Twentynine Palms Historical Society
29 Palms, California

Museum Exhibits

It is very easy to step back in time while visiting this charming and informative museum. The many volunteers of the 29 Palms Historical Society have put countless hours into bringing the past to life. Their efforts have helped illustrate the extraordinary history of this area. The following photos provide you with a taste of the current and past exhibits found at the museum.

We offer self guided tours and docents are always available to answer any questions.

A Man of Many Hats

The above exhibit is not intended to represent any one person or business. Its purpose is to provide glimpses of different businesses that might have been in and around the Twentynine Palms area in the early days.

Many of our area's old timers were indeed “Men of Many Hats.” Some examples:

Dave Poste – miner, Justice of the Peace, telephone operator
Frank Bagley – store keeper, notary public, land agent
Louie Jacobs – Justice of the Peace, barber, miner/prospector, engineer
Bill Smith – operated an ice plant, roller rink, outdoor movie, ice cream store, dairy, grocery store, trailer park
Bill Underhill – operated a movie theatre, newspaper, roller rink
Bill Hatch – engineer, surveyor, insurance agent
Bill Keys – assayer, miner/prospector, blacksmith, butcher, farmer, engineer, rancher

Pioneers and Homesteaders

Pioneers of 29 Palms first homesteaded in the early 1920's and had typical daily chores such as cooking, cleaning, sewing, etc. However, harsh weather made things a bit more difficult. In summer, the temperatures can reach over 115 degrees and in winter temps drop to below freezing.

Ever wonder about all those little shacks around the desert? Our Jackrabbit Homestead exhibit has answers.

Mining and Miners

Mining exhibit created by Marilyn Fernald and Bruce Arnett with the advice of Jim Wharff.

Gold was discovered in the 1870s. Miners were more than willing to live and work in scorching heat during the summer months because they just might strike it rich. Mining continued to be an important occupation in the area but largely ended after World War I.

Sun Purpled Glass

Thanks to the efforts of Bruce Arnett and our exhibits curator, Marilyn Fernald, we are now able to display a much greater portion of our purple glass collection.

4-way stoplight and Condor Field floodlight

The original 4-way stoplight from four-corners and the floodlight from the Condor Field tower.
Thanks to founding member Bob Carter for donating the pole and helping to install everything.

Please visit: Our Gift Shop.

Please support our
Business Members

Help us out by purchasing some items from our wish list.

Twentynine Palms Historical Society

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