September Volunteer Day
Sunday, September 21, 2025 from 11:00AM-2:00PM.
Join our Head Curator to assist with organizing our research library and sorting documents and photographs within our collections. 📚
Free Community Art Class: Clay Workshop
Saturday, September 27th 11:00AM-3:00PM
Join us for a hands-on clay workshop with ceramics instructor Amy Redfeather. Amy will guide participants through the process of creating their own clay masterpieces, perfect for beginners and creatives of all levels.
Museum Day at the Library (Holtville)
Wednesday, October 1, 2025 from 3:00PM-4:00PM
Dig into Imperial Valley history with hands-on crafts and activities, fun for all ages!
Jacumba Hikers: Sunset Trail/Big Laguna Loop
Saturday, October 4, 2025 at 8:00AM
The first hike of the season, to get us ready for more challenging future hikes, will be in the beautiful Laguna Mountains/Cleveland National Forest! Meet at 8:00 AM at the Meadows Information Station/Kiosk which is located 5.5 miles north of I-8 on Sunrise Hwy (S-1). NOTE: An Adventure Pass is required to be displayed in all parked vehicles.
IVDM Rocky Readers: October Book Club
Thursday, October 9, 2025 at 6:00PM @ Imperial Public Library
The IVDM Rocky Readers Book Club is back! Join us as we dive into The Autobiography of Delfina Cuero. Don’t miss this chance to read, reflect, and discuss together!
IVDM Lowlanders: Dolomite Mine
Saturday, October 25, 2025- 8:00AM
Explore the remnants of the historic Dolomite Mine, located in the Coyote Mountains of Anza-Borrego Desert State Park. No dogs! High clearance vehicles only, carpooling is encouraged! Leaves from IVDM parking lot at 8:00AM (35 min drive from museum)
Archaeology Day @Anza Borrego
Saturday, November 8, 2025 at from 9:00AM-4:00PM @ the Anza Borrego State Park Visitor Center
Join the Colorado Desert Archaeology Society's celebration of desert archaeology at Archaeology Day!
The Imperial Valley Desert Museum is a new facility in the heart of the Yuha Desert housing Indigenous and historic artifacts found within the Imperial Valley and surrounding region. Opening a new museum in the twenty-first century, we do not want to be seen as an exhibit within four walls, but to engage and interact outside of the limitations of the "box" – both metaphorically and physically.
OUR MISSION is to preserve, interpret, and celebrate the deserts of Southern California through outstanding collections, research, and educational programs.
OUR VISION is to be the foremost research and educational institution devoted to the preservation, interpretation, and celebration of the deserts of Southern California.
LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT We, the Imperial Valley Desert Museum, recognize our place on the traditional lands of the Kumeyaay who have been here, as they say, 'since the beginning', with a vibrant and rich history dating back over 10,000 years. The lands of Imperial and San Diego County include the traditional lands of many Indigenous groups composed of Quechan, Cahuilla, CoCoPah, Pai Pai, and Kumeyaay. Each of these groups are still present and active today.
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Ocotillo, CA 92259