American Truck Historical Society Annual Truck Show
Not too long ago, horses were replaced by “speed wagons”, motorized vehicles. Fort Walla Walla Museum is excited to recognize that history with the American Truck Historical Society, which will host its annual truck show.
Come out for the day and see locally owned, vintage trucks, pickup trucks, vintage cars, and “old iron” on display. Meet the owners and enjoy stories about their vehicles and equipment. The Annual Truck Show includes the Blue Mountain Chapter members’ vehicles and equipment, which reflects the road transportation history, and the connection with the region.
The Blue Mountain Chapter of the ATHS organizes and runs the truck show. Forty to fifty vehicles, including farm trucks, pickups, and semis, are expected to be on display, along with small engines, tractors, and other transportation items.
Incorporated in 1971, the American Truck Historical Society preserves the history of trucks, the trucking industry, and its pioneers. An annual convention has been held each year since 1972, with a public antique truck show added in 1980. If you are interested, have stories to share, or enjoy seeing and “feeling” old trucks and cars, we look forward to meeting you!
This is the perfect event for families. There will be live music, food, fun, and all manner of fine vehicles.
Heritage Woodworking
Participants will use old tools and make a clock by laminating wood. The clock face and mechanism will be provided and will fit into the wooden structure.
Each participant will come away from the class with a clock like the one pictured that they built themselves.
This class will take place four Sundays in a row, from September 20th through October 11th, from 1 p.m.–3 p.m. all days.
Participants must be 18 years or older; hazardous and sharp tools!
This class requires caution and appropriate clothing, safety glasses will be provided.
The Look of Locomotives
Do you know what a train looks like? Do you know what a train has always looked like? If you’re like most people your mental picture of an ‘old-fashioned train’ of any era is a hulking, all-black locomotive with all the polish of a rolling cinder. But was it always like that?
Explore the arc of aesthetics and technology that shaped, warped, and fine-tuned our image of a model train. We’ll also speculate on what our own dear #4 Blue Mountain Locomotive would have looked like in the early years of its career.
Presented by James Temple.
Regenerative Agriculture: What is it & Why is it a Topic of Interest
What’s old is new again—regenerative agriculture combines modern science with many time-tested techniques to restore and strengthen soil. It is a holistic farming system that takes more effort, but aims to be healthier for the environment, livestock, and ultimately the people eating the food.
Participants will learn the ins and outs of this traditional farming technique and follow a guided tour of the Williams Brothers’ farm, where the practices of regenerative farming are still in use today.
This class will take place Saturday, September 26th from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m..
Richard Bogle, Jamaican immigrant, barber and businessman: Living History Presentation
Richard Bogle was born in Jamaica in 1835 where his parents were slaves. When he was 12 years old, he stowed away on a ship to New York during an anti-slavery campaign, and traveled to Oregon with a wagon train at age 16. When he was 22, he opened a restaurant and barbershop in Deadwood, California, where he also did some gold mining. On January 1, 1863, the day the Emancipation Proclamation was signed by President Lincoln, Bogle married America Waldo. The couple moved to Walla Walla, where he started a barbershop on Main Street, making him the first black businessman in Walla Walla on “proprietor of the tonsorial parlors at No.3 Second Street.” They had eight children and owned a 200-acre farm near Dixie.
Walla Walla was a segregated city when the Bogles arrived. African Americans could not get rooms at a hotel or eat in public dining rooms. Mr. Bogle often allowed African Americans who were temporarily in town to live in the rear of his shop, where they could keep warm and cook an occasional meal. Mrs. Bogle was said to be “a lady of estimable character, noted for her deeds of charity to the poor and suffering.”
He was a co-founder of the Walla Walla Savings and Loan Association.
Richard Bogle is portrayed by Earl Gooding Jr.
Herbert Nicholls, the youngest WSP inmate: Living History Presentation
Herbert Niccolls, Jr. was the youngest inmate ever incarcerated at the Washington State Penitentiary. He was born into a troubled family, witnessed his father kill a neighbor lady, caused problems in foster homes, and was sentenced to the Idaho State Industrial School. When his grandmother gained custody, she often beat him and deprived him of food "because of his sins.”
