The Pleasant Valley Historical Society hopes to reopen its museum and garden by 2027 after the Camarillo City Council approved a $250,000 grant at its June 24 meeting.
According to Historical Society Board Member Joy Todd, the grant will directly and immediately go to the construction of a parking lot for the museum at 720 Las Posas Road. She said that she expects construction of the lot to begin before the end of July and finish by September.
Todd explained that water and electrical lines will be installed under the lot to comply with building codes and allow for completion of the museum’s interior and eventual reopening.
She added that a ramp and electric vehicle charging station will be built with the lot and 13 trees from the city-approved species list will be planted along parking spaces.
Camarillo City Spokesperson Michelle D’Anna said the city approved the grant because of the museum’s benefits to residents.
The grant adds to the roughly $1.5 million the historical society has already raised to fund its museum expansion.
The project added 1,153 square feet to the 1,555 square foot building in order to create space for more exhibits, storing of collections and hosting classes and school programs, among other things.
The historical society receives most donations from individuals, including from former area residents living across the country, amounting to around $15,000 every month according to Todd.
Ventura artist Lisa Kelly’s mural of people walking to a train will also be repaired, Todd said.
Todd stated the total cost of the project will be around $2 million, up from the initial estimate in 2016 of $750,000. She also highlighted that the historical society received donated building supplies like tile, insulation and drywall, saving thousands of dollars.
According to its website, the historical society aims “to acquire, identify, restore and preserve artifacts, documents and photographs related to the Pleasant Valley Community.” It is run by volunteers and museum admission is free.
Before closing, the museum and gardens received hundreds of visitors a week Todd said.
The historical society was founded in 1964 as a nonprofit and opened its museum and garden in 1988 after leasing the building and grounds from the city of Camarillo for $1 a year. In 2018, the historical society reupped its lease and informed the city of its plans to expand.
In 2020, the museum received approval from the Camarillo Planning Commission and construction on the expansion began in 2024.
“I think more than ever we need to provide a place where people can learn history, local history, whatever kind of history they need,” Todd said. “There needs to be a grounding with your past to understand your future.”
To donate, visit pvhsonline.org or mail checks to PVHS Building Fund, P.O. Box 570, Camarillo 93011.
Levi Kauffman is a summer intern for the Ventura County Star. He can be reached at lkauffman@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Ventura County Star: Camarillo museum moves closer to reopening in 2027
Reporting by Levi Kauffman, Ventura County Star / Ventura County Star
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By Levi Kauffman, Ventura County Star | USA TODAY Network
