If walls could talk...Susan and Steve had such a good time sharing two of their favorite historic houses at Museum After Hours in 2023, they felt an encore was in order. Join them as they delve into the history of the Ward and the Small-Elliot homes on Poplar. Intriguing stories will be told about these two historic houses: who built them, who has lived there, and their significance to the rich history of Walla Walla.

What these two houses have in common is that they have been significantly altered. Each of them was actually moved from their original site. Susan and Steve will show maps and exterior images over time which will peel back the layers and reveal what the houses originally looked like and how they were oriented. Fascinating past and present interior images will be shared.

Steve and Susan suspect these two houses were designed by the same architect. Come and view the evidence and judge for yourself.

After retiring, Steve Wilen moved to Walla Walla and served two terms on the Historic Preservation Committee. He is a board member and lead researcher for Walla Walla 2020's Historic Properties and Plaque Project. He is also a founding member and board member of the Walla Walla Historic Cemeteries Committee. Steve did the photographs the book Walla Walla: Past and Present.

Susan Monahan retired from the Kirkman House Museum board after serving for 9 years. She is currently a co-coordinator of Fort Walla Walla Museum's Living History program a well as performing with the organization. In 2021 Arcadia Publishing published her book of Walla Walla's historic buildings, Walla Walla: Past and Present.

Both Susan and Steve are frequent contributors of local history articles to the Union Bulletin.

Susan and Steve’s book will be available for purchase at the event.