WALLA WALLA-The Fort Walla Walla Museum will highlight the life of Washington florist, park-builder and poet Charles W. Phillips in a Living History presentation on Sun., April 7. The program begins at 2 p.m. in the museum's Pioneer Village, located at 755 Myra Road, Walla Walla.

Phillips came to Walla Walla in 1861, along with his family, at age 6. He will discuss his involvement with the conception of two major Walla Walla parks, The City and Dreamland parks (now Pioneer and Jefferson parks) which are still an integral part of the tapestry of the area.

Phillips will bring original document for visitors to examine, including a book of his publishes poems, "The Vale of Walla Walla." He will read two or three poems and explain their meanings during the performance.

Charles Phillips is portrayed by his grandson and Walla Walla native, Dick Phillips.

The museum will hold a free Open House on Sun., April 14 from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Visit the five exhibit halls and 17-structure pioneer settlement and learn about the territorial prison, horse-era agricultural practices, the history of the Forts Walla Walla and more.

Living History performances take place each Sunday at 2 p.m. from April through October and also on Saturdays from June through October.

Upcoming presentations include:

April 21 – E. B. Whitman, Walla Walla's first mayor

April 28 – Herbert Niccolls, Jr., youngest Washington State Prison Inmate (age 12)

May 5 – Mullan Road Presentation by Andrew Pambrun

May 12 - Matilda Sager Delaney, survivor of the Whitman Massacre at Waiilatpu Mission

May 19 - Isabella Kirkman, Irish immigrant and society maven

May 26 - Fred Stine, Blacksmith and builder

Visit the museum website to see June -Oct. presentations

Learn more at http://www.fwwm.org/living-history