The Palm Springs Historical Society is a non-profit organization established in 1955 by Melba Berry Bennett. The Society operates four museums and a research center.

The Village Green Museums

The McCallum Adobe (1884)

This is the town's oldest building, built in 1884 for the first permanent white settler, John Guthrie McCallum. John was the first to bring water to the desert by constructing a stone-lined ditch that brought water from Tahquitz Canyon to his ranch. In the late 1890s he formed the Palm Valley Land and Water Company.

Come in and delve into the storied past of Palm Springs. Rotating and permanent Exhibitions and memorabilia on display, plus a bookstore. Admission is free.

The Cornelia White House (1893)

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. She was the founder of the Desert Museum. Graciously donating the land for this Palm Springs treasure.

Come in and walk through the home staged from the 1900s. Experience early desert living in this era. Admission is free.

The Oasis

We are proud to now announce our newest museum which will host the Trini Lopez Exhibit and be home base for our historical tours.

Trini Lopez Exhibit
Lopez a longtime resident of Palm Springs was a musical legend, Trini sang his way out of the Texas ghettos and found himself hanging with the Hollywood elite. Breaking barriers for Latin artists. Trini's story is inspiring and the exhibit will continuously play the award winning documentary film, "My name is Lopez" a homage to his legacy. Personal items; guitars, albums, awards, costumes, photos.... will be on display accompanied with great stories. Mentored by Buddy Holly and Frank Sinatra Lopez recorded more than 60 albums, performing globally and a popular headliner in Las Vegas, leaving an indelible mark on the music world. Admission is free.

Tour Headquarters
As archivist of the vast history of Palm Springs, we work to preserve and present the rich history tied to the Coachella Valley. As the first established to offer walking and biking tours in the city you can learn about our intriguing history from taking a tour with one of our knowledgable docents to learn more about the architecture, the famous architects who built and lived here, the celebrities who made it their playground and home, industry giants who find comfort in our oasis, and of course the pioneers, all who helped establish a desert village into a resort town. Our docents will meld the past with the present, what a great place to learn historical accounts and hear the fun intriguing stories of Palm Springs as you take in the beautiful desert air and stunning landscape.

Ruddy's General Store 

You will find true nostalgia when you step inside this museum, you are suddenly transported back in time into a recreation of a general store in the 1930s. Original fixtures, hardware, signage, beauty items, tobacco, soaps, kids games, an entire pharmacy, all products from that 1930s era. Thanks to collector Jim Ruddy who amassed the collection and generously donated it to the city of Palm Springs. The Historical Society has taken over as administrators of the store, we are excited to have it open again for the public to enjoy. Admission is free.

Come Visit Us and See For Yourself!

All proceeds from tours, events, memberships and donations help us preserve and present the history of the Coachella Valley. Your support plays a unique role in preserving the history of Palm Springs so we can continue to offer programs to the public. Thank you for your contribution. 

Admission is free to all the museums. 

 

The Welwood Murray Memorial Library (1940)

Houses Coachella Valley Archives and Research Center.