The Medjool Sessions is a monthly speaker series at the Coachella Valley History Museum highlighting local voices sharing the stories, art, and heritage that shaped the greater Palm Springs area of Southern California.
Each event is rooted in this place, told in this place, and told by the people connected to it — historians, tribal leaders, artists, descendants, and community leaders.
Join us throughout the season for engaging conversations and presentations exploring the people, places, creativity, and history that make the Coachella Valley unique.
All events are free and open to the public
Doors open at 10:00 AM, with speakers beginning at 10:30 AM and presentations running until noon.
All Medjool Sessions events take place in the Medjool Auditorium at the Coachella Valley History Museum.
Speaker: Maureen Boren, Board Trustee, Coachella Valley History Museum
Celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Smiley-Tyler House with local historian Maureen Boren as she explores the remarkable history of one of the Coachella Valley's most treasured landmarks. From the vision of Dr. Harry and Nell Smiley in 1926 to the home's preservation as the centerpiece of the Coachella Valley History Museum, discover the people, events, and stories that shaped this historic adobe residence and its enduring legacy in the community.
Speaker: Karen Riley, Executive Director, S.C.R.A.P. Gallery
Celebrate the holiday season with a creative look at how discarded everyday materials can be transformed into festive works of art. Karen Riley, Executive Director of the S.C.R.A.P. Gallery, will share how this innovative Coachella Valley organization inspires children and families to create, learn, and care for the environment through hands-on art experiences. Discover how the Gallery's mission is built around the Four R's—Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, and Responsibility—and leave inspired to see the holidays, and the world around you, in a whole new way.
Speaker: Erica Powell Jimenez, Harpist
Join us for a lively discussion of Harps Are Not for Angels, a novel by Coachella Valley author Aida Mulieri-Dagort. Special guest Erica Powell Jimenez, an accomplished harpist, will share musical insights and discuss the harp's role in the story, offering a unique perspective on the novel's themes. Whether you've read the book or are simply curious about its blend of music, history, and storytelling, this promises to be an engaging and memorable morning.
Speaker: Panel Discussion of Community Leaders, moderated by the Coachella Valley History Museum
In recognition of Black History Month, explore the history and enduring legacy of Nobles Ranch, one of the Coachella Valley's earliest African American communities. The program begins with highlights from the Coachella Valley History Museum's archival collections, followed by a panel discussion featuring local leaders, descendants, and family of pioneer John Nobles. Through personal stories, historical records, and community perspectives, discover how the residents of Nobles Ranch helped shape the civic, cultural, and social history of the Coachella Valley—and why their legacy continues to matter today.
Speaker: Amanda Augustine, Chairwoman of Augustine Tribe
In celebration of Women's History Month, join Amanda Augustine, Tribal Chairperson of the Augustine Band of Cahuilla Indians, as she shares the Tribe's past, present, and future through the lens of women's leadership. Discover what makes the Augustine Band unique among the Cahuilla Tribes of the Coachella Valley and learn about the Tribe's contributions and lasting impact on the local community and the region as a whole.
Speaker: David Mackesey, Historian, La Quinta Historical Society
Celebrate the 150th anniversary of the Southern Pacific Railroad's arrival in the Coachella Valley with historian David Mackesey. Discover how the construction of the railroad, the politics of the late 1800s, and the arrival of transcontinental transportation transformed a remote desert landscape into the thriving communities we know today. This fascinating presentation explores one of the most significant events in the Valley's history and the lasting impact of the railroad on our region's growth and development.
Speakers: Maureen Boren and Nobi Nishikawa, Coachella Valley History Museum
In recognition of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, join us for a community discussion of They Called Us Enemy, George Takei's powerful graphic memoir of his family's incarceration during World War II. Led by Maureen Boren and Nobi Nishikawa, this thought-provoking program explores themes of civil liberties, resilience, and the importance of preserving history. Whether you've read the book or simply wish to learn more about this pivotal chapter in American history, all are welcome to participate in this engaging conversation.
From historic landmarks and local communities to art, literature, music, and the stories of the people who have shaped our region, The Medjool Sessions offers an opportunity to learn, listen, and connect with the rich heritage of the Coachella Valley.
All sessions are free and open to the public. We look forward to welcoming you to the Medjool Auditorium at the Coachella Valley History Museum.
