Discovering the Palm Springs Historical Society

The Palm Springs Historical Society was established in 1955 by Melba Berry Bennett. She was a prominent local figure who proposed the idea to the Palm Springs City Council and the trustees of the Welwood Murray Memorial Library. Her vision was to create an organization dedicated to preserving the history and heritage of Palm Springs. Library Trustee Francis Crocker would later build the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway.

The primary goal was to collect and preserve historical materials, including personal stories, photographs, and memorabilia from early Palm Springs residents. Bennett had previously conducted interviews with early settlers like Nellie Coffman and Cornelia White, which laid the groundwork for the Society’s archives.

The Historical Society operates two museums, a research center, and provides walking and bike tours, offering a deep dive into the local history.

McCallum Adobe

Built in 1884, the Adobe house is the oldest structure in Palm Springs. It was owned by John Guthrie McCallum, the town’s first permanent white settle. He moved to Palm Springs seeking the dry, healing desert climate to help his eldest son, who had severe respiratory issues.

McCallum was instrumental in bringing water to the desert. He constructed a stone-lined ditch that transported water from Tahquitz Canyon to his ranch, crucial for the settlement’s sustainability. In the late 1890s he formed the Palm Valley Land and Water Company. The water paved the way for future pioneers and contributed to the development of Palm Springs.

It hosts a variety of revolving and permanent exhibits that showcase the area’s early history. Visitors can explore artifacts, photographs, and documents that tell the story of Palm Springs development from a small desert community to a bustling resort town.

221 S Palm Canyon Drive. Free. Note: This is closed during the summer and opens in mid-October.

 Cornelia White House

Constructed in 1893, the house is made from recycled railroad ties. It is staged to reflect life in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, offering a glimpse into the daily lives of Palm Springs early settlers.

Cornelia moved to Palm Springs with her sister, Dr. Florilla White. She was a true pioneer, known for her adventurous spirit and dedication to the community. Cornelia donated the land to found the Desert Museum, which later evolved into the Palm Springs Art Museum. Her vision and efforts helped preserve the cultural and natural history of the area. It was located on the same block as the Welwood Murray Memorial Library. Her home was moved to its current location.

221 S Palm Canyon Drive. Free. Note: This is closed during the summer and opens in mid-October.

Welwood Murray Memorial Library

Designed by John Porter Clark and built by Charles Chamberlin, it was completed in 1940.  It now houses the Palm Springs Historical Society’s research center and archives. It is a valuable resource for historians, researchers, and anyone interested in delving deeper into the history of Palm Springs. The library contains a wealth of historical records, photographs, and documents available for public access by appointment.

Dr. Welwood Murray had become friends with John McCallum, the first white settler of Palm Springs. He wanted someone to build a hotel across from his home. Murray decided to acquire five acres across from McCallum and began to plan fruit and shade trees. He opened the first hotel in Palm Springs called the Palm Springs Hotel. To enhance the hotel, he leased the hot springs from the Indians, where the Agua Caliente Cultural Plaza sits today. Upon his death, the White sisters purchased a portion of his property.

In 1938, George Welwood Murray, his son, gave Palm Springs the land he owned to construct the library. Dr. Murray had a lending library at his Palm Springs Hotel, which honored his father. Cornelia White also gift-deeded some of her property to the city.

In addition to being a public library, it also houses the downtown Palm Springs Visitor Center.

100 S Palm Canyon Drive.

Palm Springs Historical Society Tours

One of the highlights of the Palm Springs Historical Society is its extensive range of walking tours. These tours provide an entertaining and informative stroll through Palm Springs historic neighborhoods, showcasing the unique blend of celebrity homes, architectural marvels, and stories of local pioneers. Each tour is about 2.5 hours and offers a unique perspective on the city’s history and culture.

Note: Tours do not operate from April to mid-October, but you can arrange a private tour by calling or texting 760.844.2242.

Society Walking Tours

Golden Era Hollywood Homes: Explore the glamorous homes of Hollywood’s golden era stars in the Old Las Palmas neighborhood.

Rat Pack Playground: Discover the haunts of Frank Sinatra and his famous friends in the Vista La Palmas neighborhood. Celebrities like Debbie Reynolds, Elvis Presley, Kim Novak, Dean Martin and the Rat Packers lived and frolicked here in the 50s and 60s.

Frank Sinatra’s Neighborhood: A closer look at the life and times of Ol’ Blue Eyes. In the post-WWII era, Sinatra made this neighborhood “his” when his Movie Colony home became Party Central in the post-WWII era, Sinatra made this neighborhood “his” when his Movie Colony home became Party Central.

Stars of the Movie Colony: Visit the residences of some of the biggest names in Hollywood- Cary Grant, Gloria Swanson, Tony Curtis, Roger Moore, Marilyn Monroe, among others.

Giants of Architecture: Admire the midcentury modern masterpieces that define Palm Springs and these giants of architecture responsible for making Palm Springs the modernism magnet of the world.

Twin Palms Estates: A tour through one of the most iconic neighborhoods that demonstrates the creative genius of architect William Krisel and the Alexander developers.

Shangri-La of the Stars: Stroll through Deepwell Estates where Architects E. Stewart Williams, Donald Wexler, and Hugh Kaptur shine. Stars who owned homes here included Loretta Young, William Holden, and Carmen Miranda.

Cherished Legacies: Walk this beautiful tranquil setting of the Welwood Murray cemetery as you hear stories of early settlers, powerful and prominent families, and colorful characters who called the city home.

Inns, Architecture, and Glamour: A blend of historic inns and stunning architecture in the Historic Tennis Club neighborhood, where Gloria Swanson once called home.

Heart of the City: Learn about the central landmarks that have shaped downtown Palm Springs. See our oldest adobe building (1884), our first modernist hotel (1923), the nation’s first multi-use shopping center in a Spanish Colonial Revival design (1936), and impressive midcentury modern structures.

Hidden Paradise: Show biz legends hideaway, The Mesa, is a beautiful secluded neighborhood with a fascinating assortment of eclectic architecture. It boasts one of Palm Springs’ most stunning architectural anomalies, the Santorini House.  It was also home to Natalie Wood and Robert Wagner, Sonny and Cher, Suzanne Somers and music legend Johnny Mercer. Today legend Barry Manilow enjoys this slice of paradise.

Modernist Treasures: A deep dive into the modernist architecture of the Indian Canyon neighborhood. With spectacular views of the surrounding mountains and the lush fairways, these homes feature a treasure trove of concrete screen block patterns and a profusion of fascinating desert plants. This first 18-hole golf course in Palm Springs was a magnet for TV legends. Walt Disney, Chuck “Rifleman” Connors, and David “Fugitive” Janssen were some of the stars who lived and played here.

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Society Biking Tours

See midcentury gems up close, woven among various architectural styles and stunning scenery. Stop for photos, hear fascinating tales and history of the famous architects, celebrities and pioneers who embraced this oasis. They supply you with a 7 speed bike, a helmet, and audio receiver so you can hear your knowledgeable guide.

Bike Like a Star: Cruise the neighborhoods of the stars with your docent pointing out incredible architecture, celebrity homes, and stunning scenery.

Bike the MidMod Oasis: Your knowledgeable guide will share tales of the famous architects, celebrities, and pioneers who embraced and built this oasis. Debbie Reynolds, William Holden, and Loretta Young are some of the Hollywood elite who resided in Deepwell.

Starting location at Bike Palm Springs. 267 E Tahquitz Canyon Way.

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