02/20/2022
Happy Sunday! Thank you for making our and huge successes. For more tours please see link in bio
Palm Springs Historical Society
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The Palm Springs Historical Society is a non-profit organization and was founded in 1955 by Melba Berry Bennett.
Operating as usual
01/03/2022
Happy 2022! Thank you all for your support. See you on a
10/29/2021
Piazza Di Liberace was "Lee's" home from 1968-74. From the moment you arrive it's all fabulous! Even the mailbox was an original. We have more fun facts & great Palm Springs history on our walking & bike tours! Link in bio for info
05/24/2021
Who’s excited for tours to resume?
Our tours will begin in October, all regular tours will return with two new walking tours being added our schedule. Keep an eye out for more information.
Image:
Santorini House, discussed on Tour 8
04/07/2021
While we are sad to miss you all this season. We have decide to fully open at a later time. Please continue to check our website for updates. Thank you and stay safe!
11/13/2020
Walking Tours – Palm Springs Historical Society
Limited Bike and Walking tours are now available for purchase on our website. We hope to see you in Palm Springs!
Palm Springs Walking Tours. Join us for an entertaining stroll through Palm Springs, full of history, fun stories, famous architecture and intrigue.
09/03/2020
Keely Smith - Palm Springs Jump
Take a break and enjoy Keely Smith's rendition of "Palm Springs Jump".
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_iMvPIkrnOE
Keely Smith "Palm Springs Jump" From the album Keely Smith - "Swing, Swing, Swing" 1999
08/18/2020
Explore Palm Springs: Women’s Suffrage
Today we celebrate the 100th anniversary of the 19th amendment being ratified. Enjoy this short piece on Palm Springs and Women’s Suffrage.
https://www.palmspringslife.com/explore-palm-springs-womens-suffrage/
In the village of Palm Springs, the women's suffrage amendment took root as Desert Inn owner Nellie Coffman staffed the precinct…
05/06/2020
Intriguing Stories - Articles Archive – Palm Springs Historical Society
While the museum and tours are closed for the season. You can continue to learn about Palm Springs History through articles written by Tracy Conrad. Check out our website weekly to learn more. Stay safe and in your homes.
Enjoy the stories that share the vibrant past of Palm Springs. Discover the visionaries and spirited people who helped form this desert oasis. The colorful people who lived and played here. In partnership with the Desert Sun. Part of the USA Today Network. Copyright © 2019, The Desert Sun. All righ...
04/05/2020
“Standing Woman” in mask. Stay safe and health Art done Felipe Castaneda
03/17/2020
MUSEUM CLOSED
At this time we have made the decision to close our facilities to the public.
We are available Monday through Friday 10 am to 4 pm for phone calls.
Thank you and stay safe.
03/16/2020
NO TOURS AT THIS TIME
The health and safety of our customers, docents and staff is our top priority. Out of an abundance of caution and concern for our community we will not be offering any walking or biking tours at this time. We will continue to follow the recommendations of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and government agencies regarding the current Coronavirus COVID-19 situation.
03/10/2020
Our final talk of the season is still happening tomorrow. If you are sick or have health concerns please call Palm Springs Historical Society. Your safety is our priority.
760-323-8297
Thank you
03/08/2020
Get your steps in 🚶 Walking tours are a great way to see Palm Springs and learn about its history. The Movie Colony has Frank Sinatra’s home, Robolights and so much more! Sign up on our website.
03/06/2020
Do not miss our last “Let’s Talk” of the season. Anthony Purnel will bring the Pacific Crest Trail to life on the big screen as he shares his intimate journey on this legendary footpath discussing the many obstacles and challenges he faced on his 132 day adventure.
One of America's most iconic hiking trails. Designated as one of the first two national scenic trails in 1968, the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) is a continuous footpath of more than 2,650 miles—from the Mexican border to the Canadian border through California, Oregon, and Washington.
02/26/2020
Check out our newest tour! Available in March only! —————————————————Tour 11-Twin Palms Estates. Walk through Palm Springs' first midcentury neighborhood developed by the Alexander Construction Company and the talented architectural team Palmer and Krisel.
A jewel among our desert neighborhoods, truly demonstrates the creative genius of Palmer and Krisel. Each house appears to be custom built because of alternating facades, changing site orientations and using a variety of rooflines including the dramatic butterfly style.
02/14/2020
Modernism Week is here! Want to explore the city? Check out our bike tours 🚲🚲. Friday to Monday 9 am Book on our website.
