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

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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.

collection

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.

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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.

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.

Check out our current exhibitions »

Books, DVD's, Calendars, Jackets and much more...

Purchase one of a kind items not found in stores. Great unique gifts.

View all the items »

Palm Springs First Hundred Years BookPalm Springs Legends Book Palm Springs Modern Book

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.

logo Agua Caliente

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

NEW Historical calendar and NEW book

Images of America: Palm Springs by Moya Henderson

Moya Henderson's popular book, Images of America: Palm Springs, is available to purchase at the McCallum Adobe. We our now taking orders for the new 2010 historical society calendar, with the theme of "Our Western Heritage". Thanks to Moya's expertise, it's a humdinger we know you won't want to miss!

“Once the healthful virtues of Agua Caliente - the hot springs were discovered, they would provide the central setting of a famous international playground called Palm Springs.”Greg Niemann

Did You Know?

In 1893, a record 21-day rainfall was followed by a drought that continued for 11 years.

News and Events

Latest PSHS Newsletter

View Whispering Palms Winter 2010 »

2010 PSHS Members Only Dinner

Tuesday, January 26 - 6:00pm

Join us at Smoke Tree Ranch for our fourth annual "members only" dinner. All members are encouraged to come and enjoy an evening filled with great food, music and nostalgia.
Get the details and sign up online »

Download flyer »

2010 Modernism Week is approaching

February 12-21, 2010

The fifth annual Palm Springs Modernism Week is an exciting ten day event that will take place from February 12-21, 2010. Visit www.modernismweek.com to learn more.

February 15 at 2:00pm - The Chi Chi and Beyond!

The Palm Springs Historical Society will host a lecture and slideshow in this years Modernism Week entitled, The Chi Chi and Beyond, featuring our very own volunteer Helen Mawby. The event will take place in the Cahuilla Room of the Spa Hotel.

Our entire photo archive digitized!

Over 10,000 photo images now easy to view on screen.

The McCallum Adobe has been a hot spot for volunteers throughout the summer who have been instrumental in digitizing and archiving our historical photographic library collection. These dedicated volunteers have given their time and expertise to the task of scanning each photograph in our extensive collection. Over 10,000 photo images were scanned. Thank you, scanners!

New Season New Displays

Special Exhibit - Palm Springs Then and Now

At the close of his life, Modernist Architect E. Stewart Williams contributed reference photographs for five commercial blocks in downtown Palm Springs. These photos were taken at the launching of his career in 1946. Palm Springs Then and Now is an exhibit in print and DVD of photographs at twenty-one locations from 500 North Palm Canyon Drive to 200 South Palm Canyon Drive.

A picture of the Welwood Murrary Memorial Library from 1946 transitions seamlessly into one taken in 2009. Sometimes, little has changed and in other instances a major change can be seen.

Come see the evolution of Palm Springs in these rare photos »

Research Center

History Resources

We offer a number of resources to assist your exploration. Our knowledgeable staff can provide context and interpretation for over 56 categories.

The research center holds a rich body of architecture and building history resources. Delve into the mid-century modern architecture known as “Palm Springs Modernism”.

Or explore family history, biographies, manuscripts, books, periodicals, photographs and much more.
Check out our resources »