostros, lugares y momentos congelados en el tiempo. Pero, ¿revelan siempre toda la historia? 

Esta atractiva exposición explora el poder de la fotografía como registro histórico. A través de imágenes, objetos y exposiciones interactivas, los visitantes descubrirán cómo los historiadores utilizan las fotografías para descubrir relatos ocultos, cuestionar suposiciones y dar vida a la historia. Acompáñenos en la exploración de las historias que se esconden tras las imágenes y de cómo éstas siguen dando forma a nuestra comprensión del pasado. 

Our Mission and Vision

The Museum of Ventura County engages participants in meaningful experiences with history, art, culture, and each other by aspiring to spark curiosity and encourage compassion to build community and connection.

Our Purpose

To promote interest in and understanding of the history of the Ventura County region; to collect and preserve archives, artifacts, art, and ephemera bearing on the history of the region; to document current regional events; and to create exhibits and programs that enlighten, educate, and engage the past, present, and future.

Our Partners

Major funding for the programs at the Museum of Ventura County is made possible by City of Camarillo, City of Fillmore, City of Moorpark, City of Ojai, City of Oxnard, City of Port Hueneme, City of Santa Paula, City of Simi Valley, City of Thousand Oaks, City of Ventura, and the County of Ventura.

Museum of Ventura County
100 East Main Street
Ventura, CA 93001
Directions

Thursday—Sunday
11am to 5pm

Phone: 805.653.0323

Research Library at the Museum
100 East Main Street
Ventura, CA 93001
Directions

Appointment Only
Wednesday—Friday • 11am to 5pm

For library assistance call
805-653-0323 ext 320
or email library@venturamuseum.org

Agriculture Museum
926 Railroad Avenue
Santa Paula, CA 93060
Directions

Thursday—Sunday
11am to 5pm

Phone: 805.525.3100

Albinger Archaeological Museum
113 E. Main Street
Ventura, CA 93001
Directions

Saturday
11am to 5pm

Phone: 805.658.4728

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