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.