"Preserving the History of the Southern Sierra"

With its modest beginning in 1967, the Kern River Valley Historical Society has continually grown in membership and responsibility as caretakers of Kern River Valley culture and heritage. The KRVHS is a non profit group of caring members and dedicated volunteers who devote hundreds of hours to collecting, preserving and presenting the areas precious treasures through time.

Among the many properties in its keeping, KRVHS also acts as the management, maintenance & supporting force for Kern Valley Museum and the Historical Society's Research Annex. The Museum houses spectacular displays interpreting the rich and complex social, cultural and economic history of the Kern River Valley are offered to visitors without charge. The Research Annex houses a massive collection of books, documents, art, photographs and other items of interest to researchers and genealogists. Through its exhibits, publications, and programs, we may trace who and what we are, how we achieved our distinct identity, and what unique contributions we make to the region and state.

Through the extraordinary and proud history of local Native Americans (Tubatulabul and Kawaiisu), the resilient gold miners, hardy loggers and pioneering ranchers, with colorful places such as Keysville, Onyx, Johnsondale, Whiskey Flat, and Kernville - the Kern River Valley Historical Society educates all generations about our past as well as present.