Driving Curiosity Forward

Unfortunately, the lack of bus funding is the primary barrier preventing schools from organizing visits. But thanks to generous donors to the Bus Transportation Fund, The Huntington now welcomes about 23,000 students each year. Among the fund’s most passionate champions are Portia and Porter Harris and Birch Carlson.

Commitment to Education and Access

Birch, a retired public school teacher who later built a successful career in educational publishing, has long recognized the power of experiential learning. “Working in schools and district offices all over the country, I saw the need to expand children’s access to this method of learning,” she said. “The Huntington is the perfect place for all children to learn about history, culture, and beauty. It’s a true jewel.” As a dedicated member of the Arabella and Henry Huntington Heritage Society, Birch helped advance the Bus Transportation Fund by establishing a challenge match through a year-end appeal.

The fund also strongly aligns with the Harrises’ values, compelling them to support it for the next decade through their Harris-Bacor Family Foundation. “We focus on youth and uplifting underserved and underrepresented communities,” said Porter, a global expert in energy storage and power processing. “That—together with our love of The Huntington—made the bus fund an ideal fit.”

Connecting with Nature

Portia, former associate director of the Caltech Center for Inclusion & Diversity, highlights another crucial benefit of field trips to The Huntington. “After the pandemic, we’ve seen rising mental health challenges and stress among young people,” she said. 

“Connecting with nature in a serene and inspiring setting like The Huntington helps students recalibrate.”

As members of The Huntington’s Society of Fellows, the Harrises often visit with their own children. “But not everyone has the means to do that,” Portia noted. “The Huntington fosters an expansive worldview, and that’s something truly special. We wanted to make that opportunity accessible to children who might not otherwise experience it.”