wearing: sunglasses / earrings / lipstick / necklace / classic black dress / nail polish / handbag / boots (color sold out, similar here)

One of the sites we always like to visit when traveling throughout California is the local mission; if there is one. The missions are part of California history, and an important part of how our state was settled and formed. Our kids learned about California history in fourth grade, but it’s great to renew those lessons by visiting historical spots and reminding them of their history.

The mission was founded by the Franciscan order with Fr. Serra to help spread Catholicism in the new world. It is one of the smaller California missions, and offers a glimpse into what life may have been like in the 1700’s and 1800’s. It was founded in 1749. It was then seized by the Mexican government in 1833, and then after the United States took over, President Lincoln returned the mission to the Catholic church in 1862. The only original structure on the site today is the church building and the garden. The museum, which is on the other side of the garden from the church building, contains original artifacts which are fascinating.

They have wooden bells! Apparently there were pirates in the area, and in order to keep the mission and it’s people safe from pirates who frequented the now-Ventura harbor, the mission rang wooden bells which could be heard by people staying in the mission, but not the outside world. I’m trying to figure out how a wooden bell could be heard; but apparently it worked like a charm!

The museum also contains items used in the 1700’s and 1800’s by mission residents and Franciscan’s. It’s really interesting to catch a glimpse from that time period. If you visit downtown Ventura, be sure to tour the mission and it’s museum. It’s a small site to see, packed with a ton of history. It should only take about 45 minutes to visit.

I wore this classic black dress which is great for travel. It doesn’t wrinkle and can be dressed up for dinner with heels, or worn casually with boots, sneakers, or flats during the day. There is a self-tie in the back of the dress which is great for helping to give it some shape. The cap sleeves are actually OK, my arms have a farmer’s tan, so my apologies if it throws off the look of the sleeves. haha I am looking forward to wearing this black dress throughout the rest of the summer season, and well into the fall season. It’s really versatile!

Shop my little black dress look:

Thanks for stopping by, and stay tuned for more from my Ventura road trip!

XOXO
Cathy