Twentynine Palms Historical Society
29 Palms, California

Welcome!

"What draws us into the desert is the search for something intimate in the remote." ~Edward Abbey

2020 Old Timer of the Year honoree
Jerri Hagman

The Twentynine Palms Historical Society is pleased to announce its 2020 Old Timer of the Year honoree, Jerri Hagman.

Jerri Hagman arrived with her younger twin sisters and parents Leslie and Corma Harness in 1959 from Oregon due to Leslie's health. Leslie found work with maintenance on the Base and Corma became the cook at Dean's Coffeehouse near Four Corners. During her teenage years Jerri worked for Charley and Helen Matherly at Dean's. Jerri was a loyal and hardworking young girl, with a contagious warmth and good nature. Charley and Helen were so fond of Jerri, they considered her family.

Jerri was graduated from Twentynine Palms High School in 1963. In 1965 she married Paul Hagman, a local Marine shortly before he was sent to Vietnam. Paul remained in the USMC and he and Jerri were stationed around the world with stints here in 29 Palms. Paul retired as an E-9 and they made their home in Apple Valley and 29 Palms.

Charley Matherly passed away in 1978 and left his homestead and business properties to Jerri. Many of those business properties were located in the Historic Plaza, including the Original 29 Palms Garage. She and Paul restored and expanded the Matherly homestead to become the Homestead Inn Bed and Breakfast. Jerri hired her older sister Judy Harness to be the manager and opened in1991. Their grand opening was a special Christmas Tour for the 29 Palms Historical Society. The Homestead Inn was host to numerous community and private dinners, celebrations and fundraising events. In 2005 Jerri converted it to an extended stay format that is still in operation. She has devoted decades to promoting the City of 29 Palms and tourism through many local and state associations.

Jerri was a primary force in creating the incredibly successful Sky's the Limit Observatory and Nature Center. She supported creating the City of 29 Palms Night Sky Ordinance. She served on the Sky's the Limit board for many years. She was an early member of the 29 Palms Historical Society and served on its board of directors. Jerri has been a Soroptimist and served on the board for Basin Wide Foundation. She was also a driving force in bringing the first Certified Farmers Market to 29 Palms.

Recently, Jerri donated a large Gilmore Oil Red Lion Gasoline tank to the Historical Society. The tank was used to provide fuel to the kiln at the block making plant in the Historic Plaza.

The "Old Timer of the Year" program was created to honor early or long-time residents who contributed significantly to the development or betterment of the Twentynine Palms' community. The program is intended to honor "everyday heroes" whose contributions and efforts over the years have largely gone unsung.

2020 Pioneer Days Grand Marshal
Frank Buckley

Congratulations to Frank Buckley the 2020 Twentynine Palms Pioneer Days Grand Marshal!

Watch Twentynine Palms Grand Marshal & Past Pioneer Days Parades video to learn more about Frank and see highlights of past Pioneer Days parades.

Also be sure to visit the City's Pioneer Days page to learn more about this year's activities.

The 2020 Twentynine Palms
SM
will be held on Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 7 & 8.
This years theme is "DESERT SKIES."

Weed Show Graphic
The show will be open for viewing on
Saturday (Nov. 7) Noon to 4:00 p.m. and
Sunday (Nov. 8) 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Click here for more about this event.

Click here for the 2020 categories and rules.

Our Gift Shop Is Now Open
Wednesday - Sunday 1:00-4:00 PM

The Museum Remains Closed

Exhibit Renovations In Progress

However, we are not idle. We're making major renovations to our exhibits.
The first step was to clear some space so we can work. That meant moving most of the things out and into the classroom.

Noble Richardson Display