Building Collections for the Future

The day Judy and Don Bogart got married, they left their family behind in Pennsylvania for Don’s new engineering job in the Southern California aerospace industry. But they soon found a new home at The Huntington, as a visit to the Rose Garden Tea Room blossomed into a deeper connection for the couple. 

What started as weekend visits soon became more involved. The Bogarts began bringing family and friends to the gardens and attending lectures and programs. They joined the Society of Fellows, then the Library Collectors’ Council (LCC), and, most recently, the Art Collectors’ Council (ACC).

Supporting the Collections

Since its founding in 1994, the ACC has helped The Huntington acquire more than 100 major works of art—from paintings and sculptures to decorative arts. Each spring, ACC members gather for a lively gala, where curators present potential acquisitions and members vote on which ones will join the permanent collection. 

Similarly, the LCC—established in 1998—has raised more than $7 million to acquire rare books, manuscripts, photographs, and other significant literary materials. Members help expand the Library’s holdings across a wide range of subjects, time periods, and geographies. 

For the Bogarts, participating in the acquisition process is especially meaningful. “It’s wonderful that we can play a part in securing these works for posterity,” said Judy, a retired teacher and principal.

A Passion for Learning and Legacy

Judy’s long-term interest in Impressionist art deepened through her experience on the ACC, which introduced her to new genres and artists. “It’s opened up so much in our world,” she said. 

For Don, the LCC resonates on a personal level. “Many of the documents are significant pieces of American history,” he said, recalling the emotional impact of reading Civil War soldiers’ letters and a book of hymns written by a formerly enslaved man. “It makes us feel that we’re doing something worthwhile.”