The Experience
A grand example of mid-18th-century American rural manor house architecture, Mill Grove is enhanced by its collection of John James Audubon’s art and the natural wonders of the area that moved him to his life’s work. Audubon did the first bird-banding experiments in America at Mill Grove between 1803 and 1806 while trying to make a success of his father’s investment in a lead mine nearby.
Audubon’s drawings and paintings of birds and small animals are augmented by the taxidermy displays throughout the mansion. Also on display is a double-elephant folio of his seminal work, Birds of America. Mill Grove is set within the 175-acre Audubon Wildlife Sanctuary; its grounds and nature trails overlook the Perkiomen Creek.
History
Mill Grove is the first American home of Haitian-born author, artist and naturalist John James Audubon. The home was built in 1762; Audubon’s father bought it in 1789 and 14 years later sent his son to supervise it. The lead mine on the site failed, but Audubon loved the surrounding woods, which inspired his first paintings of birds and wildlife.