This summer, immerse yourself in America’s 250-year history by visiting a few exhibits in Ventura County.
The Museum of Ventura County plans U.S. history-themed exhibits: “Parallel Histories: Ventura County during the U.S. Revolution” and “Patriotic Threads: Textiles, Tapestries and T-shirts.”
“Parallel Histories” is an exhibit focusing on how in Ventura County, the spread of Christian missions were influencing the local Chumash communities 250 years ago. The exhibit is scheduled to continue until May 2027.
The “Patriotic Threads” exhibit focuses on how textiles and design have promoted patriotism. It continues until November.
“The Changing Faces of Abraham Lincoln” is another county museum exhibit featuring artwork by the late Ojai-based artist George Stuart and scheduled to run until Sept. 13.
The Museum of Ventura County is located at 100 E. Main St. in downtown Ventura and operates 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesdays to Sundays. The museum plans to offer free admission with support from sponsors through the summer, but check the museum website on admission before heading out or call 805-653-0323 for questions.
Reagan library’s ‘America 250’ exhibit
Over in Simi Valley, the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library & Museum has been hosting an “America 250” exhibit that lasts until Sept. 20.
It includes items like a painting of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, a Gatling gun and the war bonds posters painted by Norman Rockwell that celebrate freedom from want, freedom from fear, freedom of speech and freedom of worship.
The exhibit also features many items that few have seen before like Lincoln’s gloves and the letter signed by John Hancock on April 18, 1775, that affirms the founding father knew the British were searching for him.
Other unusual items include the oath of allegiance Benedict Arnold gave to the United States before he shifted his loyalties to the British and his name became synonymous with treason. There are George Washington’s glasses, Thomas Jefferson’s pen and inkwell and a cannon used at the Civil War’s Battle of Gettysburg and fired again at Lincoln’s funeral procession.
And there are locks of hair, including Lincoln’s and Washington’s, with the latter displayed in a mourning ring carried by founding father Alexander Hamilton.
The displays came from a dozen different sources such as private collections, museums and the National Archives.
This exhibit is included with admission to the Reagan library. Tickets can be purchased online at https://reagan.systemtickets.org/.
With service fees included, tickets are $32.45 for adults, $29.45 for ages 62 and older, $25.45 for youth ages 11 to 17 and $22.45 for children ages 3 to 10. Admission is free for children 2 and under.
The Reagan library is located at 40 Presidential Drive and open daily 10 a.m. to 5 p.m except for a few major national holidays. Call 805-577-4066 for questions.
Did we miss a local exhibit or interactive event celebrating America’s 250th birthday? Email news@vcstar.com with the subject line: America at 250 and share the details.
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This article originally appeared on Ventura County Star: Here are America 250-themed exhibits in Ventura County
Reporting by Staff reports, Ventura County Star / Ventura County Star
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By Staff reports, Ventura County Star | USA TODAY Network
