Located on a stately corner of Broadway and River Street in downtown Decorah is the former home of Adelbert Field Porter (1879 – 1968) and Grace Young Porter (1880 – 1964). Both single children of early Decorah and NE Iowa business families, Grace and Bert Porter left their home as a Museum of worldly collections that inspire exploration of history, nature, and art.
Join Museum Docent Erica Reynolds, and Porter House Museum Manager John Reynolds on this episode for an overview of all that the Porter House offers visitors!
“Bert” (as he was more commonly called) was a gentleman naturalist, collector, and photographer who traveled throughout the world in pursuit of butterflies, rocks, and other curiosities. A man of artistic sensibilities, Bert used his nature collections to create unique “nature art,” for which he became well known during his lifetime.
At the museum, visitors experience the historic travels, art, and collecting of this naturalist and his wife against the backdrop of Victorian elegance that was their home and heritage.
You can learn about the Porters, their collections, the incredible rock wall surrounding the property, plus another 11 virtual exhibits on the Porter House website as well.
Visit the Porter House Museum at 401 West Broadway in Downtown Decorah, daily from June-August with guided tours at 1pm, 2pm, and 3pm. The Museum is also open weekends in May and September (closed October-April). It is worth mentioning that the grounds are open daily for visitors with no cost – including the incredible rock wall and garden. Visitors are welcome to check ahead at info@porterhousemuseum.org - (563) 382-8465.
Interested adventurers can also support the Porter House by becoming a member. Group tours are also welcome, but require advance planning and timing due to the historic nature of the museum. Find all the information online https://www.porterhousemuseum.org/ at or on Facebook.
All Photos Courtesy of Porter House Museum
"Rhymes With Decorah" is a companion project of Inspire(d) Media.
Original music heard in this podcast performed and recorded by Nick Zielinski of Decorah. Find him on Instagram @indicative_of_drumming
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