he Kern County Museum provides a stimulating destination for generations to share experiences in an engaging, educational, and historically rich setting. In doing so, the Museum has amassed a distinguished record of service.

The Museum is accredited by the American Association of Museums —a distinction achieved by about only 750 museums nationwide. In addition, it is the most visited museum in the county, serving approximately 90,000 visitors annually, including 19,000 schoolchildren.

The Museum is consistently recognized for providing some of the most outstanding educational programs in the state of California, such as Black Gold: The Oil Experience, Native American Life, and Frontier Life.

Yet, the Museum has not reached its full potential. Much more could be done. More children could share in the exciting, educational history of Kern County. More people could experience the amazing historic collection. Improved care could be given to the fragile artifacts entrusted to the Museum.

The Museum must also address its pressing facility concerns. A threshold has been reached in the Museum’s ability to continue presenting the quality programming and exhibits the region has come to expect. Without new and enhanced exhibits, facility upgrades, and additional human resources, the Museum will be severely restricted in its ability to provide history for the future.

Built in 1923 as the Bakersfield Chamber of Commerce, the building was later converted to house the Kern County Museum. The main gallery houses traveling exhibitions, which are credited with increasing visitaion by 25%.