The Kern River Valley Historical Society has been in operation for over 40 years. Our mission is to preserve and communicate the rich and colorful history of this region. To achieve these goals we have established the Kern Valley Museum in downtown Kernville next to the Post Office.
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Master film maker Chuck Barbee, will share his documentary film of, ‘The House With 3 Lives’ the Lopez/Hill House, its background, and eventual movement to its present location in Pioneer Village.

Steeped in history and superbly filmed by Chuck who in Hollywood is a well known director of photography with scores of films on his credits. Pictures like... Star Trek.... Night Court..... The Trip.... and....Its 25 Years Charlie Brown.

Chuck is a local who graduated from Kern Valley High and after employment at Bakersfield TV station KLYD moved on to Hollywood where he learned his craft and went on to his director of photography status.

Chuck is an entertaining speaker and his insiders view of the Kern County history that surrounds those of us who live in the Kern River Valley will be well worth your time.

So mark your calendar and plan to spend a really great evening as we are entertained by master film maker Chuck Barbee!!

Tuesday, February 23rd, 7pm at the Senior Center.
Public is welcome.  Bring a friend or two.


The Kern Valley Museum houses artifacts from prehistoric times to the present.  We have a large geological and fossil exhibit, mining and ranching artifacts, an interactive history of the Edison hydroelectric plants, exhibits of the movie-making history of the area and construction of the Isabella Dam.


There are thousands of photographs of the early settlers, miners, cowboys and Indians.

Our wonderful back porch and yard are home for a 1925 Graham Truck, covered wagon and the Stagecoach John Wayne rode while filming scenes of “Stagecoach” in our Valley.

We also have a giant stamp mill used to render gold-bearing ore to powder, a working assay office, blacksmith shop and a restored and furnished 100 year old cabin.


In the 1850’s, Gold Fever gripped the nation. The Kern River Valley was part of the gold rush that spurred the westward migration of fortune seekers who became ranchers, farmers and merchants when the gold played out.

The Museum stands rich in history.  Come and discover the treasures it holds!