t was water, agriculture, and oil that brought a steady stream of settlers to the swamp land of the Kern Delta—people drawn by a dream to stake claim to the riches of the Valley. Seemingly overnight, fortunes were made and the city of Bakersfield was born—born on the backs of those early migrants determined to build a new life—a life of promise and prosperity, a life of hope and future. Today, the people of Kern County honor the vibrant history of its earliest citizens and the Native Americans who shared the land. Their struggle to survive and thrive is the story proudly shared by the Kern County Museum. It is a heritage that must be preserved. To do so requires actively embracing the challenges of expansion and renovation as well as a dynamic and spirited vision—a vision that will ensure history for the future. In 1941, by issuance of County Ordinance, the responsibility of preserving the heritage and history of the region became the mission of the Kern County Museum. Beginning in a basement corner of the Chamber of Commerce building in Bakersfield, California, the Museum now boasts a rich collection of artifacts dating from prehistoric times to the present—a collection valued at more than $50 million.

Kern County Museum Mission

The Kern County Museum Serves the People of Kern County by:

• Providing its citizens a deeper understanding and appreciation of their past.
• Providing school audiences with a powerful educational laboratory for experimental learning.
• Providing visitors to the area a better appreciation of the importance of the region in shaping California and the West.

Its purpose in doing this is to enable present generations to learn from the past in ways that enrich their lives and help them to shape a better future.

Due to the scarcity of resources during World War II, Museum operations grew slowly. Yet, excitement about the new Museum was high. Local citizens were vigorously dedicated to the effort, and the collection began to amass. Through the years, exhibits were presented; historic structures and artifacts were donated; and the Museum flourished to become not only a tourist attraction, but also a valued educational facility and bustling community cultural center. Today, the Museum encompasses the entire Chamber of Commerce building, and its 16-acre park features 56 historic structures and buildings, including the Lori Brock Children’s Discovery Center. The Discovery Center, opened in 1976, provides educational experiences for visitors ages eight and under.

Like many county museums across the nation, the Kern County Museum faced reductions in County funding in the early 1990s. The formation of the not-for-profit Kern County Museum Foundation in 1991 to raise private-sector funding helped to fill the gap. While the Foundation has made steady progress, the County realized the Museum needed financing at a level the two entities could no longer provide. To address this concern, the County of Kern and the Kern County Board of Education entered into a Joint Powers Agreement, or JPA. The JPA established the Kern County Museum Authority Board to oversee the operation and maintenance of the Museum. At the same time the Kern County Superintendent of Schools added financial support, creating a stable funding base.

The Kern County Museum was revitalized. Its complex of historic exhibits and authentic outdoor structures supports the concept of lifelong learning, offering a variety of interactive educational programs for all ages, distinctive special events, and a nostalgic glimpse into a by-gone era.