News
- Become a Volunteer
Get Involved - Become a Volunteer
Volunteers play an important role in the operations of the Palm Springs Historical Society. Consider getting involved as a way of learning more about Palm Springs past and connecting with like-minded people as you contribute to your community.
Volunteers' time and talent are vital to continuing our mission. We couldn't do it without you. Volunteers work in a variety of departments including Education, Public Programs, Museum Docents, Library Assistant, Library Collections, Oral History, Research Library and Walking Tour Docents to name a few.
We seek a diverse group of volunteers who can apply their skills, interests, experiences and energy.
Current Volunteer Openings:
Walking Tour Docents
Museum Docents
To inquire about volunteering CONTACT US by email to receive a Volunteer Application or download the Volunteer Application (pdf 235KB) save it and print it out to email or drop off for review. We will contact you for an interview if an appropriate position becomes available. Thank you for your interest!
- Cielo Vista Charter School Benefit
Sunday, March 26, 2017
The Cielo Vista Charter School (CVC) held their Sixth Annual Benefit at The Carl Lykken Estate.
The fundraiser is critical to supporting student enrichment. This year Palm Springs Pioneer, Jane Hoff was honored with the Distinguished Citizen Award, by CVC Board member and former Palm Springs Mayor, William Kleindienst.
Jane is the oldest living Palm Springs pioneer. She is the daughter of Carl Lykken and was 9 years old when the house was built. Throughout her years as a Palm Springs resident she has been President of Los Compadres, President of the early Palm Springs Equestrians - the Desert Riders, President of the Polo Club and many more contributions supporting and enriching the city of Palm Springs.
The Community Partner Award went to the Coachella Valley BookPALS, accepting Tere Britton and Lorraine Pauley.
The very gracious hosts, Louise and Hank Hampton opened their historic home, the Carl Lykken Estate for the event. During the self-guided tour, guests viewed the interiors of several homes on the property, learning the history of the structures, and discovering the charm and whimsy of this wonderful Old Las Palmas estate built in 1929.
Entertainment was provided by the Palm Springs High School Classical Guitar Ensemble and Chamber Strings.
The silent auction and the teacher raffle baskets prepared by each class brought many fun and beautiful items to entice guests, which will benefit the schools continued efforts and the classrooms directly. Cielo Vista Charter strives to create an environment that enhances the social, emotional, and intellectual growth of the CVC students.
- Picnic Under the Palms 2017
Save the Date
Sunday, November 12, 2017
Honoring our Palm Springs Fire Department
Details and ticket prices to follow.
- Margaret O'Brien Day
Margaret O'Brien arrived at The Adobe in a 1949 Packard convertible to be greeted by a crowd of fans. Mayor of Palm Springs, Robert Moon, honored her with a plaque, proclaiming November 19, 2016 to be Margaret O'Brien Day.
Margaret answered questions and told fun stories about how her Oscar was stolen and later returned after 40 years. The beautiful actress graciously talked with fans, signing autographs, and granting numerous selfies for hours.
Some fans brought their own treasured memorabilia, books, albums and lamps - all lucky enough to get a personalized autograph.
Margaret was accompanied by her film double and life long friend, Maureen Lee Kluck.
Also, Randal Malone, actor, President of the Southern California Motion Picture Council, and Margaret's Manager and close friend. Along with another friend, Randal's partner, Michael Schwib.
Actor, Michael Fjordbak arrived from Hollywood with two beautiful blondes by his side. An adorable four legged, and a stunning girl.
Along with, Prince Mario-Max Schaumburg Lippe, also an actor who came to honor Margaret.
Fans enjoyed champagne, cupcakes, and the charming wit and kindness of Margaret O'Brien.
Come see the exhibit at the museum and learn more about this legendary child star and her amazing career that spanned some 70 years in film, radio, television and stage.
Admission to the Museum is free.
Thank you Margaret!
- Margaret O'Brien Exhibit and Special Reception
Saturday, November 19, 2016 - 2:00 pm
A new exhibit and special reception to meet legendary child star Margaret O'Brien at the McCallum Adobe Museum.
During the "Golden Era" of filmmaking, there was no child more admired and loved. As a young star, Margaret accompanied her mother to the Ingleside Inn in Palm Springs, where they would just relax and have fun.
We invite the public and our members to come and meet Margaret and view the new exhibit, which includes the rare, special child's Oscar Margaret received for her role in Meet Me in St. Louis.
Photo Credit: Margaret O'Brien at the Ingleside Inn. Photo by Gail Thompson courtesy of Tracy Conrad. All rights reserved.
Date: Saturday, November 19, 2016
Time: 2:00 - 4:00 pm
Cost: This event is FREE and open to the public. Please join us!
Clark Gable and Margaret O'Brien
Bob Hope presenting Margaret O'Brien with child Oscar
Learn more about Margaret O'Brien - wikipedia, Filmography, imdb bio
Location: The McCallum Adobe Museum
221 South Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs, CA
- Writer Lydia Kremer Book Signing Reception
PAST EVENT Sunday, October 16, 2016 - 4-6 pm
Palm Springs writer, Lydia Kremer, author of "100 Things to Do in Palm Springs Before You Die," will hold a fundraiser for the Palm Springs Historical Society at a book signing/reception on Sunday, October 16 from 4-6 pm at EIGHT4NINE Restaurant and Lounge.
