Fresno County Historical Society President Elizabeth Laval speaks at a news conference in October 2023 to announce the acquisition of the former Downtown Club. Photo by Ben Hensley

The Fresno City and County Historical Society is premiering its new gallery space in Downtown Fresno at Thursday’s Art Hop event while also launching the City of Fresno’s kickoff of Historic Preservation Month. 

The Archive on Kern (AOK)  is located at 2120 Kern Street, formerly known as the Downtown Club. 

The organization acquired the vacant building for $1.05 million last year.

The event will showcase:  

• — Future plans for the gallery 
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• — Antique photos from the A.W. Peters Collection
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• — Bound volumes of the historic Fresno Republican newspaper (Fresno’s first newspaper) as well as volumes from the Fresno Bee from the McClatchy Collection
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• — Historic items from the Chinese Benevolent Society Collection, including two deities that have not been seen publicly for 60 years
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• — Photos from the iconic Pop Laval Collection, as well as antique cameras
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• — Custom cocktails fashioned after historic themes from the AOK bar, for a nominal cost

 

Each May since 1973, the National Trust for Historic Preservation has observed Historic Preservation Month and encouraged communities throughout the country to celebrate the buildings, people and stories that make their cities and towns unique. 

The City of Fresno’s Historic Preservation Commission is partnering with the Fresno City and County Historical Society to kick off the commemoration at The Archive on Kern this Thursday. 

Historic Preservation Month delves into the heart of the collective identity, as they highlight historic treasures, cultivate a sense of belonging, and illuminate the transformative power of preserving Fresno’s legacy. 

“Fresno is rich in heritage, and celebrating our past makes the community stronger as we plan for our future. Fresno’s history is dynamic, and full of fascinating stories that foster pride and boost community spirit,” the news release said.