At age 12, the boy ran away from her home wearing ragged overalls and a stolen gun. Cold and hungry that night, he broke into a local store to steal cigarettes, gum, and cash. When the local sheriff discovered his hiding place behind a cabinet and called him out, his blindly-aimed shot killed the beloved lawman almost instantly.
What followed was a drama that would gain national attention, including a campaign supported by Father Flanagan of Boys Town, who declared, “There’s no such thing as a bad boy.” His story included years in the penitentiary, a diploma from Walla Walla High School, and an eventual career as an accounting executive for Twentieth Century Fox.
The aging Mr. Niccolls will be portrayed by Chuck Hindman.
Mary Shipman Penrose, philanthropist: Living History Presentation
Diana May will portray Mary Penrose.
Kids Watercoloring Class
Participants will create a picture of Clark Cabin that sits in the Museum’s Pioneer Village. Plus, kids will get to go into the cabin with a docent/Living History person.
Best for elementary-aged children.
This class will take place Saturday, October 17 from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Students are encouraged to bring their own lunch.
Digitization & Geneology Research
This course will cover how to scan photos, negatives, & slides. Handouts will be provided on various film types to help you date your family photos. We will discuss options for naming image files & how to add metadata, making it easier to find images. We will also talk about options for having old home movies digitized.
Each student will have a chance to digitize 3 or 4 of their own photos on Epson scanners.
This course will be offered twice, once in October and once in November. The class will run for 2 hours, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. for both sessions.
Fire Station Doors: A Leather Glove Restoration
We have all seen documentaries of museum curators wearing white cotton gloves and performing a delicate restoration on some precious artifact. But what if the artifacts weigh 800 pounds and are a working part of our museum infrastructure? Our 1900 Fire Station #1 doors are a valued artifact of Walla Walla history and are literally the opening to our steam pumper fire engine exhibit. So when they start to show their age a bit, it is time for a restoration… a leather glove restoration.
Join us for a presentation on the questions, techniques, mysteries, and materials in bringing these large artifacts back to a working life while honoring their historic components. Participants will preview the coming freshening of the overall fire station exhibit and maybe even do a bit of restoration work.
This class will take place on Saturday, October 24, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
William Tye, assistant railroad conductor: Living History Presentation
William Tye is an assistant conductor working for Dorsey Baker's Walla Walla & Columbia River Railroad. Tye will be discussing his job working on the locomotives, including how these narrow-gauge steam engines operated and how they were configured (have you ever heard of a platform of dogs being used in place of a cowcatcher?). He will also give some history on the local railroad, how it was brilliantly financed by Dr. Baker, and what it took to bring the railroad to Walla Walla. He'll also describe how the track itself was constructed and explain exactly what "Rawhide Railroad" refers to, clearing up some myths and legends surrounding Dr. Baker's famous enterprise.
During their visit, guests can see one of the locomotives William Tye would have operated. The Blue Mountain is the last existing narrow-gauge engine from Dorsey Baker's WW&CRR. If the weather permits, William Tye will show visitors the train's components and describe the missing pieces that would have allowed the train to operate.
The marvelous Gary Lentz will be portraying William Tye.
Introduction to Contra Dancing
Contra dancing is a wonderfully vigorous, community-building activity. This class will accustom people to the fundamentals of hearing and stepping to the beat of the music and the musical phrase, as well as the basic moves of contra dancing.
There is nothing so necessary to human beings as the dance…without the dance, a man would not be able to do anything….All the misfortunes of man, all the baleful reverses with which histories are filled, the blunders of politicians and the failures of great leaders, all of this is the result of not knowing how to dance.
—The Dancing Master in Moliere’s Le Bourgeois Gentilhomme (1670)
This class will take place on Saturday, November 15, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.
