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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This month in the Art Room of our Museum is featured the Photographic Art of our President Robert D. “Bob” Woods.

His interest started with a ‘brownie’ camera and developed over the years into some serious photography.  From high school through college he did yearbook and portraits. He moved on in later years to landscape and nature photos.

Bob has attended seminars from the likes of Rikke Cook and Johanathan Kinsston. His subjects include coastal seascapes, the Sierras, and views of Oregon and Hawaii. Drop by the art room in February and enjoy his work!!
 

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!





 
 

Location

49 Big Blue Road
PO Box 651
Kernville, CA 93238
(760) 376-6683
Hours:
10 am - 4 pm
Thursday - Sunday

Admission is Free

Contact us