The Coachella Valley History Museum offers a diverse calendar of events.  Below is just a sampling of our programs.  Please check back frequently as new and exciting events are added.

 

Family Days

Join us on the first Saturday of each month for Family Day. This is a fun day with a little bit more going on around the campus. Families are FREE all day long! Stroll the grounds and come for extra activities or exhibits. This year our Family Days include an Antique Car Show, an Arts and Crafts Day, a Native American event day, and more!

 

Lecture Series

Come learn more about the history and culture of the Coachella Valley. Well-known experts from across Riverside County come to speak on the second Sunday of every month. The lecture is from 3:00 to 4:30pm. Coffee and cookies will be provided. It is a great learning experience you won’t want to miss!

 

Heritage Day

On March 27th, 2010, we will host Heritage Day. This special day honors the history and unity of many cultures within this one valley. The event includes a look at the international cultures who have settled in the Coachella Valley as well as the story of the early homesteaders and pioneers who cultivated this land. The day includes entertainers from a variety of cultures, international food, pioneer trades and crafts, including rug hooking, quilting, and candle making, and just maybe a little sarsaparilla.

 

School Tours

The Coachella Valley History Museum serves the valley’s three school districts by providing field trip tours to third grade classes. Our school tour is an excellent opportunity to meet the local history curriculum, and it has been immensely successful for years. Thousands of students have come to learn and the School Tour docents help to leave a lasting impression on these thoughtful kids.

 

The tour explores the history of the land’s native people; the geology of the Coachella Valley; the story of the Salton Sea; the story of water and agriculture in the valley; information about special individuals in the valley who combated the difficulties of prejudice; the history of the railroad and pioneer livelihood; and the ways of schooling at the turn of the century. Students get to see a blacksmith shop, have a short lesson in our historic 1909 schoolhouse, participate in hands-on activities, and learn about the land in which they live.

 

If you are an educator and would like to schedule a tour, please contact the museum at 760.342.6651. We do have some funds available for bussing. If you are in need of assistance, then please let us know at the time of your call.

 

Mexican American Pioneer Families Showcase

Enjoying its 4th year, the Mexican American Pioneer Families Showcase will take place on December 5th, 6th, 11th, 12th, and 13th. Celebrating their roots, their families, and their communities, our Mexican American Pioneer Family Showcase weekends are filled with a variety of activities, entertainment, food and displays. The weekend of the 5th and 6th will be a great pairing to the Indio Tamale Festival, so be sure to stop by and enjoy our exhibits. The weekend of the 11th, 12th, and 13th highlights a unique program of events, including special guests, the Coachella Valley High School Chorus and Aztec Dancers, the Acapara Musica Allegre Ensemble, The Folklorico Dancers, a Chili Verde Cookoff, a Car Show, a Beer Garden and more. Please contact us for further details.

 

Black Pioneer Family Showcase

The African-American community has lived in this valley for decades, with a long history and many stories. The Black Pioneer Showcase celebrates their pioneer heritage, their unique culture, and their importance to the Coachella Valley as a community. Going on throughout the month of February, 2010, each weekend will bring different events, wonderful food, and spectacular entertainment. Come enjoy these special days and learn about the history of African American people from this valley.

 

Check back for more events throughout the year!

 

Fine Art Afternoons

On the first Sunday of every month, the museum hosts a Fine Arts exhibit opening, always featuring a different local artist. These award-winning artists are present to answer questions and the work is usually available for purchase. During this event, museum admission is also free to all visitors.