of the Upper Mojave Desert
Welcome
HSUMD is a nonprofit public benefit corporation
located in Ridgecrest, California.
Contact us for more info or a tour – 760-375-8456
WE CELEBRATE THE PAST
HSUMD is a nonprofit public benefit corporation located in Ridgecrest, California.
As a historical society, our missions are:
- To collect, preserve and display artifacts, memorabilia and information directed towards a greater understanding and appreciation of the cultural history of the Upper Mojave Desert; and
- To develop promote and report on cultural history data for the education and benefit of public and private institutions and individuals.
This corporation is organized and operated exclusively for charitable purposes within the meaning of Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.
WE PROTECT OUR HISTORY
The HSUMD’s offices, libraries, history collections and exhibits, meeting area and performance stage for community events, gift shop and museum are located in the Historic USO Building and in the various historic buildings on HSUMD property.
The Historical Society also acquired a historic one-room schoolhouse that was built in 1905. It was restored it to its original configuration, and was then opened to be the region’s only Veterans Memorial Building.
Buildings under the stewardship of HSUMD include the Historic USO Building, the Original Kern County Jail, the Original Kern County Firehouse, two Original Engine Houses, and the Original Kern County Library.
Visit the Historical USO Building
Located in the heart of the Ridgecrest Historic District at 230 W Ridgecrest Blvd, is the Historical USO Building, home to the Historical Society of the Upper Mojave Desert. The Historical Society of the Upper Mojave Desert (HSUMD) in Ridgecrest, California has a gift shop that’s open Wednesday through Saturday from 11 AM–3 PM and is closed on Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday. The HSUMD’s mission is to preserve, exhibit, and educate the public about historical artifacts. The society also has a wheelchair accessible entrance and parking lot.
Check out our Gift Shop
From Local History Books, written by Local Residents (who you may get to meet while visiting), to hats, shirts, gifts for all ages, and even Sees Candy – all this and more can be found in our Gift Shop during your visit.
Take a Tour of the Historic Buildings
Located in proximity to the Historic USO Building you will find a walk back in history while touring some of the original buildings of our community.
Are you a Veteran? Join us for a FREE Veteran’s Breakfast each month
Held the Third Thursday each month from 8:00am – 9:00 am, FREE to all Veterans.
Ridgecrest’s Got Talent!
Open Mic Nights
Open Mic Night’s showcase the local (and not so local) talent of the great people of Ridgecrest. Join us on NON-Flex Friday’s at 7:00 PM. Bring your friends and enjoy the show with beer, wine, soft drinks, hot dogs, and snack items.
And if you’re brave enough – take the stage!
Classic Movie Nights
Held on Flex Wednesday’s at 7:00 PM. You can join us for a nostalgic walk down movie history lane. You never know what we may show, but you can count on it being classic and good for the whole family. Enjoy soda’s, hot dogs, and popcorn.
Rent the Historic USO Building
Need a space for your next event, gathering, or meeting? You can rent the Historic USO Building. Please fill out the contact form below, and we will be in touch. Below the form you will find the basic rental fees.
Historical Society of the Upper Mojave Desert
HISTORIC USO BUILDING RENTAL FEES
HSUMD Contact: John Abbott, (619) 808-2223
Monday through Thursday:
- More than four hours (cleanup within 2 hours after event) — $225
- Less than four hours (cleanup within 1 hour after event) — $200
Friday, Saturday, or Sunday: - Four to eight hours:
o Friday or Sunday, eight hours or less — $300
o Friday or Sunday, more than eight hours — $350
o Saturday, eight hours or less — $300
o Saturday, more than eight hours — $400 - Less than four hours:
o Friday or Sunday — $225
o Saturday — $250
Fees for Building Setup: - Setup plan required
- $35 for basic tables and chairs
Fees for Building Cleanup: - Cleanup by HSUMD IAW Building Cleaning Tasks — $150
- Removal of decorations is additional cost, to be negotiated
Additional Fees (see Building Reservation Sheet): - Tablecloths — $6 each
- Special Sound System Setup — $100 (depending on complexity of request)
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