About Palm Springs Historical Society
The Palm Springs Historical Society is a non-profit organization established in 1955 by Melba Berry Bennett. The Society operates two museums and a Research Center.
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.
The Cornelia White House (1893)
The Cornelia White house was built in 1893, made entirely of "recycled" railroad ties taken from the Palmdale Railroad.
Come in and walk through the home staged from the 1900s. Experience early desert living.
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.
The Welwood Murray Memorial Library (1940)
Houses Coachella Valley Archives and Research Center.
Come Visit Us and See For Yourself!
All proceeds from tours, events, memberships and donations help us preserve and present the history of our community. Your support plays a unique role in preserving the history of Palm Springs. Thank you for your contribution.