02/11/2020
Who is excited for Modernism Week? 🙋♀️🙋♂️
02/04/2020
Palm Springs Historical Society's cover photo
01/21/2020
"Avanti- Desert-Designed Car" was written on the cover of Palm Springs Life magazine in 1962.
This Avanti Studebaker was designed in one week in Palm Springs by Robert Andrews, John Ebstein and Palm Springs resident Raymond Loewy. Designed in Palm Springs, it was only natural that the desert oasis would be the perfect place to photograph this classic car for advertisement campaign.
You might get to see this gem on the "Rat Pack" walking tour or our brand new bike tours this season.
If you want to learn more about Industrial Designer Raymond Loewy, stop by the museum. We have a special exhibit on him this season. Don't miss out!
01/18/2020
Take a step back through time. Join us on Jan 23 for our Let's Talk - The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow. The film Greg Purdy and Cara Youngman are planning to present that night is splendid. Book on our website now! $20 for non members $10 for PSHS members Free for students with School ID
01/02/2020
Tour 7 - Frank Sinatra's Neighborhood
We still have spots available for our walking tours tomorrow!
Love all things Frank Sinatra?
Go on Tour 7, Frank Sinatra's Neighborhood. Explore the historic Movie Colony Neighborhood that he called home.
Tours start at 9:30 am
Cost $25 per person
All tour start at various locations
https://pshistoricalsociety.org/products/tour-7-frank-sinatras-neighborhood-the-movie-colony?variant=30199748558894
Thursday 9:30 am Friday 9:30 am Sunday 9:30 am The Movie ColonyWith the luxurious El Mirador as its centerpiece, the Movie Colony was developed in the 1930s and 1940s. In this tranquil neighborhood lived some of Hollywood’s biggest stars such as Cary Grant, Dinah Shore, Van Johnson, Tony Curtis, G...
12/29/2019
BIKE Palm Springs Rentals & Tours
Bike like a Star! Join us for our biking tours!
https://pshistoricalsociety.org/products/bike-like-a-star?variant=30207315443844
In case you didn’t know... We do tours! - Well, the Palm Springs historical Society Docents do! A two hour tour through several neighborhoods in beautiful Palm Springs. We send you off equipped with an audio ear piece so you can clearly hear wonderful stories about PS, historical facts and the fabulous movie stars that lived and played in our city! -
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12/27/2019
So it begins. On the balcony of the Thomas O’Donnell House. 📸:
11/04/2019
11/04/2019
10/29/2019
Los Compadres brought together local riders from all walks of life
Since November 1939, Los Compadres has been a part of the Palm Springs Community. Tracy Conrad gives a history of the organization in this interesting article.
People entertained themselves, making music, playing sports and conversing. They cared deeply about their friends, amigos, buddies, pals or compadres.
10/20/2019
O’Donnell Golf Club landscape is most historic
Here's an interesting article on the O'Donnell Golf Club written by Tracy Conrad.
A nomination for historic designation for the buildings and landscape O’Donnell Golf Club goes before the Palm Springs City Council on Oct. 23.
06/23/2018
Meet the original 'influencers' who put Palm Springs on the map
Who would be considered an "influencer" in Palm Springs today?
Thanks to the efforts of Frank Bogert, Tony Burke and Ray Ryan, Palm Springs became known worldwide as the place to go and enjoy fun in the sun.
06/22/2018
The Filmmakers' Gallery Presents...
Special Screening of the classic movie, Yours Mine & Ours.
A special evening celebrating the 50th anniversary of this classic American comedy, starring Lucille Ball and Henry Fonda. Guest moderated by Lucille's "Number One Fan" and best-selling author Michael Stern; who will be selling and signing copies of his book "I Had A Ball: My Friendship with Lucille Ball"
Special Guests: Actress, Morgan Brittany
& "I Had A Ball" Author, Michael Stern
**View Classic Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hq9Q-0e9mBM
*A portion of the proceeds from all ticket sales will benefit The Palm Springs Historical Society.
DATE: SATURDAY, JULY 14th, 2018
5-7:00pm - Cocktail Reception with Morgan Brittany & Michael Stern (For VIP Ticket Holders ONLY)
6-7:00pm - "I Had A Ball" Book Signing
-with Author, Michael Stern
7-7:45pm - Conversation with Morgan Brittany
*Guest Moderator, Author of "I HAD A BALL" - Michael Stern
8:00pm - The 50th Anniversary Celebration Screening of "YOURS, MINE & OURS"!
