About Us

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. 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.

We give thanks to Carmel Cares for maintaining the gardens at First Murphy House. The rebuilding of our Milk Shrine was generously completed by Monterey Bay Woodworkers Guild.

Pictured at top: First Murphy House exterior

At bottom: First Murphy House interior featuring the Francis Whitaker exhibit wall.

Murphy House Library

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. We have also received books from Barbara Bolgard, Buzz Schulte and Bill Strid.

Note: No material will be available for check out

Rent The First Murphy House

You can have your meeting or event in one of Carmel's premier historic homes. Rentals include the full use of the house and a moderately equipped kitchen. The facility will hold 30-40 people standing, with sitting for about 20.

RATES: $100 per hour/$50 for nonprofit organizations. Call (831) 624-4447 for more information.