Potomac resident Don Harrison was honored in May by the National Park Service as its national individual volunteer of the year. Harrison, president of Friends of the Historic Great Falls Tavern, led a fundraising drive to pay for the construction of the Charles F. Mercer, the new canal boat by Great Falls Tavern in C&O Canal National Historical Park.
What community are you a member of, what brought you to it and how long have you been here?
I live in Potomac with my wife and have lived here since 1978. We used to live in Bethesda but needed a bigger house with our children growing up so we looked in both Bethesda and Potomac. One reason for Potomac is that we go to St. Francis Episcopal Church and have since 1977. I grew up in Chevy Chase so I have lived all of my life in Montgomery County.
Family:
My wife, Liz, and I have been married for 44 years and have two grown children. Our son, Stephen, lives in Seattle with his wife, Joelle, and is a schoolteacher. Our daughter, Betsy, lives in Bethesda and works for Booz, Allen, Hamilton.
Where did you get your education and in what areas?
I graduated from Clark University in Worcester, Mass and received my BA with a major in geography. I also met Liz at Clark.
How would you describe yourself?
A person who likes to volunteer his time and help others. I give of my time to my church, the Friends of Historic Great Falls Tavern, and the C&O Canal Trust.
What was your first job?
Right out of college, I was drafted into the Army. When I got out of the Army, I worked for the Defense Intelligence Agency.
Current job?
I retired in 2002, but I am president of the Friends of Historic Great Falls Tavern and serve on the Board of Directors of the C&O Canal Trust, Inc.
What do you consider to be your biggest achievements?
Serving my church and being able to help the National Park Service in the C&O Canal National Historical Park. I would have to say getting the new canal boat, the Charles F. Mercer, for the NPS was a big achievement, but I had lots of help doing that, especially from Jo Reynolds and Elie and Ted Cain.
Activities/interests/hobbies?
Activities: Church, Friends of Historic Great Falls Tavern, the C&O Canal Trust.
Interests: Traveling, reading, sports — especially baseball.
Favorite local restaurant or place in the community?
Place in community – C&O Canal/Great Falls Tavern
Favorite local restaurant – Flaps
What would you change about your community if you could?
To make people more considerate of others.
Who is a historical figure you would like to meet?
George Washington
What community "hidden treasure" do you think more people should know about?
The Great Falls Tavern and the C&O Canal National Historical Park. I know a lot of people who live in this area know about the Tavern and park, but you would be surprised how many don’t. I have talked to many people about the park and the Tavern and they have no idea where it is or how to get there. It’s really not a "hidden treasure," but I’m just surprised when people tell me they don’t know about it. It’s a great place to walk, ride a bike, or take a ride on a canal boat pulled by a pair of mules.
When you were younger, what did you want to be when you "grew up?"
I grew up playing baseball. I loved playing baseball, so I guess I wanted to be a baseball player. Unfortunately, I was "good field, no hit." Good fielders are a dime a dozen; good hitters are not and that’s what counts.
What are some of your personal goals?
To see our first grandchild to be born at the end of this year or in early January.
Favorite movie or book and movie?
"To Kill a Mockingbird," both movie and book, and the Bible.
Describe how you would most enjoy spending a single day?
Traveling to a park of the National Park Service — I would love to see the Grand Canyon and hopefully someday I will.
If you could be anyone else, who would you be and why?
Can’t think of anyone else I would like to be.
Do you have a favorite quotation?
I really don’t have one.
Where would you most like to travel?
I would like to travel to the country of Jordan to see Petra. I have been to Scandinavia and the UK, but I would like to see the rest of Europe.
How can people get involved with helping the National Parks like raising money for the new canal boat?
There are a number of non-profit organizations people can join that support the National Park Service — the Friends of Historic Great Falls Tavern, C&O Canal Association, The Potomac Conservancy. People can either join these organizations or make donations to them including the C&O Canal Trust. If people would like to how to join or donate, they are free to call me at 301 424-0229 or email me at donh811@verizon.net.