Summer Events 2022

UP NEXT: SAM PAMBRUN

JUNE 18 at 10 am

Reading Between the Ruts: Historic Trails of the Walla Walla Valley.

Image: Telescope view of Oregon Trail ruts on the foothills. Photo credit Sam Pambrun.

Sometimes old maps don’t tell the truth, but the ruts never lie. Sam Pambrun knows–he’s walked them. 

Many of our modern roads follow existing Indigenous trails. Their pattern is still visible in Walla Walla’s main street, whose bend follows the historic Nez Perce trail. The Oregon Trail also left deep ruts on the topography of the Walla Walla valley. You can still see their shadows when the light is right.

Join us June 18 at the Frenchtown site at 10 am for this hands-on presentation. We’ll have pictures and historic maps to share, and Sam’s inexhaustible well of knowledge of local history and the land. Come learn about the Mullan Road, the Celilo road, the Koleki maps, and how Thomas and Ruckel pulled a fast one.


JULY 23, 10-12 am: Prince’s Cabin Open House

Have you ever peered through the windows of the Prince’s Cabin, wishing you could go inside? Now’s your chance! Frenchtown board members will be on hand to talk about the cabin restoration process and the history of trade and technology in the region.


August 20th, 10-12 am: Frenchtown Living History and Fur Trade Artifacts

William McBean was a French Canadian, Scots, métis fur trade man, and one of the earliest settlers at Frenchtown. In his 150th year of retirement, he’ll be dropping by with his collection of fur trade artifacts and ENTIRELY TRUTHFUL STORIES. This is a great opportunity to touch and manipulate items you might only ever see in a museum case.


The Flower Report

Despite cold and rain, we had flowers in bloom and a great turnout for Memorial Day. Frenchtown board members shared tips about the life cycles of native flowers and information about the history of the site. We saw some old friends and met some new members. Watch out for a seed gathering event in the fall!


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