Immerse Yourself In History
The Palm Springs Historical Society is a rich source for the study of Palm Springs history. The Museum's collection of artifacts provides a wealth of information perfect for research and intrigue.
Discover the unique diversity of Palm Springs
Plan A Visit
An Oasis in the Desert
Comprised of two 19th century pioneer homes we are located on The Village Green in a lovely park-like setting amid the hotels, shops and restaurants of legendary Palm Canyon Drive.
View the Collection
Take history home
Explore through thousands of vintage photos and choose a unique selection for your personal or business use. Learn more about our rights and reproductions licensing.
Lend Your Support
We can't do it without you
Join and support our efforts to preserve the heritage of Palm Springs. Discover member benefits like exclusive invitations, special discounts and free admission.
Palm Springs Historical Walking Tours
"The Official, The Original" Take a remarkable trip through Palm Springs past with the Palm Springs Historical Society!
Join the Palm Springs Historical Society on a remarkable trip through Palm Spring's past with a professional docent guide. Tours run 1 hour, 1.5 or 1.75 hours depending on the tour. This is a walking tour so please be prepared, bring a hat, water, sunscreen and wear comfortable shoes. Water may be purchased at the McCallum Adobe and restrooms are available at our facility.
Reservations required - Reserve your place now call 760.323.8297
Interested in private tours? Call to find out more.
Tours cost: Non members = $15.00 per person and PSHS Members = $5.00 per person
Tour includes:
- Historical Palm Springs highlights - learn the history from people involved in its preservation.
- Mid-Century and Spanish Architecture.
- Fantastic Palm Springs stories - hear the glamorous tales of days gone by.
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Tour 1
The Heart of the City
An overview of the history of downtown Palm Canyon Drive focusing on La Plaza area. See "Forever Marilyn" up close!
Approximately 1 hour.
- Wednesday - 9:30 am
- Thursday - 4:00 pm
- Friday - 9:30 am
- Saturday - 9:30 amTour 1 departs from the McCallum Adobe - 221 South Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs.
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Tour 2
Golden Era - Hollywood Homes in Palm Springs
Join an expert guide for a walk among the stars to the celebrity homes (exteriors only) of Elizabeth Taylor, Kirk Douglas, Liberace, Lucille Ball, Gene Autry and many more. Hear suprising tales of the stars who lived and martini-ed in this playground of the stars. Now offered in two neighborhoods!
Approximately 2.5 hours.
- Tuesdays 9:30 am (Vista)
- Wednesdays - 9:30 amDeparture details received upon reservations.
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Tour 3
Inns Architecture and Glamour
See some of the most beautiful historic inns in Palm Springs with this VIP tour. See where the rich and famous played and stayed: then and now.
Approximately 2 hours 15 minutes.
- Thursdays - 9:30 am
Tour 3 departs from the McCallum Adobe - 221 South Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs.
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Tour 4
Banking and Fashion go MOD
Explore the innovative mid-century designs that put Palm Springs commercial architecture on the map during the go-go '50s and '60s! Learn to identify Desert Modern Architecture and the architects who created it!
Approximately 1.5 hours.
- Fridays - 9:30am
Departure details received upon reservations.
The Chi Chi
The famed watering hole where some of the brightest names in showbiz gathered for more than 25 years. The lineup included talent like Cab Callaway, Ella Fitzgerald, Sophie Tucker, Louis Armstrong, and Wayne Newton. Vocal groups ranged from the Ink Spots to the Andrew Sisters. Featured comics were Jack Benny, Milton Berl and Red Buttons.
On display is the drum set of Bill Alexander musical director and master of ceremonies for the Starlite Room. Along with authentic night club memorabilia, including plates, glasses, napkins, ashtrays, playing cards, a Chi Chi lighter, swizzle sticks and menus dating back to 1938.
Come hear the recordings of the actual live performances of Nat King Cole, Louis Armstrong and Lena Horne as they performed at the Chi Chi.
Books, DVD's, Calendars, Jackets and much more...
Purchase one of a kind items not found in stores. Great unique gifts.
Peter Wild Books are here!
Wild examines 11 novels set in Palm Springs, loaded with local history. $45.00 (soft cover)
Extremely limited edition only available at PSHS.
Professor Peter Wild wrote several exhaustively researched books on the history of Palm Springs. He spend countless hours at our historical society and traveled the world to gather material for his work, leaving no stone unturned.
Palm Springs pioneer Lois Kellogg is the subject of a biography containing numerous photos that untangles the mysteries of her bohemian lifestyle. $132.50 (hard cover)
At his untimely passing in February 2009, Wild and his book designer Nancy Solomon had completed three new volumes, which were in his computer, ready to be printed. Now, a collaboration among the PSHS, Nancy Solomon, the Peter Wild Estate, Sharonne Myerson, and Arizona Lithographers has resulted in the publishing of two of those volumes, and we are privileged to announce they are here for sale at the McCallum Adobe.
Call 760.323.8297 to purchase your copies. Don't dely, the edition is extremely limited, and we are the only place they they will be offered. PSHS members receive 10% discount.
Learn about the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians
According to anthropologists, Native Americans have lived beside the sparkling waters of Palm Springs' tree lined canyons and around its bubbling hot springs for over a thousand years. They survived by using a multitude of desert plants for food, clothing and medicine.
Visit the Agua Caliente Cultural Museum » in the building next to us, who preserve and revive aspects of traditional culture through exhibitions, lectures, films, tours, workshops and educational outreach programs.
See how the historic Palm Springs-based tribe as a Sovereign Tribal Government strive to maintain their cultural heritage and past within the community today at www.aguacaliente.org
