Abstract Cephas Little Bard, born April 7, 1843 in Pennsylvania, was a well-known physician and prominent citizen of Ventura County in the late 19th century. Bard co-founded Ventura's first hospital and was also a prominent medical researcher. His collection of curios was also the foundation of what would later become the Museum of Ventura County. Dr. Bard passed away on April 20, 1902 due to complications from a surgery. His collection includes correspondence, monographs, legal documents, and...

Abstract The Bard family is one of the most influential families in Ventura County history. The family moved to the area from Pennsylvania by Thomas R. Bard in the 1860s. He was soon followed by his brother, Cephas "Little" Bard, who was a trained medical doctor. Thomas R. Bard was involved in local politics and went on to serve as a senator in the U.S. Senate. Dr. Bard practiced medicine in Ventura County and his collection of curios served as the basis for what would eventually become the Museum of...