06/09/2026
Coachella Valley History Museum exists because of volunteers!
From its infancy, the Coachella Valley Historical Society (dba Coachella Valley History Museum) has always been powered by the energy and passion of its volunteers. In 1965, a group of valley residents began collecting historical items and archival information and officially incorporated. They worked with The City of Indio - Government to purchase the Smiley-Tyler House (which is celebrating its Centennial Anniversary this year!) and in 1983 signed a lease with the City to operate the Smiley house as a museum. During a six-month period, local area residents and Society members volunteered the labor to renovate the outdoor gardens, garages, and buildings as well as the Smiley-Tyler adobe in preparation for the opening, which happened on October 19, 1984. The Young At Art summer program for children was established at the same time. Who did all of this? VOLUNTEERS. 🙌🏼🙌🏼🙌🏼
⏩ Fast forward to today, and it’s still the dedication of volunteers that fuels museum operations, programs, and events. We love our volunteers! 🫶🏼
And there’s plenty of room to welcome more volunteers, whether they’re 18 or 80, with a role for everyone that takes into account what they enjoy doing and how much time they want to commit, from giving museum tours to checking in guests in the gift shop for those who enjoy interacting with the public, from gardening to cleaning exhibits for those who prefer staying behind-the-scenes, and helping with annual fundraisers for those who enjoy parties and event planning.
To find out more and to apply to volunteer, visit https://www.cvhm.org/volunteer.
In the photos: Volunteers enjoying games, lunch, and spending time together at our recent Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon
