The Channel Islands Maritime Museum’s beloved Speaker Series has returned with a splash in 2025, drawing sell-out crowds and creating a buzz of excitement in Ventura County and beyond!
Held on the third Thursday of each month, this series showcases incredible speakers who bring maritime history, art and culture to life. With a record-breaking audience in attendance for our first two events, this season promises to be one of the most engaging yet!
January 16, 2025: Amber Jenks – Woman in M-Ocean Exhibition & Speaking Event
We kicked off our 2025 Speaker Series with an unforgettable evening featuring Ventura-based photographer Amber Jenks, whose deep connection to the ocean and adventurous spirit captivated the audience. Born in Ventura to parents who were avid sailors, Amber spent much of her childhood at sea, experiencing different cultures and landscapes as her family navigated the world’s oceans. This unique upbringing gave her an innate appreciation for the beauty and serenity of the sea, which later became the foundation of her stunning photography.
Amber’s talk, held alongside her Woman in M-Ocean exhibition, offered an intimate look into her journey—one that took her from Ventura’s rugged coastline to Australia, where she spent 12 years exploring and honing her craft behind the lens. With over 14 years of photography experience, Amber shared her techniques for capturing dynamic surfing images, the challenges of photographing in unpredictable ocean conditions, and the stories behind some of her most breathtaking shots.
The event, which included an art reception with light refreshments, was a resounding success, with more than 75 attendees packing the museum’s gallery space. Guests had the opportunity to view Amber’s work up close, engage in Q&A, and hear firsthand about the dedication and passion that drive her photography.
February 20, 2025: "Silents on the Islands" with Betsy J. Green
February’s event transported attendees back to the early days of Hollywood, as author and historian Betsy J. Green explored the fascinating world of silent films shot on the Channel Islands, off of the southern California coast. Between 1909 and 1928, these islands served as the dramatic backdrop for over 250 silent movies, featuring daring actors who jumped off cliffs, battled pirates, swam with sharks, and even rescued mermaids.
Betsy’s presentation, "Silents on the Islands," offered a deep dive into this thrilling era, shedding light on the innovative filmmakers and industry pioneers who brought these daring stories to life. The Channel Islands provided an unmatched setting for adventure films, with Hollywood legends such as Gloria Swanson, Rudolph Valentino, Roscoe Arbuckle, Buster Keaton, Oliver Hardy and Stan Laurel starring in productions filmed right off our shores.
A prolific author, Betsy has written multiple books on local film and cultural history, including Movies & Million-Dollar Mansions: Silent Movies Made in Montecito and Behind the Scenes at the Flying A. Her engaging storytelling and in-depth research made for a fascinating evening, keeping the audience riveted as they learned about the pioneering world of silent filmmaking.
Upcoming Channel Islands Maritime Museum Speaker Series – March 20, 2025
Following the overwhelming success of our first two talks, we’re thrilled to announce our next event in the series! This March, we’ll take a deep dive into the revolutionary naval technological advancements of the U.S. Civil War.
Join U.S. Civil War historian Steve Lund as he explores the rise of Ironclad warships & submarines, their impact on the Industrial Revolution, and the incredible story of the CSS Hunley’s historic attack on the USS Housatonic—an event that forever changed the course of naval warfare.
🗓 When: March 20, 2025
⏰ Time: 6:00 - 7:00 PM
📍 Location: Channel Islands Maritime Museum, 3900 Bluefin Circle, Oxnard, CA
🎟️ Tickets: Free for CIMM members, $10 for non-members - Get your tickets here.
About the Channel Islands Maritime Museum
Nestled in the heart of Channel Islands Harbor in Oxnard, CA, the Channel Islands Maritime Museum (CIMM) is dedicated to preserving and sharing maritime heritage, ocean ecology, and maritime-inspired creative expression. Home to an extensive collection of maritime art, historic ship models, and rotating exhibits, the museum provides a rich and immersive experience for visitors of all ages.
📍 Location: 3900 Bluefin Circle, Oxnard, CA
🕛 Hours: Open Thursday - Monday, 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM
🎟️ Admission: $10 Adults, $5 Seniors, Active Military & Students, Children 18 and under are Free. Admission includes docent-led tours (availability depending).
Come explore our exhibits, attend our speaker series or a community event, and enjoy this unique treasure right here in Oxnard. We look forward to seeing you at the museum!
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