About the KRVHS

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

PositionOfficer
PresidentJohn Newman
Immediate Past PresidentLinda Kubisiak
Vice President FacilitiesRon Benson
Vice President EducationRick Hubach
Recording SecretaryMike Lambirth
Corresponding SecretaryKathleen Creighton-Fuchs
Treasurer/Country StoreDonni Higgins
Curator/HistorianCharl Ann Gregory
Assistant CuratorOpen
ArchivistOpen
Asst. Archivist/Finance/BylawsGene Verbeet
MembershipMelody Batelaan
Media/PublicityMichael Batelaan
Country StoreJoAnne Johnson
Social ChairpersonNoreen Barnier
ProgramsHal Chiprin
Field TripsChig Foley
Technology ChairpersonHarry Schustz
Docent ChairpersonMarji Bothwell
Insurance ChairpersonDoug Shanzenbach
DirectorDon Chapman

Non-Voting Chairpersons

PositionOfficer
The Saddlebag EditorTeri Verbeet
Museum WebmasterWilliam Box
Docent Calendar CoordinatorLuz Polcik
Docent Substitute CoordinatorVicki Middleworth
History TalksLinda Adams
Art GalleryKelly Pankey