Village Green Museums
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.
All the museums have free admittance. 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.
We also offer 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.
Village Green Tours offered Monday, Thursday and Saturday.
10:30 am - for 1 hour.
Starting location: The Oasis Gallery 219 S Palm Canyon Drive
Cost is FREE but reservations required. Please RSVP here to reserve your spot.
1884
The McCallum Adobe Museum
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 delve into the storied past of Palm Springs. Rotating and permanent Exhibitions and memorabilia on display. Admission is free.
1893
Cornelia White House Museum
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.
1983
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.
relocated in 1952, built 1924
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.
This is also home base for our Walking, Biking, Vehicle Historical Tours.