In 1992, in order to bring the contra dancing experience to more people, Instructors Barbara and Dan Clark offered a beginning contra dance class at Walla Walla Community College, followed by a second advanced segment. Since then, they have presented successful contra dance classes in a variety of settings.
They hope this lively tradition will continue for many more!
Digitization & Geneology Research
This course will cover how to scan photos, negatives, & slides. Handouts will be provided on various film types to help you date your family photos. We will discuss options for naming image files & how to add metadata, making it easier to find images. We will also talk about options for having old home movies digitized.
Each student will have a chance to digitize 3 or 4 of their own photos on Epson scanners.
This course will be offered twice, once in October and once in November. The class will run for 2 hours, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. for both sessions.
Merry Christmas!
Fort Walla Walla Museum is closed Thursday, December 25th. We will reopen on December 26th.
Have a joyous holiday season!
Walter H. Brattain, physicist and Nobel Prize winner: Living History Presentation
Fort Walla Walla Museum's Living Historians bring history to life, portraying real people from Walla Walla's past.
Brattain will speak of his work—for which he won a Nobel Prize—and reminisce on his time as a student and later a professor at Whitman College.
Walter H. Brattain is portrayed by John Jamison.
Introduction to Basic Blacksmithing
Learn the basic skills of tapering, bending, scrolling, and twisting metal. Work will be performed on a traditional coal forge using the same tools used over 150 years ago. This is a great opportunity to try your hand at an historical craft and possible future hobby. Make a small project to take home with you.
This class will take place Saturday, September 12 from 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
Participants must be 18 years or older; open fire, hot coals, and sharp tools!
This class requires caution and appropriate clothing, safety glasses will be provided.
Capt. O.H.P. Taylor, dragoon at Steptoe’s Battle: Living History Presentation
A West Point graduate from the East Coast, Captain Taylor become versed in the ways of the West after fighting Indian tribes for whom it turns out he had sympathy. He eventually was stationed at Fort Walla Walla with his young family. He was one of the unfortunate soldiers tapped to go with Lt. Col. Edward J. Steptoe north of the Snake River to negotiate with the tribes who had stated they did not want a treaty. Come hear the tale of bravery in a harrowing time.
Living History presents Capt. Oliver Hazard Perry Taylor portrayed by David Bryant.
Henry Villard, president of the Northern Pacific Railway: Living History Presentation
Come with us on a steam-powered living history performance at our museum. The reenactment embodies the legendary Henri Villard “The Comet,” a pioneering railroad financier. Prepare to be mesmerized as Villard brings to life the incredible tale of immense accomplishment - the building of investments required for the construction of the Northwest, known as The Oregon Railroad and Navigation Company. Listen in when Villard recounts the moment when his dream became a reality, linking East to West with steel tracks and steamboats. Don't miss the chance to experience the thrill of Henri Villard's vision and immerse yourself in the captivating railroad history that shaped the Northwest.
After the performance, visitors can explore our museum's historic locomotive exhibit about The Blue Mountain, locomotive #4. This exhibit will leave you in awe as you bear witness to the magnificence of historic locomotives that powered the growth of our nation, transporting goods and people across vast distances.
Villard is portrayed by retired Whitman College faculty member Clark Colahan.
Not Vexing Anymore: Understanding 250 Years of the US Flag
Our flag has changed many times over the course of our 250 years as a country. For each new state, we've welcomed a new star, and each new star has required a new design.
But there's more to the story. Presented by local vexillologist Gary Lentz, learn about flag styles, signals, and etiquette.
Museum After Hours is a free monthly presentation series held on the last Thursday of every month. These presentations are great for learning more about this area and community, whether you have been here forever or just arrived.
Josephine Wolfe, Pioneer Madam: Living History Presentation
Fort Walla Walla Museum brings back a favorite Living History character, turn-of-the-century madam Josephine Wolfe, the famed Walla Walla brothel owner and philanthropist.
In 1859, Wolfe, a 23-year-old German woman established one of Walla Walla’s first and longest-running brothels at 11 W. Alder Ave. With miners and speculators pouring through town, there was no shortage of clientele.
