Museums on pause until further notice

but you can shop online and please consider a donation.

Due to statewide COVID-19 restrictions issued by Gov. Newsom the Museums McCallum Adobe, Cornelia White House and the Welwood Research Library are closed to the public. No Tours at this time. We can be reached by phone or email pshistoricalsociety@gmail.com 
Museums 760-323-8297 or Research at 760-656-7394.

Intriguing Stories
You can still get your dose of history by reading weekly ARTICLES written by our President, Tracy Conrad for the Desert Sun. Sure to educate and entertain. 

- Fire burns historic 1935 Palm Springs Community Church

An early morning fire Wednesday, September 18, 2013 at 4:30am all but gutted one of the city's oldest structures, the Palm Springs Community Church on the corner of Baristo and South Cahuilla.

Built in 1935 and designed by Architect-Artist William Charles Tanner in Gothic Revival style that was common in the 1920's and 30's, this building is the only surviving example of this kind in Palm Springs. Designated a Class 1 historic site by the city of Palm Springs in 1989.

Tanner a Canadian who started as an illustrator for children's books emigrated to California. Some of his most known work in Palm Springs is the design of The Ingleside Inn 1922 (Carrie Birgie Residence), reconstruction of the Desert Inn 1922-27 (now demolished), Le Vallauris Restaurant 1924 (George Roberson House), and the O'Donnell House 1925 (Eye of the Desert). All of these are in

Fun Fact: President Eisenhower and Mamie worshiped here in 1954.

- Fashion Week 2019 “Hollywood Party — Nobody Sleeps Tonight”

Even today the Helen Rose Collection shines as bright as the stars who wore them.

The crowd cheered, as these vintage dresses teased the audience with the glamorous Hollywood era. Oh! Ah! Whispers of wanting that dress were echoed throughout the tent. Even the models couldn't help but smile, gleaming as they strutted down the cat walk in costumes of cinema past, playfully showing them off.

These delicate designs showcase the creative genius of Helen Rose who knew clothes had to move with a woman. Each one unique, crafted with so much thought and detail. Conscious of how light reflects she used creative color combinations and luxurious fabrics.

Evident by the reaction you know The House of Helen Rose would be a hit today.

The Palm Springs Historical Society proudly preserves and protects this precious Helen Rose Collection thanks to the support of its members. Thank you members! The show was presented by Donna J. Macmillan and KHA Architects.

posted Wednesday, March 20, 2019

Hollywood Party - Nobody Sleeps Tonight

- Nelda Links Personal Helen Rose Collection On Display

The night started with a special treat at reception.

The stunning Nelda Links also displayed her own Helen Rose dresses in the lounge. Guest were enamored by Nelda's beauty and generous spirit as she answered questions and gave selfie after selfie. It was easy to imagine Nelda in the gowns enjoying the social scene of the day.

- Gustavo Cadile Shines at Fashion Week 2019

Seductive gowns end the evening.

The finale transitioned to red-carpet and wedding dress designer Gustavo Cadile who dresses stars like Catherine Zeta-Jones, Angelica Huston, Reese Witherspoon, and Kim Kardashian.

Gustavo interweaves Italian artistry with Argentinian imagery to create uniquely beautiful gowns and cocktail dresses. The beat of the music flowed seamlessly with Cadile's creations. The show full of colorful dresses ended with a sexy sheer white wedding gown that revealed the bride to the groom before the honeymoon, evoking grins, applause and an ovation. 

- Yve Evans soothed the dinner crowd at Smoke Tree Ranch with song

It was a lovely desert evening, surrounded by mountains and moonlight, as Yve entertained with beautiful melodies laced with moments of whimsy. Her swings had the crowd swaying to the beats, singing along. Her humor had us laughing to the punchline in perfect harmony. Smiling to the sounds of jazz and Yve's sweet voice floating in the fragrant air, tummies were satisfied as the Chefs at Smoke Tree Ranch always deliver a delicious meal.

Monday, March 18, 2019

- Forever Marilyn

Where is Marilyn now?

Sadly, the statue will remain in storage until the downtown Park is complete, perhaps some time next year. The new park – a 50,000-square-foot rectangle – is planned for an area in front of the Palm Springs Art Museum in the downtown redevelopment.

In 2018, the statue was displayed at Latham Park in Stamford, Connecticut as part of a large public art exhibition honoring the works of Seward Johnson.

The 26 foot tall, 34,000 pound sculpture was disassembled. Tuesday morning the crane loaded the four pieces plus base onto two flat bed trucks headed to Hamilton, New Jersey.

After 22 months in Palm Springs the Seward Johnson statue took a 7 day trip across country making at least 10 city stops along the way for "I Saw Marilyn!" photo ops. She headed to the Grounds for Sculpture, in Hamilton, N.J. for a May 4 - July 2015 retrospective on the life and work of Johnson, who turned 84 in 2015.

Seward Johnson: The Retrospective