Last updated: 5/28/2010
82-616 Miles Ave
Indio, CA 92202
P.O. Box 595
Indio, CA 92202
Thursday - Saturday
10 AM - 4 PM
CLOSED June through October
By appointment only - available for research
Monday - Thursday
10 AM - 4 PM
Admission: $3 Adults - $2 Senior - Students and Children under 10 Free (accompanied by adults)
Archives: The Coachella Valley Historical Society, Inc. has been maintaining an archive depository for 25 years. History from the entire valley is included. From newspapers and magazines, to business licenses, and photographs, the archives store over 100 years of history. Researchers are welcome Monday through Thursday from 10 to 4. Please call for an appointment at 760.342.6651.
Long home to the Cahuilla Indians, a new wave of settlers came to the Coachella Valley in the late 1800s along with the Southern Pacific Railroad. Being the halfway point between Yuma and Los Angeles, what is today the city of Indio, was selected by the Southern Pacific as an ideal train stop. From these humble beginnings sprang an entire valley of cities, all of which have their own distinct personality and history. The Coachella Valley History Museum seeks to share the unique history of the desert and the pioneers who forged through the difficult environment to create the home it is to so many today.
The museum grounds are a beautiful setting for all sorts of events. We welcome private parties, photographers, and weddings to consider renting our grounds. We also have an auditorium that can be utilized for indoor purposes. Please contact us if you wish to tour the campus or to learn more about our rental options. 760.342.6651. Or you may email erin@cvhm.org.
The Coachella Valley Historical Society was running full force by 1984 due to a dedicated group of valley residents. They were able to work with the City of Indio to purchase the Smiley-Tyler House and spearheaded the effort to create a museum in record time. They raised the funds, found the artifacts, and opened on that October.
Since the opening, the museum has been operated by an exceptional group of volunteers. In the past few years, the museum hired its first professionals from the field who have taken over the reins with the invaluable assistance of the volunteers, some of whom have been with the museum the entire 25 years of its existence.
The collection includes pieces from the Coachella Valley relating its unique history.
exhibitions, children's classes, travel program, community heritage projects, outreach to schools, fundraising events
Gift Shop
Special Event Rental
parking, wheelchair access, vi
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