Wine & Words: Author Beth Brookhart - The Four Queens of the Buttonbush Museum
Wine & Words: An Evening at the Museum with Beth Brookhart
The Kern Literacy Council invites you to a special evening of literature, conversation, and community at Wine & Words: An Evening at the Museum with Beth Brookhart, taking place on Thursday, February 26, 2026, from 5:30 PM to 8:30 PM at the Kern County Museum’s historic Standard School Building, located at 3801 Chester Avenue, Bakersfield, CA.
Wine & Words is designed as an intimate, engaging experience that brings people together around storytelling, history, and shared connection. Guests will gather inside the beautifully restored Standard School building—an important piece of Kern County history—for an evening that blends thoughtful conversation with a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere.
The event features Beth Brookhart, Bakersfield-based author, former journalist, and longtime museum advocate. Beth will discuss her debut novel, The Four Queens of the Buttonbush Museum, a witty and heartfelt story set in 1950s California. The novel follows four determined women who band together to save a struggling local museum, navigating community politics, power dynamics, and personal transformation along the way. Through humor and insight, the story highlights themes of preservation, civic engagement, friendship, and women finding their voices.
Beth’s professional background brings depth and authenticity to her work. With a degree in journalism and decades of experience in agricultural reporting, communications, and nearly twenty years of museum board service, she offers a unique perspective on the cultural and social forces that shape communities. Her passion for museums and storytelling is woven throughout the novel, making this conversation especially meaningful in a museum setting.
Guests will enjoy wine and light appetizers while mingling with fellow attendees before and after the program. The evening will include an author talk and moderated discussion, with opportunities for audience questions. Attendees will also have the chance to meet Beth Brookhart, purchase signed copies of The Four Queens of the Buttonbush Museum, and take photos with the author.
Tickets are $50 and include wine, light appetizers, and the author program. Doors open at 5:30 PM, with the program beginning at 6:00 PM. Seating is limited to maintain an intimate atmosphere, and advance registration is strongly encouraged.
All proceeds from Wine & Words benefit the Kern Literacy Council, supporting adult and family literacy programs throughout Kern County. By attending, guests are not only enjoying an evening of culture and conversation, but also helping expand access to reading, education, and opportunity within the community.
Wine & Words offers a chance to slow down, connect, and celebrate the power of stories—both fictional and real—inside a space dedicated to preserving local history. Join us for an evening that honors literature, community, and the lasting impact of literacy.
Event Links
Tickets: https://go.evvnt.com/3414943-0
Website: https://go.evvnt.com/3414943-2
