The Twentynine Palms Historical Society was founded April 26, 1982, by five individuals who
recognized the importance of preserving the community’s history. Today, the Society continues to preserve and interpret the area’s historical heritage through a variety of educational activities including field trips, lectures, events, and a quarterly newsletter. The Society is a non-profit educational organization classified by the Internal Revenue Service as 501(c)(3), incorporated under California State Codes on August 23, 1982. It receives no city, county, state, or federal agency funding. The Society collects, preserves, and displays information, artifacts, and memorabilia pertaining to the culture and history of Twentynine Palms and the greater Morongo Basin. Its purpose is to educate and to make research materials available to the public.

The Society owns and operates the Old Schoolhouse Museum complex at 6760 National Park Drive in Twentynine Palms. The museum and gift shop are housed in the oldest public building in the Morongo Basin and provide visitors with a chance to experience a 1920s-era schoolroom and view artifacts and historical exhibits. Also on the grounds are a Research Library housing the museum’s extensive collections, the Founders Hall multipurpose building, and a small garage housing the Hastie Bus.

The museum is open Wednesday through Sunday from 1-4p.m. September – May and Friday through Sunday from 1-4 p.m. June – August. Admission is free; however, donations are always appreciated. Gifts, contributions, endowments, and material donations are all or partially tax-deductible.

Board Members

• Dana Bowden, President
• Steve Reyes, Vice President
• Jim Krushat
• Jeff Dunn
• Phil Moore
• Rita Lilly
• John Ferguson
• Tim O’Connor
• Jennifer Smith