Horse-Drawn "Tanker Wagon"

plan for long-term development has been put in place to ensure an invigorated visitor experience, excellence in all aspects of Museum operations and programming, and relevance in the interpretation of collections. Guiding the plan are bold, new strategic initiatives that include:

• Being a leader in advancing the history and culture of Kern County through research, collection, preservation, exhibition, and conservation
  
• Promoting lifelong learning
  
• Providing donors, volunteers, members, and employees with an environment that supports continued growth and maximizes their ability and desire to contribute
  
• Implementing a marketing plan to increase public awareness and utilization
  
• Providing a well-maintained, comfortable, and attractive Museum
  
• Obtaining a broad base of financial and community support
  
• Enhancing professional standards required for maintaining accreditation
  by the American Association of Museums.

Producing crafted baskets, as shown above, the Yokuts thrived in the Central Valley for a millenium, living off the bountiful land and temperate climate.

To help realize these goals, the plan organizes the Museum’s exhibits, historic structures, and site development into thematic areas that will create visitor-friendly traffic flow similar to successful theme parks and—more importantly—an environment that envelops the visitor and fosters interactive learning.

Country music performer Bobby Austin wore this jacket, created by Nudie of Hollywood.

isitors begin their entertaining and enlightening glimpse into the past at the newly renovated Museum's Main Gallery. Visitors will open the impressive historic doors to the 1923 Chamber of Commerce building and view some of the best pieces from the Museum’s massive local history and culture collection, placing visitors in a context that prepares them for the unfolding Museum experience.

Guests exit the Main Gallery and begin their walk through history. Artfully landscaped settings with historic lighting and descriptive signage guide visitors through the Museum’s tree-lined grounds. The first stop on the outdoor tour is the Howell House. It is a beautiful Queen Anne-style Victorian home restored to its 1920s - 1930s splendor. Visitors proceed down the main street to view the new state-of-the-art exhibition, Black Gold: The Oil Experience. It offers the opportunity to get into a diving bell and descend into the depths of the prehistoric ocean that once covered the entire San Joaquin Valley. Visitors also marvel at the restored 1930 gas station where prices have been frozen at the timeless 15 cents a gallon.

During their tour, guests enjoy the relaxing Museum grounds at their own pace. They explore educational opportunities as they walk through historic structures and learn about mining, oil, water, agriculture, transportation, and the different cultures that have shaped this region. A professional Water and Agriculture Exhibition will be designed to rival the new Black Gold: The Oil Experience exhibition. A Water and Agriculture Committee, comprised of community leaders and staff, will oversee the exhibit development.

Visitors leave the Museum grounds through an exit plaza and renovated Museum Store having experienced the full spectrum of Kern County’s heritage. Dynamic exhibitions, hands-on stations, living history activities, and multimedia presentations have given them a new found appreciation of the Western experience.

The Museum’s value as an educational resource and as a gathering place for community celebrations and public events will be enhanced by restoring the Main Museum building, by upgrading the infrastructure, and by more clearly defining the thematic areas. The Museum’s stronger presence will increase tourist spending in area shops, restaurants, and hotels. It will also encourage new collaborative programming that will stimulate resident and tourist activity in Bakersfield’s newly revitalized downtown corridor.

The 1891 Howell House is undergoing extensive restoration. The restoration will include replication of stenciled borders the Howell's added to many rooms of the House.