In the mid-1920s, Kern County decided to build a structure that would showcase both products and innovations from the county. Although it would be the headquarters of the Kern County Chamber of Commerce, the building would be constructed by the county government. A site on Chester Avenue near the Kern River, which the county already owned, was selected. The location was chosen, in part, for two primary reasons: Chester Avenue was the route for
U.S. Route 99 (Golden State Highway), the main highway connecting northern and southern California, and the site was adjacent to the
Kern County Fairgrounds. In 2010, the building would undergo a major restoration effort. The goal was to restore the building to its original condition in 1928. The mezzanine was removed and the underlying paint was used to match the original color. The fluorescent lighting was replaced with chandeliers. The windows were reopened and museum sign was removed. In addition, the building exterior would return to the original multicolor paint scheme (at some point the build was painted completely white). The exhibits inside were removed and relocated to other parts of the museum. The hall is now rented for events. ==See also==