CARPINTERIA VALLEY MUSEUM OF HISTORY
956 Maple Avenue | Carpinteria, California 93013 | 805.684.3112

EVENTS SCHEDULE
All events take place at the Carpinteria Valley Museum History, 956 Maple Ave., Carpinteria, unless otherwise noted. ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​
Check back often for new event additions and opportunities to support the Museum.
The following schedule is subject to change.
UPCOMING IN 2026

TUESDAY, JUNE 30, 2026
at 5 p.m.
​TALK & TALKBACK SPEAKER SERIES
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A VOLCANO, RENEGADE DRILLERS, AND THE GREAT SPILL OF ’69: RINCON’S OILY HISTORY
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Talk by Stephen Bates & Vince Burns
FREE for Museum Members
$10 per person for visitors
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Have you ever wondered about Rincon’s oily history? Stephen Bates and Vince Burns, authors of Rincon Point, part of the Images of America series, will explore Rincon’s history with oil from Chumash to “Rincon Island.” The duo will also discuss the Rincon “volcano” and the oil spill of 1969. Talks with Bates and Burns are always informative, entertaining, and history-minded events. Bring your questions for the talkback portion of the evening.
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THURSDAY, JULY 23, 2026
at 5 p.m.
​TALK & TALKBACK SPEAKER SERIES
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PATHS THROUGH TIME: HISTORIC TRAILS OF SANTA BARBARA COUNTY AND THEIR INFLUENCE ON MODERN LIFE
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Talk by Mark Wilkinson
FREE for Museum Members
$10 per person for visitors
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Executive Director of the Santa Barbara Trails Council, Mark Wilkinson will discuss Santa Barbara County’s historic trail networks, beginning with Indigenous routes and continuing through Spanish and early American corridors. Connecting the past with the present, he will explore how these trails influence the region today from recreation to conservation and community involvement. Wilkinson will also highlight how protecting and sharing these old routes can improve public access, care for the environment, and foster cultural understanding.​

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 19, 2026
at 5 p.m.
​TALK & TALKBACK SPEAKER SERIES
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HISTORY OF RADIO WITH CARPINTERIA VALLEY RADIO
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Panel Discussion with Peter Bie & Dennis Mitchell
Moderated by Bryan Mootz
FREE for Museum Members
$10 per person for visitors
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Peter Bie and Dennis Mitchell will explore aspects of the history of radio, how the medium has changed over time, some memorable moments of “life in radio,” and the founding of Carpinteria Valley Radio. Bryan Mootz, of the radio show, Bryan's Radio Lunch Truck, will moderate. ​
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FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2026
at 6 p.m.
​TALK & TALKBACK SPEAKER SERIES
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40 YEARS OF CARPINTERIA'S CALIFORNIA AVOCADO FESTIVAL
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Talk by Sara Killen
FREE for Museum Members
$10 per person for visitors
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Explore the history of Carpinteria's well-known California Avocado Festival, an annual tradition in the month of October. Sara Killen will dive into the origin of the festival, how it has changed over time, and what the festival means to Carpinteria. Join us for this lively and celebratory event. Bring your questions and join us for the final Talk & Talkback of 2026! ​
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