IVDM Lowlanders: Blair Valley
Saturday, November 1, 2025- 8:00AM
Embark on a journey through time and culture. Hike to the abandoned Marshall South homestead, see ancient morteros once used for grinding, and admire the enduring Indigenous art etched into desert stone. Please note: this hike requires high-clearance vehicles only, no dogs are allowed, and carpooling is highly encouraged. Leaves from IVDM parking lot at 8:00 AM (1hr drive from the museum)
Jacumba Hikers: Bow Willow to Rock House
Saturday, November 1, 2025 at 8:00AM
This approximate 9-mile hike is strenuous and challenging because of the long distance, some boulder climbing, steep/rocky trails, and sandy washes. Leaves from IVDM parking lot at 8:00 AM. NOTE: CA State Park Day Pass OR $10 parking fee per vehicle required (cash/exact change only).
IVDM Rocky Readers: November Book Club
Thursday, November 6, 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!
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!
Free Community Art Class: Clay Workshop
Saturday, November 8, 2025 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. No pre-registration is required, just stop by and get creative!
SDAC Grand Reopening
We’re excited to celebrate with our friends at the San Diego Archaeological Center!
Join them on Saturday, November 15, 2025, from 10 AM to 2 PM for their Museum Reopening, marking the completion of their new roof. Enjoy a free open house with hands-on activities, a lecture, and light refreshments.
November Volunteer Day
Sunday, November 16, 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. 📚
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