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 Kern Valley 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.
We are continually striving to preserve and disseminate the history of the Kern River Valley. At our Museum, we construct displays that depict the various aspects of our history including pre-history, the Gold Rush, our Native Americans, movies made in the valley, the Forest Service, Hydroelectric power, and many more topics. We have recently added a display on the history of recreation in the valley, and a display on local cowboys and ranchers.
Board of Directors
Position | Officer |
---|---|
President | John Newman |
Immediate Past President | Linda Kubisiak |
Vice President Facilities | Ron Benson |
Vice President Education | Rick Hubach |
Recording Secretary | Mike Lambirth |
Corresponding Secretary | Kathleen Creighton-Fuchs |
Treasurer/Country Store | Donni Higgins |
Curator/Historian | Charl Ann Gregory |
Assistant Curator | Open |
Archivist | Open |
Asst. Archivist/Finance/Bylaws | Gene Verbeet |
Membership | Melody Batelaan |
Media/Publicity | Michael Batelaan |
Country Store | JoAnne Johnson |
Social Chairperson | Noreen Barnier |
Programs | Hal Chiprin |
Field Trips | Chig Foley |
Technology Chairperson | Harry Schustz |
Docent Chairperson | Marji Bothwell |
Insurance Chairperson | Doug Shanzenbach |
Director | Don Chapman |
Non-Voting Chairpersons
Position | Officer |
---|---|
The Saddlebag Editor | Teri Verbeet |
Museum Webmaster | William Box |
Docent Calendar Coordinator | Luz Polcik |
Docent Substitute Coordinator | Vicki Middleworth |
History Talks | Linda Adams |
Art Gallery | Kelly Pankey |