Welch (James F.) papers, bulk 1960s to 1970s

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Summary

Title:
James F. Welch papers
Dates:
bulk 1960s to 1970s
Creators:
Welch, James Fletcher
Abstract:
Donated by James F. Welch, former Lifeguard Supervisor at San Buenaventura State Beach, this collection consists of four boxes of historical materials covering events in Ventura County, gathered by Mr. Welch from 1973 to 1979. Many of the materials were used to write The History of San Buenaventura State Beach. Part I, 1949-1979, written by Mr. Welch. The collection includes maps, photographs, and oral histories. Some of the materials are publications covering the topic of lifeguarding (local, regional, and world), as well as notes written by Mr. Welch. Mr. Welch discontinued his research on Ventura County history and on lifeguarding when he made a career change in 1980.
Extent:
4.31 Cubic Feet (4 boxes)
Language:
English .
Preferred citation:

[Identification of item], James F. Welch papers, (Collection MVC036), Museum of Ventura County, Research Library, Ventura, California.

Background

Scope and content:

This collection was donated by James F. Welch, former Lifeguard Supervisor at San Buenaventura State Beach, on November 8, 1996. The collection consists of four boxes of historical materials covering events in Ventura County, gathered by Mr. Welch during his research from 1973 to 1979. Some of these materials were used to write a History of San Buenaventura State Beach, written by Mr. Welch and published by the California Department of Parks and Recreation, Channel Coast Area. Lifeguarding patches were also donated as part of this collection, and they were added to the objects collection of patches. Some of the materials are publications covering the topic of lifeguarding (local, regional, and world), as well as notes written by Mr. Welch.

Biographical / historical:

James Fletcher Welch was born in 1949 and died in 2016. In the 1970s he worked as a high school teach and year round lifeguard for the California State Park system, which brought him to the Ventura County coast to work. Mr. Welch compiled materials on the history of Ventura County. He wrote a book on the history of the San Buenaventura State Beach that was published by the California Department of Parks and Recreation, Channel Coast Area. The book is titled The history of San Buenaventura State Beach. Part I, 1949-1979, and can be found in the Museum Research Library. Research materials for the book comprise part of this collection. Some of the materials include oral histories conducted by Mr. Welch, photographs, and maps.

In 1980, Mr. Welch's career changed direction and he decided to discontinue his research into Ventura County history. Mr. Welch became a technical writer and project manager for computer and software companies. His research materials and notes on Ventura County history, as well as publications regarding the history of lifeguarding at the local, regional, and world levels, make up this collection donated in 1996.

Acquisition information:
James F. Welch; gift; 1996.
Processing information:

Processed by Library staff in 2011; updated by Marcia Stock, 2026.

An original order of materials was established by the donor. However, only two boxes were processed in 2011. The remaining two boxes were processed in 2026. Materials were not kept in their original order, although paperwork from the donor can be found in Box 1 should a researcher like to see that order.

Physical / technical requirements:

COLLECTION CONTAINS AUDIO MATERIALS: Special equipment or further processing may be required for listening. Requests to use audio materials must be made in advance. Please contact the Research Library at library@venturamuseum.org.

Physical location:
COLLECTION STORED OFF-SITE: Stored off-site and advance notice is required for timely retrieval. Please request materials 2-3 days in advance. Researchers MUST make a research appointment on the Research Library website. Please make a note of the box numbers or container you are requesting.
Rules or conventions:
Describing Archives: A Content Standard

About this collection guide

Collection Guide Author:
Processed by Library staff in 2011; updated by Marcia Stock, 2026.
Date Encoded:
This finding aid was produced using ArchivesSpace on 2026-06-09 23:30:21 +0000 .

Access and use

Restrictions:

Open for research. Advance requests can be made to Research Library staff via email.

Terms of access:

Property rights to the physical object belong to the Museum of Ventura County. Literary rights, including copyright, are retained by the creators and their heirs. It is the responsibility of the researcher to determine who holds the copyright and pursue the copyright owner or his or her heir for permission to publish where the museum does not hold the copyright.

CONTAINS AV OR DIGITAL MATERIALS: Advance notice required. Researcher may be required to bear the cost of digitization or creation of an access copy.

Preferred citation:

[Identification of item], James F. Welch papers, (Collection MVC036), Museum of Ventura County, Research Library, Ventura, California.

Location of this collection:
100 East Main Street
Ventura, CA 93001, US
Contact:
(805) 653-0323, ext 320
library@venturamuseum.org
Website