The Kern Valley Museum houses artifacts from prehistory to the present. We have a large geological and fossil exhibit, mining and ranching artifacts, history of the Edison hydroelectric plants, building of the Isabella Dam and exhibits of the movie making history of the area. 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 on 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 150 year old cabin just to list a few of the items that draw over 12,000 visitors annually.

The Kern River Valley Historical Society has been in operation for over 40 years. Our mission is to preserve and communicate the history of this region. Without us there would be no focal point for the preservation of our rich and colorful history and heritage.