Ventura County and the California Channel Islands have a rich history and cultural heritage dating back 12,000 years, when the Chumash people first hunted and gathered along the Pacific-facing lands. And the Museum of Ventura County aims to encapsulate everything from those tribal beginnings right up though the modern age. Since 1913, the museum has played host to historical exhibits that feature both ancient and modern artifacts, a fine art collection of more than 30,000 pieces, and educational programs that run the gamut from specialized school tours to art and craft sessions for children. The museum boasts a research library and community meeting space for those who want to dive deeper into the region’s enthralling legacy.