Listed in the National Register of Historic Places, the John James Audubon State Resort Park in Henderson offers amenities for day trips and camping excursions. With scenic hiking trails, bird-watching spots, a Nature Center and more, the park was named one of the nation's top 100 Family Campgrounds in 2008 by ReserveAmerica. Distinctive buildings and a historical museum display and interpret the life of the American ornithologist, naturalist and painter, John James Audubon. Assistant Museum Curator Tom Jakes stopped by Sounds Good this week to tell us more about the museum's treasures.
With more artifacts than any other Audubon museum in the world, the John James Audubon Museum is curated with over 1,400 original Audubon artifacts valuing around $25 million.
The museum features around 250 original prints from Audubon's book of illustrations The Birds of America. The portfolio contained 435 prints featuring a total of 1,300 North American birds. It took Audubon nearly 20 years to finish the paintings and another 13 years to publish the book.
Other artifacts featured include Audubon's paint brushes, crayon holders, stuffed birds, journals and his childhood collection of rocks and birds nests. The museum is also home to a lifelike diorama depicting Audubon at work on his paintings.
The museum is nestled in the midst of the John James Audubon State Resort Park that boasts a gorgeous natural setting with two lakes, sweeping tree lines and winding trails.
"Once you come down that tree-lined tunnel that you come into the park on, it's a beautiful drive in," said Jakes. "I mean, you're away from everything. It's like being in a whole new world."
More information on visiting the park can be found online here, or by calling (270)-826-2247.