“Dutch Jo” lived in her business parlor, where she remained until her death in 1909. Described as charming and capable, she also had a reputation as a ruthless businesswoman.
She insisted that her women sex workers have proper health care. The women kept half their earnings, and the other half went to the house. Wolfe contributed generously to local charitable causes, and she provided a place for sick and injured firefighters to recuperate. She was known to have purchased cemetery plots at Mountain View Cemetery in Walla Walla for both firefighters and prostitutes, that they might have decent burials when they died.
Her business did well. City records show she paid county taxes in 1908 of $11,464. There are no photographs or portraits of Wolfe available, for her will stipulated destruction of all such images.
Early Scientists & Explorers in the Walla Walla Valley
Meet five famous people from 19th-century Pacific Northwest American history. They are Meriwether Lewis (1774-1809), David Douglas (1799-1834), Thomas Nuttall (1786-1859), Charles Emile Bindire (1836-1897), and William Lee Dice (1882-1919). This course will cover how these men have tied our history here to the natural world.
This subject is an important part of not only Walla Walla history, but northwest history.
This class will take place Sunday, August 23, from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Museum grounds with a brief walking tour through Fort Walla Walla Park.
Authentic Hand-Dipped Candles for Practical Home Lighting
Throughout most of the Nineteenth Century, candles were an important fact of life for providing light, safety, and comfort. Candle makers had to make prodigious quantities to keep customers supplied. At Bruce Mansion in Waitsburg, Gary Lentz of Waxing Gibbous Candles has made nearly 200 candles in one day using a large wax-filled kettle, a wood fire, string, and paraffin or beeswax for over 30 years. Now you can learn to do it, too.
This 6-hour class starts with melted paraffin, strings, and sticks. 30-40 cycles of cooling, dipping, cooling, dipping and heating wax are necessary. You will be able to leave with some candles you made yourself.
This class will take place Saturday, August 22 from 10 a.m.–2 p.m.
E.B. Whitman, Walla Walla's First Mayor: Living History Presentation
Dan Clark, one of the originators of the Living History’s successful presentations, breathes life into Walla Walla’s first Mayor, E.B. Whitman. He’s played this favorite character for many a season. You won’t want to miss his polished delivery to get a sense of Walla Walla’s interesting history as the oldest city in Washington state.
Matilda Sager Delaney, Whitman Mission Survivor: Living History Presentation
Matilda Sager Delaney, born in 1839, was but an orphaned child when the Whitman Mission at Waiilatput was taken over on November 29, 1846, by Cayuse Indian warriors, furious at a measles epidemic brought upon their vulnerable tribe by settlers.
Many died in the attack, including Matilda’s brother Frank. Matilda was a witness to that bloody day and was taken as a hostage among 50 until ransomed by the Hudson’s Bay Company.
But her life of hardship had just begun. She returned after three marriages to the Whitman site to honor the 50th observance of the bloodshed at Wailatpu in 1897.
Susan Matley portrays her for Living History.
Lewis & Clark: Living History Weekend
Step back in time and immerse yourself in the fascinating world of Lewis and Clark at Fort Walla Walla Museum. Join us for an unforgettable, two-day experience as historical re-enactors bring the iconic expedition to life, dressed in clothing of the style and materials worn by the members of the Corps of Discovery.
With interactive activities, visitors can engage with knowledgeable interpreters and learn more about the exploration of the West. Watch in awe as skilled interpreters demonstrate the precise use of navigational instruments such as maps and compasses which enabled Lewis and Clark to navigate through uncharted territory. Learn firsthand about the crucial tools and skills employed during the expedition, such as fire-starting techniques, blacksmithing, sewing, and medicine-making, all of which were vital for survival in the rigorous wilderness.
Visitors will also learn the history and stories of the Lewis and Clark expedition: the native people that they met, the unfamiliar territory they traveled and mapped, and the strange new animals and plants they discovered. Mark your calendars, pack your curiosity, and join us for an enchanting journey into history at the Lewis & Clark Living History Weekend.
