Kern Valley Museum

Kern Valley Museum The Kern Valley Museum is a nonprofit museum run by the Kern River Valley Historical Society. Admission is free. In the 1850’s, Gold Fever gripped the nation.
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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 wonder

ful 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. 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. Our nonprofit museum is manned by volunteer docents and is supported by memberships, donations and fundraisers. Come and discover the treasures it holds!

09/05/2026

Amy Nelson is our featured local artist for September. Stop by and see her stunning photography, and please join us for an artist reception for Amy on September 11th, from 4-6pm at the museum.

09/05/2026

Don’t forget to stop by the Kern Valley Museum to see the new display in the Member’s Cabinet—it’s poppin’ fresh!

The Kern River Valley Historical Society is proud to acknowledge the folks who sponsor our numerous displays and exhibit...
09/02/2026

The Kern River Valley Historical Society is proud to acknowledge the folks who sponsor our numerous displays and exhibits in the Museum. We would like to highlight the Harry P. Thal Insurance Agency for their sponsorship of the Fremont and Explorers Display. Many of our sponsors are individuals and businesses who want to help support the Society’s mission. Please don't hesitate to contact us if you're interested in joining these valued sponsors. Thanks so much, Harry!

The Kern River Valley Historical Society is proud to acknowledge the folks who sponsor our numerous displays and exhibit...
08/31/2026

The Kern River Valley Historical Society is proud to acknowledge the folks who sponsor our numerous displays and exhibits in the Museum. We would like to highlight Rita D’Angelo Real Estate for their sponsorship of the Gun Case. Many of our sponsors are individuals and businesses who want to help support the Society’s mission. Please don't hesitate to contact us if you're interested in joining these valued sponsors. Thanks so much, Rita!

The Kern River Valley Historical Society is proud to acknowledge the folks who sponsor our numerous displays and exhibit...
08/27/2026

The Kern River Valley Historical Society is proud to acknowledge the folks who sponsor our numerous displays and exhibits in the Museum. We want to highlight Gilbert and Teresa for their generous sponsorship of the Map Room. Many of our sponsors are individuals and businesses who want to help support the Society’s mission. Please don't hesitate to contact us if you're interested in joining these valued sponsors. Thanks so much, Gilbert and Teresa!

Today at 4pm you are welcome to attend artist Christopher Owen’s reception at the Kern Valley Museum in Kernville. It is...
08/26/2026

Today at 4pm you are welcome to attend artist Christopher Owen’s reception at the Kern Valley Museum in Kernville. It is also Chris’s birthday today, so we have cake! Come meet this month’s local artist!

08/25/2026
The Kern River Valley Historical Society is proud to acknowledge the folks who sponsor our numerous displays and exhibit...
08/24/2026

The Kern River Valley Historical Society is proud to acknowledge the folks who sponsor our numerous displays and exhibits in the Museum. We want to highlight The Rankin Ranch for their sponsorship of the Ranching Display. Many of our sponsors are individuals and businesses who want to help support the Society’s mission. Please don't hesitate to contact us if you're interested in joining these valued sponsors. Thanks so much, Amanda!

Christopher Owen’s art reception is this coming Wednesday, August 26th, 4-6pm at the museum in Kernville. Chris’s show f...
08/23/2026

Christopher Owen’s art reception is this coming Wednesday, August 26th, 4-6pm at the museum in Kernville. Chris’s show features sculptures made from the items he salvaged after is studio burned in the French Fire. It’s also Chris’s birthday, so we will have cake!

The Kern River Valley Historical Society is proud to acknowledge the folks who sponsor our numerous displays and exhibit...
08/19/2026

The Kern River Valley Historical Society is proud to acknowledge the folks who sponsor our numerous displays and exhibits in the Museum. We want to highlight Luz Polcik of Edward Jones Investment Services for her sponsorship of the General Store Exhibit. Many of our sponsors are individuals and businesses who want to help support the Society’s mission. Please don't hesitate to contact us if you're interested in joining these valued sponsors. Thanks so much, Luz!

Address

49 Big Blue Road
Kernville, CA
93238

Opening Hours

Thursday 10am - 4pm
Friday 10am - 4pm
Saturday 10am - 4pm
Sunday 10am - 4pm

Telephone

(760) 376-6683

Website

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