Kern River Valley Historical Society

With its humble begining in 1967, the Kern River Valley Historical Society set out to make a positive impact on our community. Understanding the importance of local history and the need to preserve it, the Society began collecting local artifics. Once the community heard of commitment to collect and display local artifacts the donation just kept coming. Today the vast majority of our displays have been donated. The history around Kernville and the Kern River Valley is diverse and fascinating. Navtive American Indians lived in the valley for over 900 years. The tribe is very active with the museum and other local activites. Gold was discovered in 1866 not far from where the museum is located. There is a relocated stamp mill on display along with other "gold mining" resources. There is miner's cabin that was diassembled, moved off the mountain and reassembled at the museum. (just like the barnwood builders do on TV) Vistors are always impressed when they are remined that everything at the museum is being done by volunteers.