The Pacific Northwest Living Historians are a group of people passionate about connecting the past and present, keeping these skills and tools alive, and inspiring future generations to appreciate the resilience and wisdom of those who came before us.
The program will take place from 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.
Father J.B.A. Brouillet, Catholic Missionary: Living History Presentation
French-Canadian priest John Baptiste Abraham Brouillet, a Québécois, came to the Walla Walla Valley in September 1847, just a few weeks before the incident at Whitman Mission. He established his own mission about 25 miles south of the Whitmans shortly after he arrived. Although Father Brouillet and Marcus Whitman had some disagreements when Catholic priests first came to the valley, they nevertheless developed a friendship.
Brouillet was on his way to Whitman Mission to verify a rumor of a terrible occurrence and found the Whitmans’ bodies, along with eleven others, killed on the scene. A handful of Indian warriors responsible for the slayings were still present. When he arrived, Joseph Stanfield, a Métis, was preparing the bodies for burial, and Brouillet helped inter them. Brouillet also helped arrange the release of 60 captives taken at the Mission.
Father Brouillet went on to become a pioneer figure in Walla Walla’s Catholic institutions, purchasing the land for St. Vincent’s Academy in 1863 and founding Saint Patrick’s School for boys in 1865. He also founded Des La Salles school for boys, which later became Desales High School.
Father Brouillet is portrayed by ski instructor, woodworker, and retired teacher, Jeannot Poirot.
Walla Walla Water 2050: Water Management Plan
Have you been wondering how Walla Walla River Basin will meet our water needs without a decent snowpack, with negligible rainfall this summer, and soaring temperatures? Even in a good year, our water supply is over appropriated.
Come learn about the Walla Walla Watershed Strategy, a collaborative effort to meet the Basin’s growing water needs and improve overall watershed health for our rivers, fish, farms and people.
Judith Johnson, a member of the Basin Advisory Council will provide background information, explain the WW Water 2050 Plan and its strategies for the equitable sharing of water, and inform you on ways you can make a difference.
Judith has been involved in water issues for 25 years, and co-founded Kooskooskie Commons, a non-profit which works on stream restoration and water quality monitoring, in addition to promoting better understanding and appreciation of natural resources within the Basin.
Cushing Eells, Protestant Missionary: Living History Presentation
Pioneer missionaries Cushing and Myra Eells arrived in the Valley in 1838. They settled among the Spokane Indians until the tragedy at the Whitman's mission in 1847, when they moved to the Willamette Valley.
They returned to the Walla Walla Valley at the close of the Indian wars in 1859 to reclaim the mission grounds at Waiilatpu, the Whitman Mission site. There, Cushing decided to found an educational institution, the Whitman Seminary. In 1883, the institution became Whitman College as a result of the Eells' efforts, which continued throughout their lives.
Reverend Eells is portrayed by Whitman College professor Rogers Miles.
"Canning & Preserving: Now & Then" Heritage Skills Class
In this class, you will explore time-honored preservation techniques like canning, fermentation, and drying. Learn good safety practices for home preservation. You will be able to take home a jar of soon-to-be homemade sauerkraut.
This class will take place over two Sundays in a row, Sunday, July 26 & August 2, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. both days.
In this class, you will explore time-honored preservation techniques like canning, fermentation, and drying. Learn good safety practices for home preservation. You will be able to take home a jar of soon-to-be homemade sauerkraut.
This class will take place over two Sundays in a row, Sunday, July 26 & August 2, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. both days.
Instructor Kristin Fry is a teacher and office manager with a lifelong interest in heritage skills and Northwest history. She learned to can and preserve from her mom and grandma, without whom this class would probably not be happening!
Instructor Kristin Fry is a teacher and office manager with a lifelong interest in heritage skills and Northwest history. She learned to can and preserve from her mom and grandma, without whom this class would probably not be happening!
Edward Ball, dragoon sergeant: Living History Presentation
Living History performances take place in the Museum’s pioneer village on Myra Road, weather permitting, otherwise in the Grand Hall. Visitors are encouraged to question re-enactors about their experiences and views, and visit the Museum’s many displays and historic buildings.
