The Pleasant Valley Historical Museum interprets the history of the Pleasant Valley area, including Somis, Springville, Santa Rosa Valley and Camarillo where the railroad meets El Camino Real. The Museum includes the Jack Fulkerson Research Library and the Charles L. Honn Botanical Garden. Annual events include Living History Day, a Speakers Series and the Don & Doña BBQ.
Since 1964, the Pleasant Valley Historical Society has had a mission to identify, acquire, and provide classification and conservation measures to local historical artifacts, art, buildings, landmarks, photographs, documents and other forms of information. The Society and Museum are dedicated to serving the community by preserving and presenting the history of the Pleasant Valley area. The Museum opened in 1988, offering hands-on programs and classroom presentations by our docents. The Society is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization. Federal Tax ID# 77-0053272.
Pleasant Valley has a rich history created by a blending of peoples and cultures over the centuries beginning with the prehistoric ancestors of the Chumash and encompassing Spanish and Mexican settlers of the Mission and Rancho Periods, and the “Americanos” who settled in the new state. The rich agricultural area flourished as the ranchers and farmers worked to develop the towns and economy, an effort assisted by the advent of the railroad.
The non-circulating Fulkerson Library contains books and other materials on California, Ventura County and local history. The Library was named in honor of a longtime Somis resident, proprietor of Fulkerson’s Hardware. The overall collection includes over 2.000 photographs, historical ephemera, books on early California and local history, journals, newspapers, clothing and other materials. Exhibits on telephones, tools and the original village of Springville show what farm life was like here in the early 20th Century. We are currently working to expand the facility.
Stroll along paved paths through native plants and trees in the Charles L. Honn Botanical Garden. Linger in the Victorian Gazebo or rest among the foliage while enjoying the rustic beauty of this living collection. The Garden contains identified California native specimen trees and plants and is an important local refuge for native bees and butterflies. The Garden is open during Museum hours and is available for school and tour groups. The Gazebo and Gardens are available to our members use for special events.
In addition to maintaining the Museum and Garden, the Society honors the pillars of the community as Dons and Doñas at an annual BBQ. Dons and Doñas are long-time residents who are nominated by the community. Some are members of our pioneer families; others made a difference in the community through their professional and volunteer efforts for at least twenty years. This designation harkens back to Early California days as the title given to community leaders. Adolfo Camarillo (1864 – 1958) was considered the “last of the Spanish Dons”.
Since 1964, the Pleasant Valley Historical Society has had a mission to identify, acquire, and provide classification and conservation measures to local historical artifacts, art, buildings, landmarks, photographs, documents and other forms of information. The Society and Museum are dedicated to serving the community by preserving and presenting the history of the Pleasant Valley area. The Museum opened in 1988, offering hands-on programs and classroom presentations by our docents. The Society is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization. Federal Tax ID# 77-0053272.
Pleasant Valley has a rich history created by a blending of peoples and cultures over the centuries beginning with the prehistoric ancestors of the Chumash and encompassing Spanish and Mexican settlers of the Mission and Rancho Periods, and the “Americanos” who settled in the new state. The rich agricultural area flourished as the ranchers and farmers worked to develop the towns and economy, an effort assisted by the advent of the railroad.
The non-circulating Fulkerson Library contains books and other materials on California, Ventura County and local history. The Library was named in honor of a longtime Somis resident, proprietor of Fulkerson’s Hardware. The overall collection includes over 2.000 photographs, historical ephemera, books on early California and local history, journals, newspapers, clothing and other materials. Exhibits on telephones, tools and the original village of Springville show what farm life was like here in the early 20th Century. We are currently working to expand the facility.
Stroll along paved paths through native plants and trees in the Charles L. Honn Botanical Garden. Linger in the Victorian Gazebo or rest among the foliage while enjoying the rustic beauty of this living collection. The Garden contains identified California native specimen trees and plants and is an important local refuge for native bees and butterflies. The Garden is open during Museum hours and is available for school and tour groups. The Gazebo and Gardens are available to our members use for special events.
In addition to maintaining the Museum and Garden, the Society honors the pillars of the community as Dons and Doñas at an annual BBQ. Dons and Doñas are long-time residents who are nominated by the community. Some are members of our pioneer families; others made a difference in the community through their professional and volunteer efforts for at least twenty years. This designation harkens back to Early California days as the title given to community leaders. Adolfo Camarillo (1864 – 1958) was considered the “last of the Spanish Dons”.
Pleasant Valley Historical Museum & Botanical Garden
Visit our website for more information
Pleasant Valley Historical Museum & Botanical Garden
Visit our website for more information
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