Kern Valley Museum

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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.

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. 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!

Spaghetti Dinner & AuctionNovember 14th, 2026Supper, Stories, and Spirited Bidding!Come and meet some of our pioneers – ...
10/19/2026

Spaghetti Dinner & Auction
November 14th, 2026
Supper, Stories, and Spirited Bidding!
Come and meet some of our pioneers – Tales on the Trail actors in costume.
To be held Saturday, November 14th, from 4:30 pm to 7:30 pm at the Masonic Lodge in Kernville.
The Dinner will include salad, bread, spaghetti, water or iced tea, and dessert.
The meal will be sponsored by Cheryl’s Diner and The Pizza Barn in Kernville.
W**e and b**r will be available for an extra charge.
There will be a 50/50 drawing and door prizes.
Tickets are $25.00 per person.
The Auction will begin 6:30 p.m. Among the auction items will be:
Unique art pieces
Handmade leatherwork
Gift baskets created by local businesses
Make your reservation and join the fun! Purchase tickets online .org or visit our gift shop Thursday-Sunday, 10am-4pm

Tales on the TrailNovember 7th, 2026 | 10:00 am – 12:00 noonThis will be a “Don’t Want To Miss” event!This is an opportu...
10/19/2026

Tales on the Trail
November 7th, 2026 | 10:00 am – 12:00 noon
This will be a “Don’t Want To Miss” event!
This is an opportunity to meet some of the pioneers of the Kern River Valley. The tour, from station to station, will be a short walk in Kernville near the Kern Valley Museum. You will hear short presentations by actors portraying our historical characters.
The November 14th Spaghetti Dinner & Auction fundraiser tickets will be available for purchase at this event.
So make your reservations and mark your calendars for this rare opportunity to hear from these fascinating characters in person. You can purchase tickets online at KRVHS.org or visit our museum gift shop Thursday-Sunday, 10am-4pm.

Did you know the Kern River Valley Historical Society publishes a quarterly journal? The current issue is all about the ...
10/19/2026

Did you know the Kern River Valley Historical Society publishes a quarterly journal? The current issue is all about the history of Borel power plant. Each issue features a variety of articles about the Kern River Valley, from art and poetry to historical events, interviews, and new research being compiled and studied by dedicated volunteers at our Research Annex about historical landmarks, events and characters in our valley. You can purchase a copy or a yearly subscription in the museum gift shop, or online through the website at KRVHS.org

The Kern River Valley Historical Society is proud to acknowledge the folks who sponsor our numerous displays and exhibit...
10/18/2026

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 Orro Family for their sponsorship of the Assay Office. 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, Martin, Linda, and Aleks!

10/16/2026

MOVIE NIGHT is happening on Saturday October 17th at 7pm. We will be showing two John Wayne movie westerns from the 1930’s. One of the movies is Riders of Destiny from 1933 and will feature scenes of the Kern River Valley. An undercover government agent comes to town to investigate a water supply problem with the local farmers. The second movie is Paradise Canyon from 1935, again featuring scenes of the Kern River Valley and Movie Street. John Wayne potrays a government agent, who goes undercover as part of a traveling medicine show to stop a counterfeiting operation. Movie Night admission is free and open to all. Popcorn, water, and sodas are available.

10/16/2026

We are open today! Come see us!

(This was during the power outage.)

The Kern River Valley Historical Society is proud to acknowledge the folks who sponsor our numerous displays and exhibit...
10/14/2026

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 R-Ranch in the Sequoias for their sponsorship of The Jenkins Pack Station. 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, folks!

LAST OFFICIAL MEMBERS' FIELD TRIP OF THE SEASON: Wednesday, October 14th, we will be joining local archaeologist Amy Gir...
10/13/2026

LAST OFFICIAL MEMBERS' FIELD TRIP OF THE SEASON: Wednesday, October 14th, we will be joining local archaeologist Amy Girado to explore some of the historical and archaeological sites up at Walker Pass. The beautiful weather at this time of year will guarantee stunning views from the pass. This should be a memorable adventure guided by Amy’s vast knowledge. We will gather at the Walker Pass campground, off of Hwy. 178 at the base of the pass, at 9:30 a.m. Bring water, snacks, and wear appropriate gear. Remember this will be at elevation – I would suggest sunscreen. Please note that this is a walking tour; however, it should not be too strenuous, but proper footwear is important. Those wishing to carpool, meet at the rear of the Senior Center in Lake Isabella by 8:45 a.m.

Happy indigenous peoples day!!
10/12/2026

Happy indigenous peoples day!!

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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