Docent-Guided Tours | The Huntington

Docent-Guided Tours | The Huntington

California State Standards for School Programs:

California Arts Standards for Visual Arts

VA:Pr6 Convey Meaning Through the Presentation of Artistic Work
Objects, artifacts, and artworks collected, preserved, or presented either by artists, museums, or other venues communicate meaning and a record of social, cultural, and political experiences resulting in the cultivating of appreciation and understanding.
VA:Re7.1 Perceive and Analyze Artistic Work
Individual aesthetic and empathetic awareness developed through engagement with art can lead to understanding and appreciation of self, others, the natural world, and constructed environments.
VA:Re8 Interpret Intent and Meaning in Artistic Work
People gain insights into meanings of artworks by engaging in the process of art criticism.
VA:Cn11 Relate Artistic Ideas and Works with Societal, Cultural, and Historical Context to Deepen Understanding
People develop ideas and understandings of society, culture, and history through their interactions with and analysis of art.

Common Core State Standards – English Language Arts

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.CCRA.SL.1
Prepare for and participate effectively in a range of conversations and collaborations with diverse partners, building on others’ ideas and expressing their own ideas clearly and persuasively.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.CCRA.SL.2
Integrate and evaluate information presented in diverse media and formats, including visually, quantitatively, and orally.

California English Language Development Standards

ELD.PI.K-12.1
Exchanging information and ideas with others through oral collaborative discussions on a range of social and academic topics.
ELD.PI.K-12.3
Offering and supporting opinions and negotiating with others in communicative exchanges.
ELD.PI.K-12.5
Listening actively to spoken English in a range of social and academic contexts.
ELD.PII.K-12.6
Connecting ideas.

College, Career & Civic Life (C3) Framework for Social Studies State Standards

D2.Civ.7.K-3 / 3-5 / 6-8 / 9-12
Apply civic virtues and democratic principles when participating in school/community settings/when working with others.

Docent-Guided Tours Resources

Before Your Visit

To help you prepare, please review the Docent-Guided Field Trip Guide in your confirmation email.

During Your Visit

Once your tour has concluded, you are welcome to continue exploring The Huntington at your own pace on a Self-Guided Visit. If you want to continue exploring, consider using the Meet California Native Plants activity to engage students in observing and learning about native plants.

After Your Visit

Looking to build on your visit? Explore our Digital Classroom Resources for classroom-ready lessons and activities.

Frequently Asked Questions

After registering for a program, what is the next step?

You will receive an automatic email confirming your reservation. You must read, sign, and return the waiver included in this email. Within 3-6 weeks of your visit, you will receive an email with pre-visit information and will be asked to confirm the information provided during registration.

Can my group bring lunch?

Yes. You are welcome to bring lunch and eat it in our public picnic area near the bus drop-off zone. Our staff will direct groups to the picnic area upon arrival. You must store lunches and backpacks in the bus or picnic area until the tour concludes (backpacks are not allowed in the galleries).

Please note that picnicking or bringing outside food or beverages (except water) onto the grounds is not permitted.

Can my group stay after the end of the tour?

Yes. You are free to explore The Huntington on your own after the tour. Please depart before 4:45 p.m.

Can self-guided visits accommodate multiple grade levels?

Yes. We can accommodate mixed-grade classrooms, such as 2nd and 3rd - grade students in one group, or a high school class composed of multiple grade levels.

Do School Programs take place rain or shine?

Yes. All School Programs take place rain or shine.

How are groups larger than 80 people accommodated?

If you want to register groups larger than 80 contact schoolprograms@huntington.org.

How do I register 1:1 student aides?

We welcome 1:1 student aides. When registering for your visit online, please register them as teachers/chaperones. However, we do not count 1:1 student aides toward the minimum chaperone count (ratio of 1:10 chaperones per student). This allows 1:1 student aides to focus their attention on the student in their care while another adult is present and responsible for the conduct of the rest of the group.

How does bus reimbursement work?

Bus reimbursement is available to all groups, regardless of visit type. You will receive a bus reimbursement form within two weeks of your visit if you indicated interest during registration. Reimbursement is available up to $600 per bus.

What is my role and the chaperones’ during the program?

You must be present and bring at least one adult chaperone for every 10 students attending the program. All chaperones are expected to follow the School Group Code of Conduct and are responsible for ensuring their student group remains safe and behaves in a respectful manner toward Huntington staff, volunteers and the collections. Please note that 1:1 student aides are not counted as chaperones. They are counted separately from the student to adult ratios.

What is The Huntington’s policy about wearing masks during visits?

Following the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health guidance, mask-wearing is optional for everyone, regardless of vaccination status.

When should my group arrive?

You must arrive at least 30 minutes before your scheduled time to allow time for parking, check-in, greetings, and instructions.

Still have questions? Email us at schoolprograms@huntington.org