WALLA WALLA, Wash. — School students have toured Fort Walla Walla Museum for years, traditionally with an admission fee of a dollar or two per child. While the price has always been reasonable, it can put a strain on tight school budgets.

When the Museum's 2006 season begins, schools and students will be aided by a $2,500 grant from the PacifiCorp Foundation for Learning, which is the charitable arm of Pacific Power. This partnership is the first time that the Museum has received help for its school tour program from this Foundation. Bill Clemens, regional community manager for Pacific Power, presented the check to James Payne, executive director.

“When community budgets become tighter, cultural and arts programs often suffer,” said Clemens, “We believe the arts are an important, integral part of a healthy community and a well-rounded education; so we think it’s a smart investment.”

The PacifCorp Foundation for Learning is an independent foundation advancing individual and community aspirations through learning. Part of Fort Walla Walla Museum's mission is to share the heritage of the Walla Walla Valley and the Museum greatly appreciates reaching students near and far.. It is important that students gain an understanding of the people of the area, because knowledge of history can contribute to an individual’s pride, sense of belonging, and self-worth. These kinds of contacts are important to the entire Walla Walla community.

The visits are important to the schools, too. “It’s great to let kids come and explore the Museum," said Dr. Rich Carter, Walla Walla School District Superintendent. "They get to experience first-hand a part of their curriculum that deals with State of Washington and local history.” Museum tours match several aspects of both Oregon and Washington school curriculum requirements, and the Museum provides educators with a Teacher's Guide to Fort Walla Walla Museum explaining curricular connections; offering fun, pre-visit worksheets for students; and providing a bibliography for additional reading. The Museum covers the period from the Lewis and Clark Expedition in 1805-1806 through the fur trade era, the coming of missionaries, the Oregon Trail and pioneer days, Indian Wars and treaties, the Territorial period, and agriculture through the period of horse-powered farming in the 1930s.

Bill Clemens (right) presents a check to James Payne, executive director of the Fort Walla Walla Museum.

Media inquiries:  newsdesk@pacificorp.com