WHERE: The Palm Springs Cultural Center - Camelot Theatres
Address: 2300 E. Baristo Road, Palm Springs, CA 92262
SPONSORED BY: LIVE Magazine TV, HYATT Palm Springs & Bridge Falls Entertainment
VIP Cocktail Reception with Special Guests:
$15.00 (Includes VIP Cocktail Hour plus Book Signing, Conversation segment & Screening of "YOURS, MINE & OURS")
General Admission:
$10.00 (Includes Book Signing, Conversation segment & Screening of "YOURS, MINE & OURS")
We hope to see you there!
05/07/2018
Desert Circus was a much-beloved celebrity-filled Palm Springs event that began in 1934
Do you remember the Desert Circus?
Celebrities involved included: Bob Hope, Shirley Temple, Clark Gable, Janet Leigh, Jayne Mansfield, Debbie Reynolds, Gene Autry and Lucille Ball
04/08/2018
Gay community has shaped and influenced Palm Springs for decades
Our final "Talk" of the season is titled, "Let's Talk About Gay Palm Springs." The talk is scheduled for April 17, 2018 at 6:00 pm at the Palm Springs Cultural Center. Seating is limited. Tickets can be purchased at www.pshistoricalsociety.org. $10 for members and $20 for non-members. See you at "The Talk."
Whether private or out, the gay community has shaped the history of Palm Springs throughout its storied history
03/26/2018
Palm Springs and Palm Desert both have a long and celebrated history with high fashion
Fashion in the desert is more than just a bathing suit and cover up.
During the mid-century some of the biggest names in fashion were featured in a multitude of high-end shops scattered up and down Palm Canyon Drive.
03/11/2018
Historic Town & Desert Apartments invited invasion of the sun
Herbert Burns was called a "charismatic chameleon." Learn why in this article on the man and his work.
Photographer Julius Shulman was so impressed with Town and Desert Apartments, he wrote about it. Now Preservation Society is feting the architect
02/25/2018
Harry Oliver was the original Desert Rat and his peg leg pranks are the stuff of legend
A legend in the desert, Harry Oliver also had a sense of humor. Tracy Conrad tells his story in this interesting article.
The publisher of the Desert Rat Scrap Book had a successful and varied career before turning his attention to aphorism and humor.
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92262
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Comments
Thank you Dolphin Fairs, Palm Springs Art Museum, Palm Springs Historical Society, Palm Springs Modern Committee, and Palm Springs Preservation Foundation for supporting Modernism Week each year!
Vintage PS photo. Looking to identify location and whether buildings are still there. Then we can get to the year, make and model of the vehicles!
Ctiy of Palm Springs Relocate that Statue
According to the 50th anniversary publication (1931-1981) of the Palm Springs Fire Department in 1961, "Several old buildings (on Section 14) seemed to suffer from spontaneous ignition at different times throughout the year. These were no-loss fires, the only loss being in terms of firemen's sleep and part of the city's water supply."
📷 Palm Springs Historical Society
Palm Springs Fire Department Palm Springs City Government Palm Springs Black History Committee
According to the 50th anniversary publication (1931-1981) of the Palm Springs Fire Department in 1961, "Several old buildings (on Section 14) seemed to suffer from spontaneous ignition at different times throughout the year. These were no-loss fires, the only loss being in terms of firemen's sleep and part of the city's water supply."
📷 Palm Springs Historical Society
Palm Springs Fire Department Palm Springs City Government Palm Springs Black History Committee
Desert Water Agency and Palm Springs Historical Society are hosting a special webinar at 2 p.m. on September 15 to celebrate DWA’s 60 years of service. The webinar will dive into how water has helped our desert grow and thrive, how DWA came to be and what’s next for the water in Palm Springs. Register for the event here: https://bit.ly/389pd4G 💦
“The Beat Goes On” is one of the most famous songs in American pop music history. Written, composed, and produced by Sonny Bono, and arranged by Harold Battiste, it was first issued as a single in January 1967 and became an instant hit. The song remains in the Billboard Top 100 today. The lyrics, “Drums keep pounding a rhythm to the brain...” can be heard playing on Palm Springs radio stations in memory of former Palm Springs mayor, Sonny Bono ().
Sonny & Cher started their career in the mid-1960s as backup singers. In 1965 they released “I Got You Babe” and “Baby Don’t Go.” They became an international pop sensation shortly thereafter. They are in the Top 20 Musical Duos of all time by .
In Downtown Palm Springs, you will find the Sonny Bono memorial statue outside of Ruby’s Restaurant, facing the Village Plaza. A 40-mile stretch of Interstate Highway 10 was dedicated to him on Jan. 10, 2002.
