The Museums of Bucks County, Pennsylvania

It is often easy to overlook little museum gems that are in your own backyard. That is probably the case for a lot of folks in the Bucks County, PA area. Living in southeast Pennsylvania, one naturally looks to Philadelphia for entertainment and culture. In reality, one does not have to venture that far. Both the James A. Michener Art Museum and the Pearl S. Buck home are easily accessible for an afternoon of learning.

The James A. Michener Art Museum is housed in the 1884 renovated Bucks County Prison in Doylestown, PA. Raised in Bucks County, James Michener never forgot his roots. The renowned writer, after years of travel, often returned to Bucks County and was one of its largest philanthropists. This small art museum dedicates a room to Mr. Michener and houses his desk, typewriter, books, along with special mementos and tributes gathered through the years. The room is an inspiring tribute to an award winning writer and a famously gracious man.

The art museum itself has at its core a collection of Pennsylvania impressionism. Art colonies were founded along the Delaware River and centered in New Hope, PA. The lush landscape, rolling hills, and proximity to both Philadelphia and New York, allowed painters such as Edward Redfield and William Lathrop to thrive.

From the core, the museum branches out into other collections of local painters, along with traveling exhibitions. Currently featured is a collection of photographs of pre-hurricane New Orleans done by Michael A. Smith. The photos were done at the behest of the New Orleans Historical Collection in the 1980s. Photographed in black and white, the thirty-eight pieces are especially poignant today.

Well-lit and spacious, the James A. Michener Art Museum is nicely maintained and continues to grow thanks to its patrons. It has a museum shop and also a small café for light dining. Freshly made sandwiches and soups delight the palate. You can dine al fresco and enjoy the outdoor sculpture garden.

After visiting the art museum, you could stay in Doylestown and enjoy the renewal of an old town. Artsy shops and a small indie film theater are just some of the treats found in Doylestown. Or, travel deeper into Bucks County and visit the home of another world famous writer - Pearl S. Buck.

Located on sixty acres, the 1835 farmhouse, Green Hills Farm, was the home to Pearl S. Buck (1892-1973) for the last forty years of her life. Raised by missionaries, she grew up in China, which maintained a lasting impression on her life and work. As an adult, back in America, her first marriage was not a happy one and it produced one child, who remained developmentally challenged. The daughter was placed in a home in New Jersey, and in order to remain close, Pearl Buck bought the rambling stone farmhouse in Bucks County to settle down.

She wrote The Good Earth, which won the Pulitzer Prize in 1935, as well as the Nobel Prize for literature in 1938. Ultimately marrying her editor, she enjoyed her years at Green Hills Farm. She established Welcome House in 1949 to encourage the adoption of American-Asian children who were unwanted in China, Japan, and South Korea. Today, Pearl S. Buck International is headquartered at Green Hills Farms and remains active worldwide in promoting international adoptions.

Touring the Pearl S. Buck home, you see a warm inviting rambling house and can imagine the laughter of the children Pearl Buck raised and opened her home to. The home features her collection of Asian pieces as well as the various international prizes and awards she received through the years. The docents relate small anecdotes and the spirit of Pearl Buck is alive in Bucks County. Walking the grounds, you can enjoy the gorgeous landscape and appreciate her choosing to live in Bucks County.

So, between visiting the James A. Michener Art Museum and the Pearl S. Buck home, you have enjoyed a rather tranquil day of culture. You have also paid homage to two great writers who gave back to their communities. Let your friends in on your secret - there are sights to be seen in your own backyard.

James A. Michener Art Museum
138 S. Pine St.
Doylestown PA 18901
215-340-9800

Pearl S. Buck International
520 Dublin Rd
Perkasie PA
215-249-0100