The house was built in 1880 for William and Isabela Kirkman. Three generations of Kirkman's lived in the house, until 1919, when it was donated to Whitman College. It later became an apartment building before being purchased by a group of concerned Walla Walla citizens.
The Kirkman House has been on the National Historic Register since 1975. This Italianate Style mansion contains 12 large rooms and numerous smaller ones. It is open some weekdays or by appointment. Small admission fee is charged. The museum is also available for social events and business functions.
There are many Historic Houses preserved in all regions of Washington.