Kern Valley Museum, Kernville

About Kern Valley Museum

Kern Valley Museum, in downtown Kernville, houses a large assortment of artifacts and exhibits interpreting the history of the Kern River Valley. Visitors explore displays covering pre-history, the Gold Rush, Native Americans, movies made in the valley, the Forest Service, hydroelectric power, recreation history, and local cowboys and ranchers. The museum has been operated by the Kern River Valley Historical Society since its founding in 1967. Across the street, the Research Annex serves researchers, genealogists, and hobbyists with a collection of books, documents, photographs, and other historical materials. The Historical Society also publishes books on regional history available through its bookshop. The museum and annex suit anyone interested in learning about Southern Sierra culture and heritage, from casual visitors to serious researchers tracing local history and family connections.