Oasis Music Festival, an all-genre music festival set for Jan. 27-30, 2022 in Palm Springs, will celebrate the city’s rich live music history with a lineup of acts appearing at 60 venues. Stay tuned as the names of acts are released, and look for our full website release.
Photograph courtesy Palm Springs Historical Society
Sonny & Cher started their career in the mid-1960s as backup singers. In 1965 they released “I Got You Babe” and “Baby Don’t Go.” They became an international pop sensation shortly thereafter. They are in the Top 20 Musical Duos of all time by .
In Downtown Palm Springs, you will find the Sonny Bono memorial statue outside of Ruby’s Restaurant, facing the Village Plaza. A 40-mile stretch of Interstate Highway 10 was dedicated to him on Jan. 10, 2002.
Oasis Music Festival, an all-genre music festival set for Jan. 27-30, 2022 in Palm Springs, will celebrate the city’s rich live music history with a lineup of acts appearing at 60 venues. Stay tuned as the names of acts are released, and look for our full website release.
Photograph courtesy Palm Springs Historical Society
Sonny Bono and Mary Bono welcome President George H.W. Bush to Palm Springs International Airport in 1990. Bono entered the political arena after his singing career and became the 16th mayor of Palm Springs from 1988 to 1992, followed by a term as a U.S. Congressman from 1995 until his untimely passing in 1998. Mary Bono took over and successfully retained the seat until 2013.
Oasis Music Festival, an all-genre music festival set for Jan. 27-30, 2022 in Palm Springs, will celebrate the city’s rich live music history with a lineup of acts appearing at 60 venues. Stay tuned as the names of acts are released, and look for our full website release.
Meet you at the Oasis.
📸 courtesy Palm Springs Historical Society
Oasis Music Festival, an all-genre music festival set for Jan. 27-30, 2022 in Palm Springs, will celebrate the city’s rich live music history with a lineup of acts appearing at 60 venues. Stay tuned as the names of acts are released, and look for our full website release.
Meet you at the Oasis.
📸 courtesy Palm Springs Historical Society
DWA turns 60 next month! Go to www.dwa.org/60 to check out our origin story and learn more about our special 60th Anniversary webinar with Palm Springs Historical Society 💦
Great morning touring the McCallum Adobe Cornelia White House Museum with Renee Brown from the Palm Springs Historical Society.
Even though traveling to Palm Springs may be a challenge this year, we’ve created plenty of ways to bring the architectural history of the city to you! We’re proud to offer virtual tours through some of Palm Springs’ breathtaking signature homes, as well as informative presentations to whet your modernist appetite.
Head to the M Weekly blog to see why this Mecca of Modernism remains one of the world’s premier destinations for design buffs: https://mwkly.com/architecture/a-look-at-palm-springs-history-of-architecture-and-midcentury-culture/
📷: Bank of America (formerly the City National Bank) designed by Victor Gruen and Associates, 1959. Photos courtesy of Palm Springs Historical Society and Jake Holt
Head to the M Weekly blog to see why this Mecca of Modernism remains one of the world’s premier destinations for design buffs: https://mwkly.com/architecture/a-look-at-palm-springs-history-of-architecture-and-midcentury-culture/
📷: Bank of America (formerly the City National Bank) designed by Victor Gruen and Associates, 1959. Photos courtesy of Palm Springs Historical Society and Jake Holt
"There was a complicated negotiation brokered by Raymond Cree that landed Randall’s Desert Magazine Pueblo-style headquarters, designed by Harry J. Williams, on 40 acres of land sandwiched between two tracts, one owned by Cliff Henderson and the other Raymond Wilson."
- Tracy Conrad, President, Palm Springs Historical Society
- Tracy Conrad, President, Palm Springs Historical Society
Many thanks to Tracy Conrad, president of the Palm Springs Historical Society for this festive walk down memory lane!
"Christmas songs were certainly commercially viable. And Autry introduced and made “Frosty,” “Rudolph” and “Here Comes Santa Claus” known all over the globe and every Christmas season since he first recorded them, these songs are still played, and are practically synonymous with the season itself. In fact, it is hard to imagine the season without those melodies."
"Christmas songs were certainly commercially viable. And Autry introduced and made “Frosty,” “Rudolph” and “Here Comes Santa Claus” known all over the globe and every Christmas season since he first recorded them, these songs are still played, and are practically synonymous with the season itself. In fact, it is hard to imagine the season without those melodies."
Took a Modernism Week tour of Indian Canyons with the Palm Springs Historical Society because I love learning all I can about this terrific town, Palm Springs. 🏠 🌴DRE 02068319