A Publication of the Kirkman House Museum
Summer 2026 • Volume 20, Number 2
Welcome to the Summer 2026 issue of The Kirkman House Review. For many years, the Kirkman House Museum has shared its stories through a printed newsletter. This online edition continues that tradition while making each issue easier to read, share, and preserve for future generations. We hope you enjoy it.
On display at the museum now
Whitman Ties
Connections: The Kirkman Family and Whitman College returns to the Kirkman House Museum to greet students, their families, and alumni at the opening of Whitman College’s 2026-27 academic year.
First mounted in 2024, this exhibit examines the links between the Kirkman family and Whitman College—ties that culminated in Isabella's donation of the Kirkman mansion in 1919.
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Coming soon
Adam West Day
On Saturday, September 19, Kirkman House hosts the 9th anniversary celebration of the life of Adam West, both as a TV hero and the hometown boy Bill Anderson.
Journey with us as we learn the history and background of the man who would become Batman.
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Handiworks: A Legacy of Making
This season’s final exhibit serves as a timely reminder that the Kirkman House Museum has grown beyond its origins — it is not only a keeper of Kirkman family heirlooms, but a living archive of Victoriana entrusted to it by the people of Walla Walla.
From September 25 through October 18, Handiworks: A Legacy of Making will focus on quilts, coverlets, and examples of lace making donated to the museum.
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The Kirkman Yard Sale
Twice a year, we clean out the Carriage House and make its treasures available to our members and friends. Join us on Friday, October 2 at 9:00 am for your chance at the loot.
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Sheep to Shawl
Returning to Kirkman House on Saturday, October 3 at 10 am, this free event will delight the entire family.
Children will love seeing the sheep. Visitors will enjoy demonstrations of wool carding, dyeing, spinning, and weaving. Lace making and knitting on a vintage sock machine will also be demonstrated.
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A Wrap-up of Past Events
Inside the Mad Hatter Tea Party
For those curious about the Mad Hatter Tea Party: Wondering what you missed at the Kirkman House Museum on April 26? Here are answers to some frequently asked questions!
Was the Mad Hatter himself present?
We're not entirely sure, though we did notice a gentleman on the premises sporting a top hat with a card reading "10/6"tucked into the band.
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Kids’ First Summer Camp
Laughter, creativity, and discovery filled the Kirkman House Museum this summer as young explorers gathered for the 2026 Kids’ First Summer Camp. Throughout the week, campers experienced history in a way that only the Kirkman House can provide—through hands-on activities, teamwork, and plenty of imagination.
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America at 250
As the Kirkman House Museum joins the city and the country in celebrating the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, it is good to remember that the couple who built this house were here in Walla Walla to celebrate the 100th anniversary in 1876.
Born in England, William and Isabella Kirkman had spent the past twenty years sojourning abroad in Canada, Australia, and the United States. Now he had cast his lot with the United States to enjoy life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.
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Join, Donate and Volunteer
Kirkman House Museum offers a window into the past and celebrates the history of Walla Walla. We invite you to join us in ensuring the Kirkman House Museum remains a sustained part of our community by becoming a member, making a charitable donation, and volunteering.
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