Willie Rhine, co-owner of EIGHT4NINE Restaurant and Lounge, who is hosting the event suggested the Palm Springs Historical Society as the beneficiary of the fundraiser. "Lydia's book celebrates the history and tourism attractions of Palm Springs and it seemed like the perfect fit to raise funds for the wonderful work the Palm Springs Historical Society does," Rhine commented.
"100 Things to Do in Palm Springs Before You Die" was published in September and is an easy reference guide to Palm Springs' culture, recreation, dining, shopping, and entertainment options for every age, style, budget, and interest.
The author will contribute 10% of all book sales from this event to the Palm Springs Historical Society.
About the Author:
Lydia Kremer is a veteran marketing and public relations professional and a widely-published freelance writer. Her features have appeared in VisitEurope, Sunset Magazine, Los Angeles Confidential, Palm Springs Life magazine, and The Desert Sun newspaper among several other publications in the Coachella Valley. She specializes in travel writing but also writes on a wide range of topics including architecture, design, people, history, art, and culture. Lydia Kremer is a life-long Southern Californian and has lived in Palm Springs for nearly 25 years.
Location:
849 N. Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs, CA 92262
tel: 760.325.8490
- Modernism Week Fall Preview
Friday, October 21-23, 2016
The Fall Preview is a precursor to February’s annual Modernism Week. This year the fall preview is taking place Oct 21-23. The Palm Springs Historical Society has special tours for this Modernism Fall Preview. Get your tickets here.
The weekend’s events provide attendees a sample of the events and activities that will be offered during the annual 11-day festival in February 2017. Walking Tours, Bus Tours, Signature Home Tours, Films, Lectures, Parties and so much more. This kick-off event is a fun celebration of mid-century modern design, architecture, art, fashion and culture.
Check out the walking tours available and the Fall Preview events.
- Museums Opening Day
Friday, October 21, 2016
The McCallum Adobe and Cornelia White House Museums will OPEN Friday, October 21, 2016. Come see our exciting new exhibits for the 2016-2017 season. Visit our newly renovated research center at the Welwood Murrary Memorial Library. Or join one of our fun historical walking tours and explore the city.
Wednesday - Saturday 10:00 am - 4:00 pm (Free Museum Admission)
Sunday 12:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Closed Monday & Tuesday
Open mid-October through the end of May
- Welwood Murray Memorial Library
Monday, February 23, 2015
The 1941 Welwood Murray Memorial Library (WMML) re-opens after a full renovation.
Palm Springs Historical Society Research Library
VIEW the Online Research Library
The PSHS Research Library offers numerous materials from the Museum's collection. Browse our extensive online database, explore photos, books, periodicals, manuscripts, and much more.
Check out the Online Collections Database
VISIT the Research Library
Tel: 760-323-8297
Now housing the Palm Springs Historical Society's Research Library. Please call to make an appointment. Arrangements must be made prior with the Historical Society to access historic archives on site at the library.
Downtown Public Library and Visitors Center
Tel: 760-323-8296
The WMML provides library services as a branch of the main Palm Springs Library, free WiFi, public computers and a browsing collection of national magazines and newspapers. It will also function as a downtown visitors center from 9 am to 9 pm everyday.
100 South Palm Canyon Drive Palm Springs, CA 92262
- Forever Marilyn
Monday, April 1, 2014The 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.
The Seward Johnson statue will take a 7 day trip across country making at least 10 city stops along the way for "I Saw Marilyn!" photo ops. She heads to the Grounds for Sculpture, in Hamilton, N.J. for a May 4 - July 2015 retrospective on the life and work of Johnson, who will be 84 this year.
Seward Johnson: The Retrospective
- Koerner House by E. Stewart Williams
PAST EVENT
Palm Springs Historical Society offers inside look at Koerner House
Built in 1955 , the Koerner House is located in the coveted Deepwell neighborhood of Palm Springs, CA. This 4,224 square feet mid-century house on 1.1 acres was designed by prolific architect E. Stewart Williams whose distinct mid-century modern style significantly shaped the Coachella Valley's architectural landscape. The four-bedroom, four-bath beauty has floor to ceiling windows that line the back of the 1955 home, gazing out to the rectangular pool, grassy lawns, with views of the towering Mount San Jacinto. It's a perfect example of architect E. Stewart Williams' open simplicity.
PSHS hosted a private cocktail party during DOCOMOMO weekend and Modernism Week at this lovely home.
Fun Fact: Filming Location for Alpha Dog
Most of the 2006 indie film Alpha Dog - directed by Nick Cassavetes (son of actress Gena Rowlands and filmaker John Cassavetes), takes place in this Palm Springs home. Although the story's real life kidnapping and murder occurred 200 miles away in Santa Barbara. In the film Justin Timberlake's character holds the kidnapped teenager in a gilded cage at the Koerner House.
- 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 in Gothic Revival style that was common in the 1920's and 30's, this architecture is the only surviving example of this kind in Palm Springs.
Fun Fact: President Eisenhower and Mamie worshiped here in 1954.