Fort Walla Walla Museum's Living Historians bring history to life, portraying real people from Walla Walla's past.

In 1862, Mrs. Whitman came to Walla Walla to join her husband E.B. Whitman, who had been recently elected as the city’s first mayor. She was born in Portland, Maine, in 1828, the daughter of a lawyer, and was educated in the Boston area where she met her future husband. The couple married and had two sons.

In 1850, Mr. Whitman traveled west to seek his fortune in the California gold fields. Mrs. Whitman remained in Boston to raise her children until E. B. had chosen a new location for the family. After 12 years, the couple reunited in Walla Walla where they were active in civic affairs and resided for the rest of their lives.

Maria Greenwood Whitman is portrayed by Barbara Clark. Guests are encouraged to ask Mrs. Whitman questions about her life and times.