Agua Caliente Cultural Museum facts for kids
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| Established | 1991 |
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| Location | 140 N. Indian Canyon Dr., Palm Springs, California |
| Type | Anthropology museum |
| Public transit access | SunLine Transit Lines 111, 30, 14 |
The Agua Caliente Cultural Museum is a special place in Palm Springs, California, USA. It's all about the history and culture of the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians. These are the native people of the Coachella Valley. The museum helps everyone learn about their amazing traditions and stories.
Contents
History
The Agua Caliente Cultural Museum first opened its doors in 1991. It was created to share the rich heritage of the Cahuilla people.
What You Can See
Museum Collections
The museum has many interesting collections and exhibits. These show different parts of the Cahuilla culture.
- Exhibits Around Town – The museum shares its stories in other places too. You might find exhibits at:
- The Spa Resort Casino Hotel Lobby in Palm Springs. This exhibit is about the spiritual Wahaatukicnikic Tetayaw (Blue Frog). This frog is believed to live at the Agua Caliente Hot Spring.
- California State University San Bernardino, Palm Desert Campus. This exhibit shows how Native Americans compete in sports.
- Palm Springs City Hall. This display highlights important moments in Cahuilla people's history.
- Main Exhibits – These are the core parts of the museum:
- Cahuilla Culture and History: Learn all about the traditions and past of the Cahuilla people.
- The Florence Patencio Collection: This exhibit focuses on Florence Patencio. She was a very important cultural leader in the community.
- Online Exhibits – You can also explore some exhibits from your computer or phone.
- Special Exhibits – The museum often has new and changing exhibits. These are called "Featured Exhibitions."
How the Museum Works
Who Owns It?
The museum is supported by the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians. They are the ones who created and run the museum.
Where to Find It
The museum is located at 140 North Indian Canyon Drive in downtown Palm Springs. It's between Andreas Road and Tahquitz Canyon Way. You can get there by public bus using SunLine Transit lines 111, 30, or 14. The museum also has offices and a library nearby.
Publications
The museum publishes a newsletter called The Spirit. It shares news and stories about the museum and Cahuilla culture.
Museum Friends
The Agua Caliente Cultural Museum is the first Native American museum to join the Smithsonian Institution Affiliations Program. This means it works closely with the famous Smithsonian museums.
Awards and Activities
The museum is part of the American Alliance of Museums (AAM). This group helps museums be their best. In 2010, the museum won a first-place award from the AAM. This was for its great brochure and program cards. The museum also works with the UCLA/Getty's Masters Program.
Future Plans
The museum is planning to get much bigger! They are raising money to build a new, larger building. It will be about 100,000 square feet.
