The Kern River Valley Historical Society is celebrating over 50 years of operation! Our mission is to preserve and communicate the rich and colorful history of this region. The Kern Valley Museum in downtown Kernville, next to the Post Office, welcomes visitors to explore our rich history.

What's Happening

From the Archives at the Annex

The gang at the Annex have found many interesting new things! We’d like to share several new pictures that we have found. Did you know that we were pioneers in hydroelectric power? Borel Power Plant was started in 1898!

Our power plants contributed largely to the growth of Los Angeles. They also logged many “firsts” in hydroelectric power.

Here are some fun pictures that can be found in the Annex, if you want to see more, come by the Annex. We can show you many more!

1. Truck in the tunnel at KR1

2. Borel later upgrade

3. Borel tailrace

4. Hospital—KR 1