The Welcome Center at the First Murphy House is a source of historical and cultural information. It is a place for residents and visitors to browse through a Carmel history book, enjoy a video about the colorful people who shaped the character of this unique village, or meet and reminisce with friends.

Enjoy a walking tour of downtown Carmel and visit the past. Many of the original buildings are still standing. Follow the map in the walking tour brochure - or ask about a guided tour.

The First Murphy House is surrounded by a delightful garden of native plants. The Carmel Heritage Society is proud to have been selected by the city of Carmel-by-the-Sea to be the custodian of the First Murphy House.

Carmel Heritage Society Board of Directors authorized the establishment of an Arts and Crafts Reference Library to provide information on the Arts and Crafts Movement for local designers, architects, contractors, planners and homeowners of our area.

A grant of $2000 from the McMahan Foundation, and a gift of 20 Arts and Crafts books and periodicals from Docent Kathy Henney provided the impetus for our library, which will be located in the small room off the living room. We have also received books from Barbara Bolgard, Buzz Schulte and Bill Strid. Some titles of books we have in our library are:

  • American Bungalow Style  
  • Arts and Crafts
  • Style and Spirit  
  • The Bungalow: America's Arts and Crafts Home

We want to give a special thank you to the generosity of the McMahan Foundation, we now have an additional $2000 for the purchase of a small desk, chair and lamp to make a comfortable spot in which to browse the library.

Note: No material will be available for check out.

The Carmel
Heritage Society
is protecting, preserving and promoting the cultural heritage of Carmel-by-the-Sea in a way that encourages public recognition and participation so
that people will
have a greater knowledge and appreciation of
the community
and its sphere
of influence.