Museums
The Palm Springs Historical Society is a nonprofit organization established in 1955 by Melba Berry Bennett 501(c)(3) nonprofit EIN 43-2107574. 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. Learn more
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. Learn more
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. Admission free. Learn more
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. You can follow his story by watching the award winning documentary film, "My name is Lopez" which will play continuously at the museum.
This exhibit is 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. He leaves an indelible mark on the music world. He still entertains us with his music and in this documentary film. Admission is free. Learn about the cocktail party Feb 14, 2025.
Tour Headquarters
As archivist of the vast history of Palm Springs, we work to record, preserve and present the rich history of the Coachella Valley. Being the first established to offer walking and biking tours in the city you can be assured we are diligent in providing historical accuracy.
The tours are a great way to learn about the architecture, the famous architects who designed 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 and Cahuilla people, the first to embrace this land. So many helped establish a desert village into the resort town you enjoy today. 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 on one of our tours. Join the fun explore our tour options.
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. More than 6,000 unused items line the shelves and counters, 95% of them filled with their original contents. 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. Learn more
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.