Free Extended Hours with Heritage Skills Showcase!
Fort Walla Walla Museum will be open late Saturday, July 18th in partnership with the Walla Walla Summer Theater. Starting at 5 pm, the Museum will offer free admission until close, which will happen at 8 pm.
Learn more about the Museum’s upcoming Heritage Skills series, with live demonstrations of various handicrafts. From candle-making to contra dancing, there’s something for everyone. Class sizes are limited, so if you’re interested in learning a new skill, make sure to sign up! Other demonstrations will include:
Blacksmithing
Woodworking
Early Naturalist Explorers
Regenerative Agriculture
Family History Preservation
And more!
Additionally, evening guests will enjoy Ada’s Food Truck. Grab something to eat before heading to Disney’s Newsies at the Fort Walla Walla Amphitheater.
Try out a new historic skill and enjoy Fort Walla Walla Museum, dinner, and a show!
Heritage Skills Interest Form
Lettice Millican Clark Reynolds, pioneer and leader: Living History Presentation
Lettice Millican was born in 1830, the oldest of 12 children. In 1843 her family headed west with a wagon train carrying 1,000 settlers. After her family settled in the Willamette Valley, she married Ransom Clark, who in 1855 obtained a 640-acre donation claim along Yellowhawk Creek.
Lettice and her husband came to Walla Walla to prove up their claim in 1855 but were driven out by the Indian War of that year. Ransom Clark died in Portland in 1859, and Lettice returned to Walla Walla the same year to complete their cabin, which is now located in the Museum’s Pioneer Village. She was the first white woman to reside in the Walla Walla Valley after the Whitman tragedy, later marrying mill owner Almos Reynolds and becoming a public benefactor who made substantial gifts to Whitman College.
Lettice Millican Clark Reynolds is portrayed by Pam Myers.
Maria Whitman, wife of first mayor: Living History Presentation
In 1862 Mrs. Whitman came to Walla Walla to join her husband E.B. Whitman, who had been recently elected as the city’s first mayor. She was born in Portland, Maine, in 1828, the daughter of a lawyer, and was educated in the Boston area where she met her future husband. The couple married and had two sons.
In 1850 Mr. Whitman traveled west to seek his fortune in the California gold fields. Mrs. Whitman remained in Boston to raise her children until E. B. had chosen a new location for the family. After 12 years, the couple reunited in Walla Walla where they were active in civic affairs and resided for the rest of their lives. Mrs. Whitman will share music of her time with Museum visitors.
Maria Greenwood Whitman is portrayed by Barbara Clark.
Joseph Meek, trapper, lawman and politician: Living History Presentation
Mountain man Joe Meek first entered the Oregon Country in 1829 and he settled in the Willamette Valley. After the Whitman massacre of 1847 Meek made his famous winter ride to Washington, D.C., to plead for U.S. troops and a government presence in Oregon. As a result, he was appointed U.S. Marshal for the new Oregon Territory.
The World Wars: Living History Weekend
Attention, history enthusiasts and adventure seekers!
Journey into the era of World War I and II, as over a dozen passionate and talented reenactors descend upon Fort Walla Walla Museum.
This thrilling event presents a golden opportunity for families to engage with history like never before. Picture yourself walking amidst the atmosphere of the 1940s as you interact with passionate reenactors who embody the spirit of the era. As soldiers, their dedication and attention to detail will transport you back in time.
Engage in conversation, ask questions, and learn about the sacrifices made during this period. Don't miss this unforgettable experience, where entertainment and education merge, fostering a love for history and connecting generations.
We invite you to join us at Fort Walla Walla Museum, where history comes alive!
In Order to do Good: The Early History of St. Mary’s
How in 1856 did a few Sisters of Providence from Montreal manage to become the founders of St. Mary’s Hospital here in Walla Walla?
