KHM Mission Statement
The Kirkman House Museum--celebrating over 150 years of Walla Walla history and the Kirkman family saga-- through preservation, education, events and exhibits.
As the mission statement indicates the job of the museum is to tell the story of early Walla Walla using the Kirkman family as a focal point. Our trips have been designed to give context to both William and Isabella Kirkman’s early life which leads to their ultimate immigration to the United States. Hardships endured by themselves and their families motivated them to look for a better life in a new country. There saga has many twists and turns but ultimately ended here in Walla Walla with great success. During the trip to Great Britain you will learn all about the country’s history and culture from its beginnings to current times. On our special day to visit Williams home town of Ramsbottom you will travel in his footsteps and gain a greater understanding of the times and place in which he lived. The experience will then provide a greater appreciation of is life journey which ultimately lead him to be one of the areas most wealthy and influential men.
Most of the town we will see is not the one William grew up in but the one he visited shortly before his death in 1892. The old town was dominated by textile mills and the bare minimum of structures to support them. Between the time William left in 1853 and when he returned in 1892 the old town had all but disappeared to be replaced with much of what we see today. Many of the old foundations still exist along the river and weather permitting we will walk where he and his family did and see what we believe are the steps to his front door. We will also have a short talk by members of the Heritage Society and visit Helmshore Mills Museum to further put his life in perspective. Helmshore Mills Museum is fitted with equipment dating back to 1925 that will be demonstrated and explained. The tour guide will describe what life was like for factory and mill workers during the industrial revolution in England. It's no wonder William wanted to leave as soon as he could! Because of our drivers work hour restrictions we will only have about 4 hours here.