Volunteer Docents

The Olivas Adobe Historical Interpreters (OAHI)

Click image to view and print flyer

Be part of  “history with a future” by training as a docent for the all-volunteer Olivas Adobe Historical Interpreters (OAHI) dedicated to preserving the only Monterey Style adobe home in California from the Gold Rush era, a California Historical Landmark built by the Mexican Olivas family in the 1840s. Docents make the history of the Olivas Adobe come to life by celebrating its Chumash, Old West, Rancho and Latino heritage through weekend tours, gift shop, summer concerts, and year round special events. All proceeds from docent events go towards the maintenance of the Olivas Adobe.

As a docent you may choose your level of involvement. Select from weekend activities and share your love of history with visitors as a costumed historical park tour guide or gift shop manager. Or choose to participate in annual events such as the year round Family Sundays cultural activities, summer Music under the Stars concert series or winter’s Holiday Candlelight Tour—all filled with workshops or presentations on the crafts, cultural observances and life skills of yesteryear. Docents may also choose to work on long-term projects through various standing committees on cultural education, historic acquisitions and restoration and are invited to visit other historical sites as a group, getting VIP “behind the scenes” treatment not available to the regular public.

More information: Gina Reyes at 805.658.4728 or e-mail greyes@cityofventura.net

Olivas Adobe Docent Recruitment Poster
OlivasAdobeCandleLighting2011PhotographerKurtRieckenberg-03

Photo by Kurt Rieckenberg

The OAHI Organization
Organized as an association under bylaws in 1980, OAHI operates in collaboration with the City of Ventura to provide volunteer docent service to Olivas Park. Our mission is to interpret and preserve the history and heritage of the Olivas family and Rancho San Miguel as part of the Rancho Period of California History.

Some of Our Activities
Provide interpretive tours of the park. Maintain the displays in the adobe home, exhibit hall and herb garden. Staff and maintain the gift shop and research library. Participate in events held at the Adobe

OAHI Olivas Gift Shop

Located in the Richard Senate Exhibit Hall across from the Olivas Adobe Courtyard, the gift shop hours are: Saturday & Sundays, 11 am - 4 pm

Books - Pictures - Toys - Cards - Stationary - Clothing - Dishes - Handicrafts - Unique gifts inspired by Rancho Period of California History

Two women interpreters standing in Adobe House

The Benefits of Being an OAHI Interpreter

  • As an (1) Active Member, (2) Associate Member or Friend of the Adobe
  • Be(come) an Olivas Adobe Historical Interpreter
  • Gain satisfaction from contributing your time
  • Have a great time doing something good for everyone
  • Learn the history of California
  • Meet new people and make new friends
  • Participate in interesting activities
  • Take field trips to other museums and historic site

Docent Scrapbook

Click on Scrapbook links below for stories and pictures of past events at the Adobe

http://www.venturacountystar.com/news/2007/aug/21/pipe-dreams/