Morongo Basin Historical Museum

10/08/2026

Sorry to report this Sunday’s movie night at the museum has been cancelled due to some nasty weather coming our way.
When we have a rescheduling date, we’ll let you know.

Til then — Stay dry, my friends, and thanks for your interest!

09/03/2026

We’re happy to see another institution helping preserve the rich and wonderfully unique history of the Morongo Basin!

The Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens has acquired an extensive archive documenting George Van Tassel, the Integratron, Giant Rock, and the UFO movement that became such a fascinating part of our desert’s history.

We’re glad to see this chapter of Morongo Basin history preserved for generations to come 🛸 🪨 👽

Collection includes architectural plans, photographs, recordings, and other materials tracing the history of the Mojave Desert landmark and Southern California’s UFO community.

09/03/2026

The Museum is waking up from the doldrums of that August heat, and will be open again this Saturday, September 5th, and EVERY Saturday from 11a-3p.

The sign on our Jackrabbit Homestead Cabin says private property, but as a Museum visitor, you can take a closer look to get a sense of what it was like for those hardy 20th century pioneers who settled in the Morongo Basin. See you soon 🤠

07/10/2026

We’re open every Saturday!

We’ll be closed for Summer break in August ☀️

07/04/2026

Happy Fourth of July from the Morongo Basin Historical Museum! 🇺🇸

As we celebrate Independence Day, we’re reminded that the story of America is also told through the communities that built it. This historic image captures a unique piece of the Morongo Basin’s past, preserving a moment from the days when our desert was growing, changing, and finding its identity.

By preserving photographs, artifacts, and local stories, we honor the generations who came before us and ensure their legacy is not forgotten.

Wishing everyone a safe, happy, and meaningful Fourth of July. ❤️🤍💙

06/23/2026

Heritage Spotlight: Before Landers had a volunteer fire department, it had Newlin and Vernette Landers.

As Landers grew in the 1950s and 1960s, emergency services were often provided by neighbors helping neighbors. According to local historical accounts, Newlin and Vernette Landers maintained a First Aid Station and emergency service base at the Landers Gas Station and Airstrip. They relayed emergency messages, assisted with search and rescue efforts, and responded to local fires using their water delivery truck.

Before a formal fire department existed, Newlin pumped water while Vernette handled the hose, providing fire protection to the community at no charge. They later supplied their truck as an auxiliary tanker and helped support the development of organized fire protection in Landers.

Their story is a reminder that long before modern emergency services, community resilience depended on the dedication and generosity of local residents willing to step forward when help was needed.

05/30/2026

Tonight, Saturday, May 30th @ 7pm 🆓

The Morongo Basin Historical Society are hosting their first film screening “The Great K&A Train Robbery” tonight in Landers. Reporter Gabriel Hart

05/26/2026

Movie Night at the Museum — May 30 @ 7 PM

An evening under the desert sky featuring Tom Mix in The Great K & A Train Robbery.

Drinks, popcorn, food, and a chance to wander the museum after dark—lit up and open for the night.

Free admission | Donations welcome

02/16/2026

We’re excited to share this piece from SFGATE spotlighting Yucca Valley’s Rat Pack era and Frank Sinatra’s connection to the desert.

The Morongo Basin Historical Museum was glad to contribute local context, archival insight, and historical perspective to help tell this story accurately and with care. These moments matter. They’re part of how our desert became what it is today.

If you’ve ever wondered how Hollywood history found its way into the High Desert, this one’s worth the read.

The Rat Pack helped make Palm Springs. They tried to hide their other desert spot.

02/05/2026

Those vintage shades don’t lie.
👀 We’re OPEN.
Saturdays, 11am–3pm, starting this weekend.
Free admission. Desert history included.