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!

The Kern River Valley Historical Society is proud to acknowledge the folks who sponsor our numerous displays and exhibit...
06/17/2026

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 Karrie Bunting, Attorney at Law, for sponsoring the Brands and Road Sign Exhibit. Many of our sponsors are individuals and businesses who want to help support the Society’s mission. Please get in touch with us if you would like to join these fine sponsors. Thanks so much for your support, Karrie!

The Kern River Valley Historical Society is proud to acknowledge the folks who sponsor our numerous displays and exhibit...
06/15/2026

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 St. Sherrian Episcopal Church for sponsoring the Household Display. Many of our sponsors are individuals and businesses who want to help support the Society’s mission. Please get in touch with us if you would like to join these fine sponsors. Thanks so much for your support, Bob!

The Kern River Valley Historical Society is proud to acknowledge the folks who sponsor our numerous displays and exhibit...
06/11/2026

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 Peak Family for sponsoring the Ardis Walker Display. Many of our sponsors are individuals and businesses who want to help support the Society’s mission. Please get in touch with us if you would like to join these fine sponsors. Thanks so much for your support, Mike!

06/09/2026

MEMBERS: For our June adventure, tomorrow, Wednesday June 10, we will be jumping over Walker Pass to visit our neighbors in Ridgecrest. On our first stop, we will join Tex Hoppus as he guides us around the Historical Society of the Upper Mojave Desert Museum, located in the historic old USO building. There is also the original Kern County jail, library, firehouse, and even the old Isabella schoolhouse! Let's hear the stories about the rich history and culture of this unique region. Following a break for lunch, we will be traveling a few blocks to the China Lake Museum. Founded to preserve the history of China Lake NAWS and its establishment in 1943, as the Naval Ordnance Test Station. This unique military-civilian team's developments include the Sidewinder and Shrike missiles, and the technology developed there helped bring to the public things like stop-action videos and glow sticks! The museum has a great collection of films. At the moment, they are expanding their displays and have recently added an AV-8B Harrier Jet to their collection. If we are lucky, we may even get a peek at the new, still-in-transition exhibit hall. We will meet at the HSUMD museum, 230 Ridgecrest Blvd, at 10:30 a.m. Those wishing to carpool (need or can offer a ride) meet behind the Senior Center in Lake Isabella at 9 a.m. You may bring your lunch, or there are many dining options available in Ridgecrest. Looking forward to seeing you all for what should be another fun field trip! Not a member? You can join at the beginning of the trip!

The Kern River Valley Historical Society is proud to acknowledge the folks who sponsor our numerous displays and exhibit...
06/08/2026

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 True Value Hardware for their sponsorship of the Pre-History 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, Steve!

4pm tonight in the cool ac of the Kern Valley Museum:Come meet the artist, Rich Pelletreau! 49 Big Blue Rd, Kernville, C...
06/05/2026

4pm tonight in the cool ac of the Kern Valley Museum:
Come meet the artist, Rich Pelletreau! 49 Big Blue Rd, Kernville, CA 93238

06/04/2026

Showing in the Member’s Cabinet in the Art Room at the museum right now is a collection of whaling and whale related memorabilia from JoAnne and Erie Johnson’s private collection. They acquired these items during their time living and working in Barrow, AK. Definitely check this out! And when you are there, don’t forget to look up!

Friday, 5 June is the art reception for THE Rich Pelletreau, KRV’s very own wildlife artist! The original paintings show...
06/04/2026

Friday, 5 June is the art reception for THE Rich Pelletreau, KRV’s very own wildlife artist! The original paintings shown here are his last available original works. There will be no more. Two of his framed prints have already sold—and we barely finished hanging them. So, if you’d like to own one of this local icon’s original wildlife paintings, now is the time. The reception starts at 4pm and ends at 6pm. Kern Valley Museum Art Room, 49 Big Blue Rd, Kernville.

The Kern River Valley Historical Society is proud to acknowledge the folks who sponsor our numerous displays and exhibit...
06/03/2026

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!

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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