Museum of Ventura County Hosts Two Events to Celebrate the National Park Service Centennial

Date: February 19, 2016
Contact: Yvonne Menard, 805-658-5725

Channel Islands National Park invites the public to "Find Your Park's Story" at two upcoming events at the Museum of Ventura County that celebrate the National Park Service Centennial, on February 28 and March 6 from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm.

On February 28, the "Island Chumash Traditions" event features the stories and ways of life of the Island Chumash. Throughout the day, respected Chumash elder Julie Tumamait-Stenslie will demonstrate Chumash customs. She will also share Chumash chants and stories during special presentations at noon and 2:00 pm.

Former U.S. Navy Archaeologist Steve Schwartz will give two lectures, at 1:00 and 3:00 pm, regarding his discovery of a cave dwelling on San Nicolas Island. The cave is believed to have been used by the Lone Woman who is depicted in the children's novel, Island of the Blue Dolphins byScott O'Dell.

Children's activities will include readings from this novel and other Chumash stories, a variety of craft stations, an archeological discovery station, and Junior Ranger programs.

"Tales of Island Life" is an all-day event on March 6 that will celebrate the human history of the Channel Islands, as well as the 36^th anniversary of Channel Islands National Park. At noon, Betsy Lester Roberti will give a program that describes her childhood memories growing up on the remote, rugged, and windswept San Miguel Island in the 1930s and 40s.At 2:00 pm, Channel Islands National Park Superintendent Russell Galipeau will lead a conversation about the past, present, and future management of the park.

National Park Service staff will share how they protect the park resources at stations on island fox recovery, kelp forest monitoring, shipwreck research, historic preservation, and more. Attendees can ask divers, scientists, archeologists, and others about their careers.

Children's activities, including fish printing crafts, ranger-led programs, and a career scavenger hunt, will be available throughout the day. The park film, Treasure in the Sea, will be shown at 11:00 am, 1:00 pm, and 3:00 pm. A living history program will be presented that will feature the story of sea captain's wife, Margaret Eaton.

The event on February 28 is free for children with a $5.00 entrance fee for adults. The event on March 6 is free for all, as part of the Free First Sunday series at the Museum of Ventura County.

To learn more about these and otherTo learn more about this and other centennial events from Channel Islands National Park, events from Channel Islands National Park, visit www.nps.gov/chis. The National Park Service Centennial honors 100 years of national parks, and sets the stage for another 100 years of helping Americans make meaningful connections to nature, history, and culture.