An excerpt of copy (collaborative) and photography from a project for the Connecticut Audubon Society.

- HISTORY -

Since its founding in 1898, the Connecticut Audubon Society has sought to conserve the environment through science-based education and advocacy focused on the state’s bird populations and their habitats. The physical setting for that lofty goal is Birdcraft Sanctuary and Museum, established in 1914 by Mabel Osgood Wright - Connecticut Audubon Society’s founder and a seminal figure in 20th century conservation. Through her writing, leadership, vision, and teaching, Mabel established Birdcraft as the region’s foremost center for conservation education.

With a sanctuary for birds to rest, feed, and nest, and a museum to place Connecticut’s birds and their habitats in the wider context of conservation, Birdcraft has served as a regional gateway to natural history for four generations of children, parents, teachers, and enthusiasts. The museum’s collection of mounted specimens depicting regional bird populations has inspired some of the state’s most influential natural history artists and conservationists.

The nation’s first privately held songbird sanctuary, Birdcraft is a recognized National Historic Landmark. The lovely six-acre woodland and wetland sanctuary contains the original caretaker’s homestead (now Connecticut Audubon Society’s headquarters), the historic museum, and a scenic network of gardens and trails.

-Connecticut Audubon Society, 2015