The Kern River Valley Historical Society has been in operation for over 40 years. Our mission is to preserve and communicate the rich and colorful history of this region. To achieve these goals we have established the Kern Valley Museum in downtown Kernville next to the Post Office.
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February 24th General Meeting: Gene Verbeet & Larry Holochwost & Their Book About the history of the Golden Trout Wilderness.

The fascinating local history story is told in their book, “THE GOLDEN TROUT WILDERNESS: THE FORTY YEAR STRUGGLE TO PRESERVE THE ANCIENT TERRITORY OF THE CALIFORNIA GOLDEN TROUT”.

Three years of researching files located in the Ardis and Gayle Walker House have resulted in this 170 page saga. The authors will discuss the making of this book and share the insights they gained from the project.

February 24th, 7 PM at Senior Center, Lake Isabella.  Bring your friends and family. 

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.


In the 1850’s, Gold Fever gripped the nation. 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.

The Museum stands rich in history.  Come and discover the treasures it holds!