Author Linda Andrews will lead us through their trials and triumphs as they followed their “call to service” into the wilds of unsettled Washington Territory. Starting with a harrowing sea voyage, they made their way to the Walla Walla Valley to educate children and tend to the sick and poor. Theirs is a story worth hearing.
Presented by Linda Andrews, author of In Order to do Good: The History of Providence St. Mary Medical Center.
Sam Black, Hudson’s Bay Company Clerk: Living History Presentation
Sam Black was the master of Fort Nez Perce at the mouth of the Walla Walla River from 1825 to 1830. He was 46 years old when he assumed charge of the Walla Walla post. He first came to North America from Scotland around 1810 and eventually joined the North West Company.
When the Hudson’s Bay and North West Companies merged in 1821, changing the post’s name to Fort Walla Walla, Black was not immediately rehired. He was eventually reinstated as a clerk. Because of him, we have a “vocabulary” of the Cayuse language that was the beginning of all later efforts to revive an extinct language; historians and anthropologists also gleaned other cultural and ethnographic information about regional Indian people from Black’s writings.
Sam Black is portrayed by Tom Williams.
Fred Stine, Blacksmith & Builder: Living History Presentation
Fred Stine represents one of Walla Walla's best “rags to riches” stories, he built the largest brick hotel in the Washington Territory and set up a lucrative blacksmith shop serving the needs of gold miners, Oregon Trail pioneers, and the military at Fort Walla Walla.
The Oregon Trail Game & Ice Cream Social
Are you ready to travel the Oregon Trail to Fort Walla Walla? 🐂🧺🌾
It's Fort Walla Walla Museum's annual Ice Cream Social and Oregon Trail Game. Pack your wagons and get ready to travel the Oregon Trail!
In this live-action version of the beloved 1985 computer game, you will begin at the museum’s General Store, packing your chosen supplies to help you overcome the variety of calamities you will face along the Oregon Trail. It will take a combination of pioneer skills, creativity, and pure luck to reach your destination. If you make it to Fort Walla Walla, you will be rewarded with your own 320 acres of land!
Don’t forget that members get in free.
Thank you to Columbia REA, Baskin-Robbins, and Yancey P. Winans Testamentary Trust for their sponsorship of this event.
F. P. Allen, early architect: Living History Presentation
Come meet one of Walla Walla's early architects, FP Allen. Listen to him tell of the challenges of building with a vision, of making a city out of a settlement, and the importance of a community commitment. This allowed him to build a proper fire house, a prestigious manor home (Kirkman House), and a combination livery stable and opera house. He will also talk about the tragedy associated with that opera house and the controversy surrounding it. This self proclaimed great-grandson of a true American patriot will talk of the transitioning of Walla Walla from a settlement that supported an Army fort to a thriving city that was meant to be a capitol.
Ed Burlingame, ditch digger and developer: Living History Presentation
In 1893, Burlingame arrived in Walla Walla to inspect the plans for an ambitious irrigation project and stayed to dig the ditch that bears his name today. The Burlingame Ditch turned more than 5,000 acres of sagebrush into productive farmland. More than one hundred years after its completion, the Burlingame Ditch still conveys water by gravity within its earthen banks.
Ed Burlingame is portrayed by Tom Williams.
From Prairie Gopher to Embassy Diplomat
Larry Panasuk spent his career as a Foreign Service Officer with the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Foreign Agricultural Service in the Soviet Union and Romania under communism.
He has many stories of the people, customs, and tensions that surrounded his life and work, which he will share.
Presented by Larry Panasuk.
David Douglas, naturalist: Living History Presentation
Join David Douglas on a nature walk as he guides you through the flora and fauna of the Northwest.
David Douglas was a Scottish-British botanist who traveled through North America, collecting and documenting the botanical life of the Oregon Territory. Oregon's state tree, the Douglas Fir, is named after him.
Douglas came to the U.S. as a botanical collector for the Royal Horticultural Society, making his trip in 1823; he later made several other scientific journeys, returning to the North American Far West frequently. He introduced roughly 50 new trees and shrubs and about 100 herbaceous plants into England during his career.