History Article: Sunday, December 21, 2025
Thanks for the Memories
New Free Tour
Village Green
The Village Green is a heritage park in Palm Springs housing four historic buildings operated by the Palm Springs Historical Society. Making it the heart of Palm Springs' storied past, offering a great place to discover Palm Springs history.
This is a free guided tour with a docent who will share documented facts and amusing stories about the colorful characters, entrepreneurial spirit, native roots, plus pioneer determination and rivalry to help you understand how this little desert village was formed.
The docent transforms the evolution of this central point, giving an engaging educational experience by providing crucial context, bringing stories to life. Covering four museums: The Cornelia White House, McCallum Adobe, Ruddy's General Store and the Oasis.
Fresh Air and Fun Stories
The Village Green Museums
We are proud to offer four museum. All free admission. Current hours open: 10 am - 3:30 pm everyday except Sunday 12-3 pm and closed on Tuesdays.
The Oasis
This building is a part of the historic Oasis Hotel built in 1924 for Pearl McCallum McManus by Lloyd Wright, Frank Lloyd Wright's son. This section is part of the relocated 90-foot-long dining hall. You can still see remnants of the Wright-designed intricate scissor-truss roof inside the building.
Trini Lopez Exhibit
We are proud to announce The Trini Lopez Exhibit as the inaugural exhibit for the Oasis. The exhibit is a tribute to musician Trini Lopez whose life was a true rags to riches story. Son of Mexican immigrants, growing up in "Little Mexico" the barrio of Texas, to hanging with the Hollywood elite, and gaining international stardom. Trini made Palm Springs his home until his death in 2020. Admission is free.
Walking - Biking - Vehicle - Museum Tours
This also is home base for our historical tours.
Ruddy's General Store
You will find true nostalgia when you step inside this unique museum. As you enter the doors you are suddenly transported back in time into a recreation of a 1930s general store.
Every detail is authentic, including the original showcases, fixtures, signs and products: groceries, tobacco, hardware, clothing, pharmacy, soaps, kids games. More than 6,000 unused items line the shelves and counters- 95% of them filled with their original contents. We have collector Jim Ruddy to thank for this wonderful treasure. Admission is free.
Cornelia White House
The Cornelia White house was built in 1893, made entirely of "recycled" railroad ties taken from the Palmdale Railroad. Cornelia Butler White was an important Palm Springs pioneer. An adventurous soul.
Come in and walk through the home, staged from the 1900s. Experience early desert living in this era. Admission is free.
The McCallum Adobe
This is the town's oldest building, built in 1884 for the first permanent non-native settler, John Guthrie McCallum. John was the first to bring a structured water system to the desert by constructing a stone-lined ditch that brought water from Tahquitz Canyon to his ranch. The sunbaked bricks used to form the Adobe were made by Cahuilla Indians using a mix of mud, fiber, and ancient water from the hot springs, itself known for curative properties. The Adobe still stands proudly today.
Come in and delve into the storied past of Palm Springs. Rotating and permanent Exhibitions and memorabilia on display. Admission is free.
Welwood Murray Memorial Library (1940)
The Research Center
This is where we store all the historical archives. Our collection is extensive and always growing. You can explore photos, books, periodicals, manuscripts, maps and much more pertaining to the Coachella Valley.