As the population began to grow in the Kern River Valley and surrounding area, the need to educate the children became increasingly important. The first recorded school started in Linns Valley in 1854, known as the Linns Valley School. The first classes were held under a large oak tree on the Lavers Ranch where the barn stands. Schools were then built to accommodate the growing number of students. This school district is still an active school district. As Kernville began to grow, and families moved in, Adam Hamilton, of Whiskey Flat fame, gave up selling spirits and whiskey to the Big Blue miners. About 1860, he opened a private school and became the first school master. It is little wonder that many children were sent to relatives to further their education. Prominent families, like Andrew Brown, hired private tutors for their children. In 1866, Kern County was formed from the northern portion of Los Angeles County and the southern portion of Tulare County. Four school districts were formed at that time: Linns Valley School District; Havilah School District; Kernville School District and Kelso School District. The history of our schools is as rich as the gold history. My research to date has found 35-40 schools. To name a few of those schools: Kelso School District; Erskine School District; North Fork School District (an Edison school); Breckenridge School (a WPA school); Havilah Parochial School (a Catholic school); and Greenhorn School District. If you have information, pictures, stories, that you are willing to share about our schools, I would appreciate your input. You may email me at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or send in care of the Historical Society, P.O. Box 651 Kernville, CA 93238. Please indicate if the materials should be returned to you.
Location
49 Big Blue Road
PO Box 651
Kernville, CA 93238
(760) 376-6683
************ NOTICE **************
THE MUSEUM AND ANNEX ARE CURRENTLY CLOSED THROUGH THE END OF APRIL DUE TO THE CORONA VIRUS SITUATION.
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USUAL HOURS (WHEN THE MUSEUM REOPENS):
10 am to 4 pm
Thursday through Sunday
We are regularly closed:
New Year's Day, Easter, Thanksgiving, and Christmas.
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Useful Info
What's Happening in APRIL 2020 - Please see CALENDAR
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A Message from the President - February 2021
We have made it through 2020 and are looking forward to a great year of 2021 at the museum....
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Curator's Corner February, 2021 --- Dianna Anderson
This month, I’d like to thank a bunch of people for various things they’ve done since the pandemic began....
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As of February 2021, all General Membership Meetings STILL CANCELLED until further notice
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Docents' Corner — Luz Polcik
Please contact me with any questions or concerns regarding docenting. --- Luz 661-803-2012 call or...
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The Wonderful Gift of Giving ---
To donate now please click on the DONATE link above. When the museum reopens, the Gift of Giving...
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Art Gallery - CLOSED FOR NOW
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Collectors Display Cabinet - CLOSED FOR NOW
If you have a collection to share, contact me, Linda Thurm, at 760-417-2881. The schedule will be...
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PLEASE SUPPORT THESE BUSINESSES - February 2021
The following businesses & organizations support the museum. We encourage you to support them! ...
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General Membership Meetings ON HOLD FOR NOW
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The History of Our Schools [Part 1] --- CharlAnn Gregory
As the population began to grow in the Kern River Valley and surrounding area, the need to educate the...
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Country Store February 2021 --- JoAnne Johnson: Still closed, however, please see below
I’m excited to announce that Donni Higgins and I will be running the Country Store. Thank you...
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Book Report [2021] --- Linda Adams
Romantic Heritage of Kern River Valley from Trail Blazer, Gold Seeker and Pioneer Settler to...