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Palm Springs Historical Society: Preserving the City's Legacy

Discover Palm Springs' captivating past through exhibits, tours, and archives at the Palm Springs Historical Society. Free admission!

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The Palm Springs Historical Society safeguards and shares the city's vibrant past through museums, walking tours, and archives. Explore exhibits on early settlers, Hollywood legends, and the unique architecture that defines this desert oasis.

A brief summary to Palm Springs Historical Society

  • Monday 10 am-4 pm
  • Wednesday 10 am-4 pm
  • Thursday 10 am-4 pm
  • Friday 10 am-4 pm
  • Saturday 10 am-4 pm
  • Sunday 10 am-4 pm

Local tips

  • Check the Palm Springs Historical Society's website for current hours, as they vary seasonally.
  • Take a walking or biking tour to explore the city's historic neighborhoods and celebrity homes.
  • Visit the McCallum Adobe and Cornelia White House to experience early Palm Springs life.
  • Explore the Welwood Murray Memorial Library for in-depth historical research.
  • Don't miss the Trini Lopez Exhibit at the Oasis Museum, celebrating the musical legend's connection to Palm Springs.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    The Palm Springs Historical Society is located downtown at 221 S Palm Canyon Dr. If you're already in the downtown area, walking is a convenient option. From the Palm Springs Art Museum, walk south on Palm Canyon Drive for about 2 blocks. The Historical Society will be on your left. There are crosswalks at major intersections. Remember to stay hydrated, especially during warmer months.

  • Public Transport

    SunLine Transit Agency provides bus service throughout Palm Springs. Check the SunLine website or app for the most up-to-date routes and schedules. Several bus routes stop near the intersection of Palm Canyon Drive and Tahquitz Canyon Way, a short walk to the Historical Society. A single ride fare is $1. SunLine also offers a SunRide on-demand service for $3, connecting riders to the nearest point along SunLine's fixed bus network.

  • Taxi/Ride-Share

    Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are readily available in Palm Springs. A short ride from Palm Springs International Airport (PSP) to the Historical Society will typically cost between $15 and $25, depending on traffic and demand. Be sure to confirm the fare with the driver or through the app before you begin your trip.

  • Driving

    The Palm Springs Historical Society is located at 221 S Palm Canyon Drive. From CA-111 S, turn left onto E Tahquitz Canyon Way, then turn left onto S Palm Canyon Dr. The Historical Society will be on the right. There is free parking available in downtown Palm Springs, but availability may vary depending on the time of day. A parking garage is located at 275 S Indian Canyon Dr. Be aware of the 4-hour time limit for free parking.

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Discover more about Palm Springs Historical Society

The Palm Springs Historical Society, established in 1955, is dedicated to preserving and presenting the rich history of Palm Springs. Through its museums, research center, and walking/biking tours, the Society offers a deep dive into the people, places, and events that have shaped this iconic desert city. The Society operates several museums, including the McCallum Adobe, the oldest building in Palm Springs, dating back to 1884. Built for John Guthrie McCallum, the town's first permanent white settler, the Adobe showcases exhibits about early pioneer life. The Cornelia White House, constructed in 1893 from recycled railroad ties, offers a glimpse into early desert living. The Oasis Museum hosts the Trini Lopez Exhibit, celebrating the musical legend and longtime Palm Springs resident. Ruddy's General Store provides a nostalgic recreation of a 1930s general store. Visitors can explore a variety of permanent and rotating exhibits, showcasing artifacts, photographs, and documents that tell the story of Palm Springs' evolution from a small desert community to a world-renowned resort destination. Walking and biking tours, led by knowledgeable docents, delve into the city's historic neighborhoods, highlighting celebrity homes, architectural marvels, and the stories of local pioneers. The Welwood Murray Memorial Library serves as a research center and archives, providing valuable resources for historians and anyone interested in delving deeper into Palm Springs history. Note that the museums are typically closed during the summer months (June - September) and reopen in October.

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